Answer the following questions based on the reading, NY Times Article: DNA Tells Students They Aren't Who They Thought in 4-6 sentences and then respond to one of your peers for a total of 6 posts.
- Pick out one quote that was significant to you. Explain it and why it was significant.
- What biases did you have, for or against the subject, while reading this text? When did you become aware of it and did it hinder your evaluating the text in an objective way?
- What ideas were you unfamiliar with from the text and how did you approach that information?
- Pose one question you have about the text.
- Attempt to answer someone else's question.
- Respond to another student's ideas-- agree, disagree, or add to what they have written in some way. Do not merely restate or parrot their statement. As always, be respectful and academic.
1) "People want to identify with this pop multiracial culture. They don't want to live next to it, but they want to part of it. It's cool."
ReplyDeleteI think that this qoute speaks on the growth of our nation. The last fifty years have been a period of multiracial understanding. The fact that its now considered pop culture is really incredible as compared to say America in the 1950's. Where living in a multiracial neighborhood was shunned.
Ray, excellent observation about where we are now and where we are (hopefully) headed.
Delete1) "But it makes me question,why are we doing this?Why do people, especially in this country, want to know? Why are we, as a people, so caught up in race? If i were in the school conducting a DNA study i would most likely take part because as a person in a humane society we are all curious in different things we can't find out about our own selves on our own.
ReplyDelete2)I am for the subject. Conducting a survey on DNA test that determines your race technically isn't a bad thing. I knew I was for the subject when I read that many students were takings part and giving good feedback.
ReplyDeleteMegan-- what does it mean to be "for the subject"? That's a little vague. Try to be more exact with your language. What IS the subject and what are your feelings about it?
DeleteAlso, take a second look at your statement for accuracy: "Conducting a survey on DNA test that determines your race technically isn't a bad thing."
It can be challenging to put your thoughts into words that well represents them. Do you really mean that it's a DNA test that determines your race is not a bad thing???
3)I was unfamiliar on how they ran the testing and how accurate the results really were. Considering the article is from the year 2005, maybe the test results will come out different having different medicine and technologies.
ReplyDelete4)Why would the kids purposely want the result to be a different race so that their parents can be angry with them? I guess considering how times were back then this would really help with racial differences.
ReplyDelete6 - I’m going to agree Megan on her answer. Kid’s parents were raised differently back in their time, so they teach their kids what they were taught without knowing what’s wrong or right. Some kids take the test to just take it and realize their different, and they tell their parents right away. They tell them just to tell or to say “If I’m different so are you”. They try to stop the hatred towards other racist by first making a change in their lives and their families first.
DeleteI agree with Megan too. The racial differences used to be more intense many years ago, And if a parent learns that his predecessors were from a different race, they would probably end racial conflict.
Delete6) RAY233- I agree with the statement. Knowing the different racial matters through different time periods it was important to know your race and know where you stand.
ReplyDeleteI somewhat agree and don't because like I said it wouldn't really effect me much at all because it's something I will discover one day and then lose interest another. Now, if there was random draft being done according to race, determining whether we live or die or have a chance on becoming millionaires then yes! I would definitely be very interested. Excuse my imagination.
Delete1. " People want to identify with this multiracial culture. They don't want to live next to it, but they want to be part of it. It's cool. " In my opinion,Dr. Richards was describing the attraction people had to the expiriment because it allowed them to discover another part of them they didn't have any knowledge of. The students might have felt that if they could identify themselves as part of the multiracial group, they would become more interesting to others as well as cool. They might have also found it cool that they could research family history, it would become a whole new project for them, as well as getting more involved with other races and have something to say they relate to. This quote stood out to me more than others because I myself would feel the same way if I took the D.N.A. test. I would create more conversations with others like myself about the subject. I would have questions to ask my parents about the discovery I made, I would like to know more about my family history.
ReplyDelete2. I would not mind to take part in the expiriment, but I am not quite sure everyone would feel the same. Some people might be dissapointed with their results. The testing could effect everyone differentlyyour . It would not really matter much to me because I don't really categorize anyone or anything by race of ethnicity, it just states your roots. It would not really matter to me much, I don't object the subject or show much interest in it.
3. In one paragraph it stated that there was a potential importance of racial or ethnic backgrounds to drug trials. I was not quite sure what they meant by drug trials. I did however do research on the meaning and I found out that drug trials are tests some universities or companies conduct to find cures or thr effectiveness of a product. I actually found it disturbing that some of the people that do participate in these drug trials become sick and die and the most disturbing thing of all is that the people who conduct the trials do not keep much count of the people that have died while doing this expiriments.
4. I also feel I would like to have more of an understanding on why the students wanted their results to show they were part black, so that parents could be upset. There could be many reasons to that. They might have had a racist mother or father, or they might not be racist at all, maybe they just have a negative prepective on the black society.
5. I would like to attempt to answer Megan Barbosa's question though it's the same as mines I myself would like to know why the students wanted to be part black so that they could upset their parents. I was thinking of different reasons as to why they wanted thoes results and I feel that maybe they wanted a reason to say " Hey mom! guess what I did in school? and guess what I found out? I am part black and this whole time you told me not to date that black guy or girl that I used to have a crush on." Or maybe they wanted to open their parents eyes to a different culture and to show them that they are not as different from them as they believed they were. It would definitely be the topic of conversation. That's just one of my hypothesis.
