Science In Frankenstein

Science is often portrayed in the media world using a lack of common sense, misinformation, illusions, and it plays off the fears of an un-knowledgeable audience. The media tries to impose their ideas, beliefs, and knowledge of science to the public, but the media itself, does not know enough about science or how to comprehend the information they are fed. Doing this, will lead to the media not properly conveying science so that people will gain information, but in turn they lose the meaning and value of science in their everyday lives.
When I heard the word scientist, I envision a person who works hard to find cures, battles diseases, and looks for ways to better help people with their health through not only medicine but with technological advancements. The word scientist also entails research, theories, hypothesis’s, and testing. One famous person that comes to mind when thinking of a famous doctor from the media is (Dr. Gregory House) played by Hugh Laurie from the show, House. One of the characteristics that Hugh Laurie shares with a scientist is that he is known to be a bit blunt, but his
commitment to helping people find cures for their aliments is remarkable. The extent he goes to make sure each patient is being helped and taken care of, is heartwarming. Scientists and Dr. Gregory House, work relentlessly to find out where the problem is or what caused it. Another trait that Dr. Gregory House has that is shared with scientists is that of dedication and self-motivation. There is no doubt, that their drive undoubtedly increases efforts, productivity, thoroughness, and a willingness to face challenges in order to get answers. “Dr. Gregory House is similar in that even if a patient is dead, he still needs to figure out the diagnosis and put the puzzle together” (Web-MD, 2017, p. 3). A third trait that both scientists and Television Doctor Gregory House share is that of focus. Focusing on your patients and or work, gives them the ability to spot the crux (the decisive or most important point at issue) while looking over significant details and ensuring that they concentrate at the task at hand. So, in many ways, Hugh Laurie (Dr. Gregory House) explains my visions of a scientist. Including all the characteristics I mentioned, that include, commitment, dedication, self-motivation, and focus.
My image of what a scientist does and how they look has changed over time. I feel this way because when we are much younger, for the most part we are clueless to the work that scientists really accomplish and how they change the world with their work. As a child, I envisioned a scientist with a white lab coat, goggles, crazy hair, and a little bit of an off the wall sense of humor. I also thought that scientists did fun and crazy experiments, but not with research and medications, just cool and colorful liquids and potions. As I became older and more aware of scientists and their work, I grew a much greater appreciation for them. I learned that not all scientists wear white lab coats or have crazy hair, but many of them look like the rest of us do. I also learned how extremely important all their work, research, testing, and finding cures was to humanity. As I become older, I gained an appreciation and a better understanding of how much scientists impact our lives and the lives around us.
I believe that fictional scientists are a combination of both heroes and villains.
Evil scientists are considered to be mad, dangerous, demented, and covey an inaccurate, twisted understanding of science and how it works. One detailed example that supports my position on fictional scientists being evil is that of Victor Frankenstein/Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein is portrayed as being selfish and quite dumb. He meddles with forces using science, that should not be messed with. Victor Frankenstein studied the chemical process and how living things decay. Victor had gained some insight into the process of how life is created so he could bring his own creature to life, thus- Frankenstein’s monster is born. This evil villain scientist creates a horrible monster that ends up murdering his whole family. “Frankenstein's invention ends up being his undoing” (Wired, 2012,
p.1). A fictional scientist that plays a hero is scientist Emmett “Doc” Brown played by Christopher Lloyd in back to the future. This scientist creates a time machine to travel back to the future so he can alter things that took place, and re-do them so he can rewrite the future for a better one. But during the time travel things become a mess and the scientist must work effortlessly to make sure everything is on track. Scientist Emmett “Doc” Brown is known as a guardian, a mentor, a leader, and helps guide others. The scientist also put his life on the line to save others, and my book, this fictional scientist is considered a hero.
Science is portrayed in fictional media as being both positive and negative. It depends on what show, movie, music, or book you’re reading, watching, or listening to. For a long time, scientists were viewed by the media as being bad, mad, and even dangerous. Luckily as time has passed, significant changes have come about in the way the media portrays scientists whether it’s about a book, movie, or television show. In the television show Helix, on the SyFy channel, a team of scientists are put into a life or death situation by being deployed to investigate a potentially deadly disease outbreak. If they deadly disease is released, then the scientists become responsible for a global pandemic. With this television show, science and technology will be viewed with suspicion and fear and this will lead to people viewing science as evil and misused rather than a use for good. When viewers get a steady viewing of negative ideas, thoughts, and images, it reinforces the misunderstandings and misgivings of science.

References:
WebMD (2017). Men’s Health. Hugh Laurie Makes a House Call. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/men/features/hugh-laurie-interview#1
Wired (2012). The Best Fictional Scientists from TV and Movies. Retrieved from: https://www.wired.com/2012/01/best-fictional-scientists/