Human characteristics have evolved throughout history and have been manipulated on a global scale through the use of science and technology. Genetic modification is one such process in which contemporary biotechnological techniques are employed to develop specific human characteristics. Despite this, there are countless negative issues related to genetic modification, including discrimination, ethical issues and corruption. Therefore, genetic modification should not be used to improve human characteristics. First, an issue related to the enhancement of characteristics through genetic means is discrimination in society. The lyrics "Flowers for Algernon" embody discrimination, where the protagonist Charlie Gordon undergoes a revolutionary change from his mental disability to a genius through an experimental surgery. Following the experiment, his intelligence increases to a level that gradually isolates him from the rest of society. Furthermore, Gordon explains that his new intelligence has “driven a wedge between [him] and all the people [he] once knew and loved” and states that “people don't talk to him anymore and it makes [his] job lonely ” (insert reference). This reveals a form of discrimination between upper class individuals and lower class individuals. Similarly, the film “Gattaca” depicts discrimination through the contrast of individual characters. The protagonist, Vincent Freeman, is a naturally conceived child who inherits a “99% chance [of developing] a heart disorder and a subsequent life expectancy of 30.2 years” (insert reference). In contrast, Vincent's younger brother, Anton, was artificially conceived providing him with physical advantages complemented by notable... half of paper... has a genetic code second to none” (insert quote). This highlights how the existence of genetically modified humans brings out corruption in the less privileged section of society. The use of genetic modification to improve human characteristics has led to negative problems, such as discrimination, ethical issues, and corruption. With this in mind, genetic modification has brought enormous benefits to humans; develop knowledge of the human mind, prevent hereditary diseases and improve the physical attributes of individuals. However, the disadvantages of enhancing human characteristics through genetic means outweigh the advantages described by the film and text “Gattaca” and “Flowers for Algernon,” respectively. In conclusion, the improvement of human characteristics through genetic means should be firmly rejected.