Final Post Assignment Part 2:The Parent-Child Resemblances Model and The Child of the Famous Model from Clone Being

Two more models of analysis discussed within Clone Being: Exploring the Psychological and Social Dimensions were the Parent-Child Resemblances Model and The Child of the Famous Model. These models for Cloning look at the individual donating the genetic material having a generational gap between themselves and the clone.  This concept of differences in age between the clone the originator of the genetic material, results in unique dynamics that was not accounted for with the Identical Twin model discussed previously. Another unique dynamic to these models is that they consider the fact the originator shares genetic material with the clone, something that the Adoption Model could not consider by itself.  The first of these, the Parent-Child Model, is probably the most comparable to traditional raising of offspring.

                The Parent-Child Model looks at the clone not as an equal, like the Identical twin model, but as a genetically identical offspring to the originator of the genetic material. As such, there are several dynamics that are comparable to the Adoption Model, like the differences in generation of the originator of the genetic material and the clone. However, the main differences between the Parent-Child Resemblance Model and the Adoption model is that the clone looks like the originator of the genetic material. As such there are unique dynamics, such as the attraction to an offspring that looks like an individual, and several sections on the possibility of narcissistic parenting and the dangers possessed with such parenting styles, that are considered which distinguish the Parent-Child model from other models discussed. While these concepts are vital to understanding how a normal individual might handle having a cloned offspring, the situation can be dramatically different of the originator of the genetic material is a public figure or a celebrity.

                The Child of the Famous Model looks at the possible psychological and sociological implications of a famous, or infamous, individual cloning themselves. One possibility discussed was the concept of the famous individual donating or selling his genetic material so that individuals can have an offspring that is genetically identical to a celebrity or public figure. This would result in a situation where the clone would be indirectly famous because of the originator of the genetic material’s fame and public image. Another concept discussed was the clone’s view of the donor of the genetic material, knowing as much about the famous individual as the public and romanticizing the relationship between the clone and celebrity. Also discussed was the concept that even if the cloned was raised by the original genetic donor, the relationship would be strained due to the fame of the original genetic donor, as seen with celebrity children today. Another concept discussed involved the additional social pressures a clone of a famous individual would face from society, which could manifest in several mental disorders for the clone. Lastly the concept of the clone replacing the original famed individual after their death or retirement was discussed, bringing to light the idea of the clone continuing the legacy of the famed individual.

In conclusions, both the Parent-Child Model and the Child of the Famous Model both bring unique psychological a sociological considerations to light. While one model focuses on how cloning could affect the normal, parent-child relationship, the other model focuses on how cloning could affect relationships between celebrities, their clones, and the public at large. These are just a few of the possible outcomes that could result if cloning becomes common placed.

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