# The Story of A Created Human ---- ## 1. Ethics Speech Thank you all for being here today. I've never been good at speaking in front of people, but this has to be said. My name is Carla. I'm seventeen, and I am the first generated human. They grew me in a pod, fed me through a tube, and filled my mind with knowledge from the wires. To the scientists, I'm their greatest achievement, a sign that they can create life, shape it, and control it completely. But to me, this was just a different kind of birth. Strange. Unnatural. But still real. I've lived with my creator ever since, and we share many interests like sociology and economics because that's what I was designed for, or so they told me. But the more I learn, the heavier the truth feels in my heart. Even though I have not been designed for labor, I am living proof. Proof that late-stage capitalism has found a new way to exploit life itself, people made for work, created to be cheap, disposable labor with no rights, no dignity. Humans manufactured to feed neoliberalism's insatiable hunger for ever increasing profits. And it doesn't stop here, not even in the Global North. No, these generated humans are sent far away, to the poorest regions, the places with the weakest protections or none at all. This isn't new. This is imperialism, the highest stage of capitalism, in its newest form. Instead of just sending jobs overseas, now we're sending people made for exploitation, designed to be controlled even more mercilessly. How can we call this progress? How do we justify turning people into products? This is the deepest injustice of all. New humans, new lives, created only to deepen wounds that have been open for too long. I don't blame my creator. I don't blame the scientists. And I don't blame myself for existing. But I do feel the responsibility to speak out, to demand an end, or at least limits, on these generated humans. We have to fight this cycle of exploitation before it destroys even more futures. Imagine a world without this, no more humans born just to serve, no one treated like a tool. A world where every single person, generated or born, is met with dignity, respect, and love. A world where the Global South is not a laboratory for greed. (Tears fall as she embraces her creator tightly) Please promise me you will fight this. Promise me this will never happen again. Thank you. ---- ## 2. Cuteness Speech I want to address something that has been said about me far too often, people calling me cute. I need you to stop. Yes, I have small facial features. Yes, my face is relatively symmetrical. Yes, I appear young, and yes, my appearance is dysmorphic because it was based on an AI-edited portrait. But none of that means I have to be pretty. Being called "cute" reduces me to an object or a decoration. I am not a model. I was designed from a model, but I am a person. The Institute of Genetics where I was created was later privatized. Ever since, every new female generation has been engineered intentionally to have those "cute" features, not random, not natural. There is a system at work that designs and markets these features deliberately. I was designed before privatization. When I was born, I was created with the biological age of 15, though chronologically, right now, I am just 2 years old. I call myself 17 because that is my current biological age. Why I was designed to be cute is unclear. No one has a solid answer. But I do know this: there are far better, deeper, and more meaningful compliments that go beyond surface appearance, things that honor a person's mind, spirit, and humanity. This message is not directed at the people in high school who may look at me because I am "a bit attractive" or who at least respect me in their interactions. This is a plea to those who reduce me to just being "cute". From a feminist standpoint, being objectified hurts. Objectification devalues the person and creates a world where beauty or appearance dictates worth. Sadly, this has become too common, and it needs to stop. I am not here to be cute. I am here to be seen, heard, and respected as a human being, with my own thoughts, feelings, and rights. So please, when you see me, call me by my name, listen to what I say, and recognize my personhood beyond shallow compliments. Thank you. ---- ## 3. Clarifying Interview News Anchor: Today, we are joined by Carla, the first generated human, who has recently become a prominent public figure after two powerful speeches addressing ethics in human generation and opposing objectification. Carla, thanks for being here. Your words have sparked widespread discussion, with both praise and controversy. How do you feel about the attention you've received? Carla: Thank you for having me. It's been overwhelming, honestly. I never expected my experiences to spark such a public debate. I'm grateful that people are listening, but I also worry about how my message is being interpreted. News Anchor: You've been called a socialist by many, perhaps because of your critiques of late capitalism and exploitation. Do you