I had sudden inspiration for this, and it's not really a story per se, but still, I thought it fit with these guys. Don't ask me why - the idea just jumped out at me, and I couldn't stop writing. Think of this as a page in April's diary, something that was bugging her and she had to write.

That being said....

Disclaimer: I own only my random musings on humanity. April O'Neil is owned by someone else. Please don't sue - I'm not making anything on this.

Please enjoy!

Musings on Humanity

There are many ways to define being human.

There is the genetic, scientific way to approach being human. Our genus is called Homo, of which the only surviving species is Homo sapiens sapiens. There are thirteen other species in the genus Homo, but all others have become extinct.

However, we are always questioning the definition of being human. It doesn't mean just the scientific name, as within our species there is a great amount of diversity. Comic books push the definition of 'human,' as does science fiction. When does being 'human' end and something else begin?

Scientifically speaking, it's a genetic barrier. Yet in Star Trek, humans are able to have fertile children with other, alien species. We don't have proof that this is impossible, but the topic of aliens raises the question concerning the definition of 'human.'

We have many characteristics associated with being human. There are people who we don't consider to be completely human, despite the fact that they are human in respect to the scientific definition. Adolf Hitler is one of the most prominent examples of someone who is so inhuman that we consider him one of the worst people in the world. He falls under the scientific definition of 'human,' but because of what he has done, we don't consider him to be completely human.

We use comics and science fiction to further challenge this definition of human. What is human? What does it take to become human? Is it a genetic barrier, or something more complex?

Intelligence seems to be a key part of being human. A person must be able to think, to function, on a level higher than most animals. Communication – that's another part of humanity. We must be able to communicate with other human beings.

There is something about being human that defies expectation of what people would think of animals. We can think, use tools, and function better than most animals. Some animals are approaching the level of intelligence that we are at.

Perhaps the group that most challenges the definition of being human are the mutant ninja turtles. They began life as turtles, yet due to strange chance, mutated. They have a humanoid appearance, and are intelligent. In my eyes, they are human, albeit not the scientific definition. They could never be human in that definition.

In the same way that Hitler was not human, those four turtles (and their Master Splinter) are human. Ironic, isn't it? Five people who are in no way genetically human are far more human than a single man who is genetically human.

But that's humanity. Ironic, and always pressing the boundaries of what is 'human.'

April O'Neil.

Okay, now that my short drabble is over with, please tell me what you think! Please no flames - like I said, this was just a random thought that demanded to be written and wouldn't take no for an answer.

~Star~