Posted on 10/01/2006 6:01:24 AM PDT by cbkaty
The idea of taking a DNA test first came to me in August, after I read a Time magazine article entitled "Diving into the Gene Pool." The author, Carolina A. Miranda describes herself as an "olive-skinned Latina," but a DNA analysis test uncovered connections to places likesuch as Poland and Mozambique. Intrigued, I decided to order my own analysis kit from DNA Tribes, a company that promised to trace my ancestry back to ancient times.
I didn't expect my experience to be anything like Miranda's. For starters, I was fairly certain of my ethnic heritage: Irish on my mother's side, German and Polish on my father's. This genetic profile was evident both in my family's cultural heritage and my appearance: I have the fair skin and blond hair that is typical of Northern Europeans. I assumed that my DNA analysis would show strong links to Northern Europe, with perhaps a smattering of other European blood on some distant branch of the family tree. But like Miranda, I was in for a surprise.
The first part of the test identified "deep ancestral roots," listing the top 20 places in the world that my ancestors likely came from. I was shocked to see that my strongest genetic roots were in Spain, followed closely by the Himalayan region of India. Other top matches included Turkey, Norway, Romania and Saudi Arabia places I'd never dreamed of identifying with. And I apparently should not waste time searching for long-lost relatives at Oktoberfest parties this year: Germany graced the bottom of the list, barely beating Northern Italy as a contributor to my genetic profile.
The second part of the test listed 20 places in the modern world where my genetic relatives are likely to be found today. Because of our shared Spanish origins, I have strong ties to the people of present-day Mexico, Costa Rica and Argentina. And while the test suggested that many of my relatives such as the Swiss and Norwegians look like me, others bear no resemblance. Outside of the Hispanic world, my closest relatives can be found in northeast India.
My family was just as baffled as I was by the results. There are plenty of possibilities: For example, my mother's ancestors might have been "Black Celts," or Irish citizens of Spanish descent. But there are few clear answers. Without extensive genealogical research or possibly a time machine, most of my genetic connections will remain mysteries.
Although the DNA test couldn't explain how people from across the world came together to create me, a white Christian girl living in the American Midwest, it did prove many of my assumptions false. I took the test thinking that my ancestors farmed potatoes in Ireland and fought in Charlemagne's noble army, and some of them did. But others bowed to Mecca and weathered harsh winters in the Himalayan foothills. Without a DNA test, I never would have known it.
I'm not alone in my ignorance. Geneticists claim that many Americans' genetic profiles are as diverse as mine, and few precisely reflect the cultural identities we embrace.
If this is true, it raises some interesting questions.
First, what do terms likesuch as "race" and "ethnicity" really mean? Do they describe a person's actual genetic makeup, or do they relate more to social affiliations with a particular group? Since I have genetic links to several populations that are considered nonwhite, should I start checking the "multiracial" box on government surveys and job applications? These questions are difficult ones, and every answer is highly debatable.
In any case, DNA tests have proved one thing: People of different ethnic identities often have more in common than they think.
Discovering your true ancestral origins can be confusing and even painful. But it can also be the first step toward greater appreciation for people around the globe.
Herzog is a journalism student at Ohio University in Athens and a graduate of The Woodlands High School.
I'd certainly question the veracity of the test.However populations certainly weren't stagnant.I know on my paternal side that within a few hundred years they moved from Northern Europe to France,specifically Normandy,from there to England,and from England to the Isle of Man.The Isle of Man was visited by many different peoples.So who knows?Lots of opprotunity for "mingling" of different genetics.
Actually, didn't the Celts that came to and settled in Ireland migrate from northern Spain? So it would make sense that Irish and old Spanish populations would share some DNA.
Of course, those who believe God's account of the creation of Adam and Eve are not surprised that all of us are linked genetically. Those who don't believe God's account but Darwin's should wonder why there isn't a fair amount of simian DNA in their "roots."
I've found just checking off the "native american" box works for me....the census takers always come around to the house tho!:)
Back in the '50s, Scentific American published an article which said that about a third of southern "whites" had black or indian "blood." and that two-thirds of blacks, had white or indian blood. Indians were even more mixed. Despite racism, southerners are a mixed race. Yet I guess that if you dug deep enough, you would find people who are purely "English" as anyone in Essex. But what about THEM. The English are an admixture of Danes, Germans, Celts and Romans and God knows which other Sons and daughters of Adam and Eve.
Speaking as one who has been deeply involved in genetic genealogy for several years, I have to say that this account doesn't quite ring true.
My hunch is that the author has deliberately written the story so as to sensationalize, by taking certain findings out of context.
But since she's a journalism student, no doubt hoping for a career in the MSM, maybe a little out-of-context sensationalism is just what "the doctor" (read "journalism professor") ordered!
Someday, I pray, we'll get rid of these silly boxes.
You mean like Sen. Akaka's (D-Hi) native Hawaiian government bill where 6.25% Hawaiian "blood" (one great-great-grandparent) qualifies you as native?
The sad fact is that the success of the melting pot with interracial marriage now commonplace will lead to just such definitions being required to administer current programs. Grandchildren can now point back to a grandparent and claim that ethnicity. The quota for that set-aside full? No problem, choose the other grandparent and in you go. How long before great-grandchildren are eligible to do the same? Not that far off. Maybe that is how Justice whats-her-name picked the expiration date for affirmative action.
Everyone does indeed have enormous amounts of DNA identical to simians.
So far...you are the only poster that gets it....
I've added you to the small list of those that "get it"....
Isn't this assumption unfair to the Spaniards? The 16th and 17th century Spanish were welcome guests in western Ireland and Scotland, since the English were in the process of trying to exterminate the Irish and Scots, for whatever reason. Irish chieftains sheltered the fleeing Spanish armada on their way back to Spain.
And just as the French and the Scots had a long history of friendly relations (Bonnie Prince Charlie's mom was French), I wouldn't be surprised if the Spanish and Irish had long-standing alliances of all sorts. Isn't that where we get names like Costello?
I wonder if my DNA would go back to Adam and Eve?
That could be that Mid East islamic connection.
I hope you didn't pay too much for the test. Sounds like if it accomplished anything, it created doubt as to where you came from according to your family tree.
And put an islamic connection in there. How convenient!
I did NOT have a test conducted...and that is NOT the point of my post....
(1) Human
(2) Citizen of the United States
Well...if we all look back far enough we all came from black ancestors in south africa.
So I guess we all could check the african-american box.
Slavery reparations for everyone!
I fully support the use of these tests. I hope we all do it and everyone can start checking all those damn dumb ss boxes.
By extension those who believe that also think that everyone on earth is descended from Noah and using the biblical timeline this happened only about 5000 years ago.
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