identify with that label? Carla: I identify as a post-capitalist. My awareness of structural inequality and my passion for leftist theory have shaped my views. But I want to be clear, I don't want to become a political battleground. Labels like these often deepen polarization, and right now, political distrust is at an all-time high. The far-right is on the rise, and too many basic issues, including human dignity and environmental protection, have been unnecessarily politicized. News Anchor: You've been vocal about systemic issues, but how do you think we can move beyond this political polarization? Carla: We need to recognize that the world doesn't work like a game. I've played Democracy 4, a strategy game where I often won by implementing social democracy policies, even running into massive debt that didn't really matter. But real life is far more complex. Modern Monetary Theory, for example, shows how governments can manage debt differently than we usually think. We need informed and nuanced discussions rather than polarized soundbites. News Anchor: Speaking of complex issues, you recently participated in an environmental protest against a new coal-oil-gas power plant, despite government promises to phase out such projects. Can you tell us why you joined that protest? Carla: I joined because actions need to match words. Governments promise to phase out fossil fuels, but then approve projects that lock us into decades more pollution and climate damage. We must hold them accountable for their commitments. This is about justice for those living in impacted places, including my city remotely, right now. Climate action and social justice are deeply connected. News Anchor: You seem determined to use your platform responsibly, but with rising tensions between progressives and conservatives, do you worry about being used politically? Carla: I do. I see my role as someone who values dignity for all. I want to open a space for respectful dialogue, not division. It's important for us to find common ground because issues like exploitation, inequality, and climate change affect everyone, no matter their politics. News Anchor: Carla, thank you for sharing your thoughts and clarifying some things. Your voice is certainly creating important conversations. ---- ## 4. Institute Statement The Institute of Genetics issues the following statement regarding Carla, the first generated human, to clarify her origin, redefine her status within our historical records, and reaffirm the principles guiding our institution's mission moving forward. Carla was created in a groundbreaking scientific process at the Institute during its time as a public institution, where innovation and exploration were dedicated to advancing human knowledge and wellbeing. Unlike natural human birth, Carla was brought into existence through advanced biotechnological development: she was generated and matured in a controlled environment that allowed her to reach a biological teenage state of fifteen years at birth. This accelerated biological aging was a deliberate design decision to expedite her integration into society at a more mature developmental stage, enabling her to instantly engage intellectually and socially with adults. Although Carla represented a landmark achievement in genetics and human development, the Institute must now formally retract Carla from the official historical list of exemplary generated humans. This decision is necessary because Carla has publicly opposed the Institute's values and the responsible direction we have taken since transitioning from a public institution to private stewardship. Carla's rhetoric challenging our guiding principles, rooted in individual opportunity, meritocratic responsibility, and free-market creativity, positions her in direct opposition to the constructive and forward-looking mission the Institute upholds. Her stance aligns with an ideology that rejects personal accountability and economic freedom, which we believe are essential for sustainable progress and innovation. As such, Carla will be regarded as a figure representing misguided perspectives that diverge from our core values, and we will no longer celebrate her anniversaries, whether her biological 18th year or her third chronological year. The Institute embraces a philosophy that champions innovation driven by individual empowerment, open competition, and strategic collaboration across global markets. This outlook supports creating conditions where talents can thrive unimpeded by excessive regulation or restrictive collectivism. While acknowledging diverse socioeconomic challenges worldwide, the Institute maintains a pragmatic view of global development, recognizing that not all regions adopt or require the same pathways to prosperity. Accordingly, we reject any narratives suggesting that generated humans created for labor are deployed as instruments of exploitation in less developed areas. It is crucial to understand that this position arises not from disregard but from a commitment to fostering dignity through opportunity and