Author(s): Julianne Schultz (ed)

Politics

Science and popular culture are driving our obsession with physical perfection. Griffith Review 4: Making Perfect Bodies explores the limits of this obsession and what it may mean for the future. In this issue, Donald Horne reflects on changing ideas of bodily perfection and health, Sam Tormey explores the ethical limits to creating perfect babies, Michael Good reflects on where the genetic science is likely to lead over the next decade, Robyn Williams examines the limits to medical science, Charles Watson explores the way we can create out own brains, Elspeth Probyn describes the way academic and feminist language can miss the real life experiences of teenagers, Melissa Lucashenko writes about the confusing body images of indigenous Australians, Stephanie Short argues that the obesity crisis is a fairness issue, John Menadue analyses why health policy fails and Matthew Ricketson explores the quest for perfection by elite athletes and the assistance provided legitimately by sports science. Contributors to this issue also include: Paul Chadwick, Bernie Matthews, John Carmody, Charles Watson, Natalie Corban, Mark Peel, Sherwin B Nuland, Meera Atkinson, Tracy Crisp, Jack Carmody, Michael Wilding , Wendy Lipworth, Inez Baranay, Rose Michael, Creed O'Hanlon and David Sornig. First published 2004.