Genetic Testing and Race
 

If you took a genetic DNA test like 23andMe or the like and it said you were of a genetic make up of a defined "minority"; can you claim to be that minority now?

Let's say you thought you were one race and test said you 50% Native American or 30% Central African; can you claim that status for either or both?

At what point are you or aren't you a certain race?

The whole idea of preferential treatment based on ancestry is a crock to me, but it is what is for those who may want those advantages.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

Bacon Bill looked up his family tree one time, and an ape pooped on his head.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

Pretty sure you can claim you’re a can of tomatoes and no one can question it.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

There is legality when claiming on federal forms to gain benefit. Certainly advantages in the workplace as well.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

I am 1/16th douchebag, but that hardly puts me in the minority.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

This is a serious question and debate. Hopefully some more insightful posts will appear.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

So here is something insightful ...

You should discuss the issue with the agency for which you wish to receive benefit. They will explain the qualifications. I am aware of some qualifications for indigenous peoples, but it may be that is only in my jurisdiction (federal or state court, state legislature, etc.).

So the full answer to your question is: you are going to have to ask those of which you are expecting designation. Not all designation applies in all situations.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

How would the federal government define it?

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

You are, apparently, unable to perform relatively simple tasks for yourself. How are your at butt wiping after your morning routine? Wait, don't answer that.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

Truer words have not been written.


To qualify for the yearly stipend in the Cherokee Nation you have to be 1/64th and be able to prove lineage. I know because I am 1/64th but I can't prove the blood line even though it's in the DNA.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

Wow. Pretty rude.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

It's best I keep my comments to myself.

:lv

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

You need to show an ancestral tree. That is similar for some other groups as well. Ancestral which makes any distinction one may promote as more of a birth right than a genetic trait.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

proving lineage would be impossible for some people. my family tree ends at my father as all records were destroyed in WW II

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

How does someone show their ancestry if they were adopted & no records were available?

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

The plot thickens

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

I would try to see if there is any precedence for using the testing as the proof. I would guess that a university might deal with this question or have dealt with it and you might be able to search online for faq at their financial aide office or call them to ask the question.

Alternatively you might have to go to the state that the adoption took place in to find the records of the adoption.

Re: Genetic Testing and Race
 

I am getting at the larger picture of it all, which is poignant today. A lot is being put on one's race or country of origin in our country. White Supremacy is considered health crisis and bigger than Climate Change. Reparations are be awarded on a state level and being talked about in Congress. How do we define both groups and groups beyond that? Asians are being attacked purely do to their race we hear every day.

Everything is identity based, yet I am not sure the definition of how we fit into one of or the other. Is it just a shot-from-the-hip definition?

Ancestry was mentioned and has holes. Genetic testing is method. Should we even try to divide or group ourselves into these to start with?

I take it some find this a difficult topic and it is. I fall into many of these groups, or none of them depending who is deciding.