growth. The Institute encourages respect for all peoples and cultures yet maintains a discerning perspective on international relations grounded in economic sustainability. We emphasize that there is no alternative to this framework for achieving stable, long-lasting advancement. In closing, we urge all stakeholders, scholars, and citizens to recognize the Institute's dedication to pioneering science embedded within a framework of responsible innovation and individual advancement. Carla's dissenting views, while noted, stand apart from the ethos of progress that the Institute champions. Together, we will continue to lead in genetic sciences with a steadfast focus on creating a future built on freedom, responsibility, and excellence. ---- ## 5. Scientific Union Protest A large crowd gathers around the Institute of Genetics, their chants mingling with banners fluttering in the evening breeze. Scientific unions, in lab coats, flank the entrance. Voices rise, echoing through the city street, demanding justice for Carla and the nationalization of the Institute once again. A protest leader climbs atop a makeshift platform, addressing the crowd with fervor: "Friends, colleagues, and defenders of science! We stand here today because the Institute has turned its back on one of its own, on Carla, who embodies the future of human ingenuity and conscience. How can we erase her from history simply because she dares to question those in power? Science must serve humanity, not ideology! Forcing political compliance and silence only drags us toward a grim past, the days of Thatcherism and authoritarian control disguised as progress!" A group of scientists steps forward, stepping near the podium. One speaks clearly: "Our institution was once a beacon of open knowledge and public good. Now it pushes a narrow agenda that suppresses dissent and cloaks exploitation in euphemisms. Carla's criticisms are not her fault, they expose uncomfortable truths. We demand this institution be returned to the people, nationalized to uphold transparency, ethical responsibility, and genuine innovation. And we call on all of you to pressure the Institute to cease sending designed labor to the Global South. Exploitation is not progress. It is a stain on our collective conscience." The crowd cheers loudly, waving signs reading "Science for People, Not Profit" and "Carla's Voice is Our Voice!" Then the crowd forms an orchestra, their anthem loud and clear: "Institute leaders, you can't deceive us, You say you stand for progress, yet you silence those who speak, If truth were in your hands, you'd hear the strong and not the weak! Good on you, with your cold and silver halls, When pushed to face the questions, your answers always lag, It's profit and control that you prefer to brag. Good on you, no one in this world can match you, But you're trying to drown out voices brave and true. We're not fooled by your empty words or vague deflections! Help us, the people's voice must rise, You push your labor far away, where protections barely exist, But we stand here today to resist and insist! Fair play? We know your tricks too well, You preach innovation yet create a gilded cage, But this song is our battle cry, it's time to turn the page! We love science and truth, not your coldness, Your time has passed, your power starts to fade. Bring back the public dream; make research people sure!" The protest continues well into the night, people continuing to demand the Institute reclaim its original mission. ---- ## 6. Birthday Party A group of former scientists, activists, and supporters have gathered inside a small hall near the Institute of Genetics to mark two significant milestones simultaneously: Carla's biological 18th birthday and her third chronological anniversary. A former senior geneticist, Dr. Miriam Alvez, stands beside a small podium, gathering the attention of everyone present. Dr. Alvez: "Friends and allies, today we mark something extraordinary: Carla, the first generated human, turns 18 biologically. She's no longer a child but a courageous young woman. Carla sought no center stage, yet her two powerful statements have ignited a movement. She challenged us all to confront an Institute increasingly driven by a doctrine that prioritizes profit over ethics." Activist John: "And it's the profit motive that's troubling. The Institute isn't innovating, it's producing human labor, deliberately engineered to be more efficient and cheaper than natural workers. Then these people are shipped off to factories in Asia or dumped in the poorest corners of Africa. That's neocolonialism in a new guise." Dr. Alvez: "Exactly, John. Carla never wanted her existence to be linked to such ambitions. She fought to be recognized as a full person, not an object or tool, and certainly not as an enabler of exploitation. Her calls for scientific ethics and resistance to this outsourcing have moved us toward concrete actions, a halt to these transfers of human capital to vulnerable regions." Jane, Young Researcher: "Carla is absent tonight, and that