While we spend so much time admiring the invisible miracles inside our bodies, the field of biology is a part of a much broader and multifaceted world. Biology is a story that extends beyond us, built within society’s complexity. In 2020, the world hit the pause button as a virus spread across the globe. What started as scientific controversies quickly began to integrate into an international political discussion.

It is undeniable to say that we, as a society, stand at a crossroads: a battle between our willingness for peace and our uncontrollable, almost instinctive, devotion to prejudice. We’ve never hesitated to weaponize the very things that make us human: the melanin in our skin, the differences in our faiths, and even the unique grooves in our palms. Skin color becomes a hierarchy. Religion becomes a dividing line. Genes become the symbol for superiority and hatred. 

When we consider the notorious horror tale of Frankenstein, we must ask ourselves: was the creature born into monstrosity and craved vengeance, or was it the very environment of abuse and isolation imposed by its own creator that shaped its fate?