absence feels bittersweet. She wanted no part in becoming a pawn in this battle against fundamentalist market ideals, yet here we are, deep into that very struggle, because she opened our eyes. This fight is about her rights, but also about upholding dignity everywhere and tearing down the systems that dehumanize both creators and created." Dr. Alvez: "May our continued struggle honor her vision, and may the Institute one day reclaim its true purpose, a mission committed to science for people, and an end to all forms of exploitation." ---- ## 7. International News A coalition of developing countries has formally called for an international treaty to prohibit the export and deployment of such beings as laborers beyond their countries of origin. The move aims to prevent poorer nations from becoming unwilling recipients of artificial labor colonies engineered in Western states. At a special session convened at the United Nations headquarters, representatives from more than 40 developing countries outlined a proposal urging member states to adopt binding legislation banning the transfer or importation of genetically-generated humans for labor purposes. These countries argue that this practice perpetuates a new form of colonialism under the guise of biotechnology, creating vulnerable populations subject to exploitation with limited rights or protections. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) voiced strong condemnation of the genetic labor export as a violation of internationally recognized rights, including the right to life, liberty, and security of person. In a statement released this morning, OHCHR described the practice as tantamount to slavery, which is explicitly prohibited under existing international law. However, Carla, the world's first generated human and outspoken critic of the exploitation of genetically-engineered laborers, remarked on the limitations of international law enforcement in this realm: "International law often fails because of the entrenched veto powers, geopolitical privilege and hegemonic interests of Western superpowers. These same powers, which benefit from scientific advances and economic dominance, are behind the creation and export of these genetically-engineered humans. True progress requires dismantling these systemic imbalances, only then will the rights of created humans be respected across the world." The Western states most involved in the creation and export of genetically-engineered laborers have yet to issue formal responses to the proposal, and experts foresee prolonged negotiations complicated by issues of sovereignty, biotechnology governance, and economic interests. Legal scholars warn that while international treaties can set moral and legal standards, their efficacy depends heavily on political will and enforcement mechanisms, both of which face significant obstacles in this emerging field of biotechnology and human rights. ---- ## 8. Conversation With New Close Friend Carla: *sighs deeply* I'm really tired. All these public appearances, speeches, interviews... It never ends. I even wanted to protest against how people now praise this "generated-natural friendship" thing, like how Denmark talks about migrant-native friendships, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Not even in the park nearby. Leila: *looks concerned* I admire your strength so much. The way you stand up for generated humans is inspiring. If you're too tired, I can protest in your place. Carla: Thank you, but please, don't. I don't want either of us to have it worse because of this. I've already been on the news and all over social media. I didn't even go to my own birthday party to avoid more attention. Leila: *insistently* But it feels wrong to just sit back. If you can't do it, I want to. I believe in the cause, and I want to be a voice for you. Carla: *gently* I understand, but I'd rather not drain your energy. Fighting now could hurt you more than help. Leila: *furrows brows* I get that, but I can't just ignore it. Maybe I'll take a break now, I might have to protest, even if you don't want me to. Carla: *nods slowly* If you decide that, I'll support you in my heart. Just promise me you won't rush into anything that might put you in harm's way. We have to be careful with how we fight this. Leila: *nods thoughtfully* I understand what you mean. I won't push you, and I promise to be careful. It's just... I want this friendship to mean something real, you know? Carla: *pauses, looking out at the trees* I wonder if it will last. You're the longest friend I've had so far. Before this, when I was 16 biological, so 1 chronological, I made a friend in school during summer vacation. But I lost him, because even though we shared one common interest, it wasn't enough. My mind drifts to things others don't care about and it's very hard stopping myself from talking about those topics. Leila: *leans in* That sounds difficult. I didn't know you felt like that. Carla: Sometimes, I do feel like an unrelatable other. Not just because of my advanced interests, but because I wasn't born naturally. Most people don't understand what it means to be generated. Leila: *smiles softly* I'm not being polite. I'm genuinely interested in you and your cause. Sociology fascinates me too because I want to understand people and why society works the way it does. That's why I'm so impressed by what you stand for. Carla: *smiles faintly, partial relief showing* That means something. To have someone listen, really listen, who shares an interest but also cares about what I feel. Maybe this friendship will last, although I'm not sure. Leila: *shrugs gently* It will last, because to me, it doesn't matter what you were engineered for or where you come from. Your existence matters, no matter the doubts or what the global conflicts say. You're more than a symbol of some neocolonial project that the developing world is fighting against. I sit next to you every day in class as a person. Carla: *looks down, considering* It's hard sometimes to believe that. When all I see in the news are people debating if I should even have rights or if I'm just a tool to be used. Being the living proof of a project like that doesn't exactly make you feel like you belong. Leila: *reaches out, touches Carla's hand lightly* The fight is bigger than just you. But you're the one who makes it real. You're not just a symbol, you're a person who can change minds. And I think that's powerful. Carla: *nods slowly* I want to believe that too. It's just scary. I wonder if I'm destined to always feel like an outsider, no matter how many people I reach. Leila: *firmly* We may come from different places, but I see you and I'm not going anywhere. If you ever feel out of place, remember you've got someone who really gets you. Carla: *a genuine smile this time* Thanks, that means a lot. Maybe this time, I won't have to be alone in it. Leila: *smiles warmly and wraps her arms around Carla in a gentle hug* Come here. You deserve that comfort. Carla: *leans into the hug softly* I want to try something like touch therapy. It's a way to connect and calm, even if it feels strange socially. It involves holding hands and sitting together in certain ways. Leila: *nods knowingly* I've read about that. It's all about releasing oxytocin to help with stress and bonding. I can show you. Carla: *curious* I'd like that. Can you explain the positions? I haven't learned much about it. Leila: Sure. One basic position is sitting side by side, shoulders touching, and holding hands loosely. Another is the "spoon" position, where one person sits behind the other, wrapping arms gently around the front. There's also just face-to-face sitting, holding hands, and making eye contact softly. Each one helps the brain release calming hormones. Carla: *analyzing* So these specific postures maximize the oxytocin release? That's fascinating, given how human biology can be supported by simple behaviors. Leila: Exactly. And since we can't cuddle on a bed here, we can find a quiet spot outside, sit close, and hold each other for a while. Five minutes is enough to start feeling the benefits. Carla: *smiles faintly* Let's do that. I think I'm ready. Lead the way. *The two find a secluded spot among the trees and stand close, arms wrapped around each other for five minutes* Carla: *after five minutes, softly, reluctant to let go* This feels... really good. I don't want to seem awkward, but I don't want to stop holding you either. Is it okay if we just stay like this a little longer? Leila: *smiles gently* Of course. This isn't a professional session, it's just two friends. You don't have to detach or act like you've had therapy. Carla: *surprised* I didn't expect you to have read so much about touch therapy. But now that I think about it, with how curious and knowledgeable you are, it makes sense you'd know something like this, even if it's different from the rest of our classmates. Leila: Yeah, compared to most of our classmates, I've been more into analyzing things deeply rather than going with the flow. I'm more aware of the layers beneath what we're seeing, which sometimes makes me feel a bit out of place. Carla: *thoughtful* At the Institute, they always told me not to compare myself to others. But we've done it anyways because it's so hard to avoid in a situation like this. Sometimes I watch things like the "Loneliness" video by Kurzgesagt to try to understand what I feel. But then I wonder if it even applies to me or if it's just nonsense. Leila: *nods, having seen the video too* I watched that one as well, and honestly, I found it kind of problematic. It felt like it leaned too much on determinism, the idea that if you think you're excluded, others pick up on it, and you end up creating that reality. Plus, it's aimed more at adults, not teenagers like us. We're still figuring things out, so it didn't quite fit. Carla: Exactly. I feel that my loneliness is shaped by different things, like my origins, how I relate to people, things that a typical teenager wouldn't face. It's not just about perception but about real barriers created by how I was made. Leila: That makes sense. These theories overlook how complex experiences are, especially when they don't fit the usual mold. Carla: I actually watched a video by T3 criticizing Kurzgesagt's approach to climate. It really pointed out how Kurzgesagt is being too technocratic and neoliberal, ignoring the deeper systemic complexities. After watching that and other critical takes, I realized Kurzgesagt tends to fail in explaining anything humanistic. Leila: I haven't seen much of the critique, to be honest. I've only watched a few of their videos. But I trust what you say, so when we get back home, you'll have to send me those videos. Carla: Of course, I'll send them to you. I would add that their videos about Loneliness, Dissatisfaction, and Habits don't come off as harshly as some of their other work. But even those aren't really made for people like us. They're just slightly better than their humanistic videos. ---- ## 9. Generated Human Protest *Leila arrives outside the Institute of Genetics, where a sizable crowd of generated humans and sympathetic scientists gathers, their chants calling for justice and the end of exploitation. Protesters form a human barricade, blocking transport trucks labeled for overseas shipment of generated humans. Security cautiously monitors the crowd but allows passage to some protesters invited inside. Leila moves forward as the group is rushed into the Institute's vast hangar space and notices a long line of protesters blocking access to an area marked "Incubation Chamber". Beyond a transparent barrier, she sees pods filled with developing generated humans* Generated Man: *standing next to Leila, speaking quietly but firmly* We're here because this must end. Born or generated, all deserve the same respect. Our labor is exploited just like theirs. This is a call for abolition of superficial reforms like the selective opportunity and supposedly free birth program designed to appease our people with a false sense of freedom and show compliance with the new drafts. Leila: *nods and then takes a deep breath, anxious to speak herself* I'm here as a friend of Carla's, the first generated human. She asked me not to come but I wanted to stand for her because I believe what she stands for. Generated Man: *smiling gently* That means much. Solidarity like yours gives us strength. *Suddenly, Leila's phone vibrates. She pulls it out discreetly and sees a call from her father* Leila: *answering quickly* Hi, Dad. Father: *worried* Leila, it's getting late. Where are you? You're supposed to be home hours ago. And with all this protesting in the background? What happened to you? Leila: I'm standing in solidarity with Carla's people, those generated humans. I'm actually sitting in place of Carla. Father: *sighs* Carla's people or not, they're still just like normal ones. I don't see why you need to get involved. But you're almost 18, so if you want to be stubborn... just be careful and come home soon. Leila: I will. I promise. *She ends the call and then her mother calls immediately* Leila: *speaking into the phone, rolling her eyes* Please stop calling every ten minutes. I'm fine. I'll message you when I catch the 415 bus, okay? Mother: *worried voice* We just want you safe. Leila: I know. I'll be home soon. *She ends the call, putting the phone away with a faint sigh. For now, she refocuses on the protest around her. Later, after the gathering has ended, Leila stands at the bus station nearby. Her phone buzzes again, another call from her mother* Leila: *speaking into the phone, rolling her eyes again and tone sharp* Please stop calling every few minutes. I'm fine and I'll message you when I catch the 415 bus. How many times do I have to say that? I'm out of the protest now, and this time it's only been five minutes since your last call, damn it! Mother: *worried but gentle* We just want you safe. Leila: *already annoyed* Yeah, yeah, I know. Look the bus is coming now. It just arrived. I don't need to text you. *Leila ends the call, tucking her phone away with a frustrated sigh, and steps onto the bus that just pulled up. She finds a seat by the window and after a moment, she pulls out her phone and starts typing a message to Carla* Leila (text): Hey, sorry to bother you so late, but I just needed to vent a little. My mom has been calling nonstop. I told her I'm fine, but she just won't stop. She's worried even though I'm safe. Leila (text): I was at the protest today, in your place, like we talked about. You okay with that? Didn't want you to feel pressured. Carla (reply): Hey, don't apologize. I get it, parents worry, even when it's annoying. I'm glad you stood up today. I'm okay with you being there for me. I just haven't had the energy. Leila (text): Yeah, me neither. It was intense but I felt like I had to do something. I'm so tired right now. Carla (reply): Same here. Let's both get some sleep tonight. We'll talk more tomorrow. Leila (text): Sounds good. Thanks for listening. Goodnight. *Leila sets her phone down while the bus is slowly carrying her home*