5. I’m replying to question#4. Being realistic in this not so perfect world we live in; race is still a card that is played out there. In general; but not all; people might not admit it; but deep inside they might have a little prejudice in them; whether it’s color or judging someone because of the way they look or dress or speak , gender etc. They might be expressing themselves in a negative demeanor without being aware. I guess these students want to wake up in there parents not to be so judgmental to anyone because race color, religion, etc. and to be more aware and hopefully accepting that we are living in a multicultural environment.
DeleteWPJ
1. “People want to identify with this pop multiracial culture. They don’t want to live next to it, but they want to be part of it. It’s cool.” It demonstrates how the millennium generation is more open to the acceptance of a multiracial society and be part of it as a whole instead of diversity. Significant to me because it shows we are making strides in race differences. We are truly the same. If you get cut we all bleed the same.
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2. Indifferent to DNA testing. I don’t understand why people make a big deal about their race or roots. You should accept who you are and where God has placed you on this earth. I became aware in first paragraph; “white boy” and “proud black man;” which represents separation because of color which is truly sad. We are truly the same and see no difference in color; we are human .It didn’t hinder me, I’m open minded to any subject matter , the DNA test ; but feel not necessary, we are one people. God sees no differences. He made man in his image. Not throwing religion, just echoing what the bible says; but we are entitled to believe it or not.
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I absolutely agree with you William. I have not being able to understand why race and color is such an important matter in our society. I believe in equality and not judging people by who they are, or what they look like. In fact, we are all human and there really is no telling how different we are or if we're different at all, which I think is the answer. Good thinking.
Delete3. I’m unfamiliar with “DNA Print Genomics to measure genetic mixing in populations, because of the potential importance of racial or ethnic backgrounds to drug trials.” Searched internet but still vague on this part. I guess that mixed race has a bearing on pharmaceutical trial test to produce the drug. Multicultural effect the test as compared one singled out race? Not sure on this one; sorry.
ReplyDeleteWPJ
William-- I'm glad you got online and posted successfully! Now I know you may have had trouble with this statement, but what solutions can you come up with to help you solve the problem? I'd like you to think about the strategies you use and perhaps come up with new ones that may work if you hit a wall.
DeleteWilliam, I was investigating and I got some information that you might find interesting, ethnical background is important in drugs trial because each race probably have different metabolism coming from their different eating habbits. I posted the link where I got the information.
Delete4 .Is the” DNA test” really necessary to find out your genetic ancestry; or should you accept who you are without take the test?
ReplyDeleteWPJ
1- Dr. Richards said “My secondary goal is to improve race relations, and when people discover that what they thought about themselves is not true- ‘I thought I was black, but I’m also Asian and white’ – it leads them to have a different kind of about race’. This test created by Professor Shiver and his commercial partners at DNA is a life-changing experience. This quote to me means that no matter what race or color we can all be somewhat alike. Racism has been in our knowledge for as long as we can remember. After the test, people see that there a different ethnic group and they think differently which means they question racism now. To question racism is better than being racist for no reason, it better that people take this DNA test and see where there from before they judge others.
ReplyDelete6) This is true if like you all people were open minded. The fact is that there are people in this world who are ignorant and close minded. They would simply turn this into yet another way of showing how "pure" their blood is as compared to others. Who may look one way on the outside but according to their DNA are a mix.
Delete2- After reading this text, I am 100% for DNA testing. If they had a DNA testing around our area, I would be one of the first to try. I’m fascinated with my family tree, so to know that my great-great-great grandfather was to say Indian would be amazing. The difference from me and others is that I was raised with non-racist parents, but if you were raised to hate a specific ethnic group then this test is meaningless to you. Your mentality is set to only way and no matter if a test says your different, you won’t change the way you see yourself or others. If some people read this and interrupt it in their lives then that’s good, but others would see this paper and crumble it and throw it away, that’s just reality.
ReplyDelete3- During reading this text, I struck on an unfamiliar part. When it says ”The test compares DNA with that of four parent populations, western European, West African, East Asian and indigenous American, and the company claims it is more than 90 percent accurate” How does the company know that if they take your test, where you’re from? They didn’t explain how they know or how do they know if your Hispanic? They need to explain more on how their experiments work. They just tell us what they think we should hear. I’m personally researching it more because I want to know more about it, so when I get more info ill share it with the class.
ReplyDelete4- If this test was made in the 1800’s, do you think we would be less racist in today’s society?
ReplyDelete5.) If this would have come out in the 1800s I would like to think so. Just for the simple fact that if an individual is one race and the DNA results show that person has some genetic of anther race and that person feels some type of way towards that race, then might have the ability to understand all about that race and change opinion. Even though that there are many people that are too hard headed to understand the concept of being treated equal not matter what race u are.
Delete5) I feel that if this test were made in the 1800's. Movements like the Nazi's or the KKK would have had the ability to prove that they were infact 100% white. This would have probably lead to more acts of mass genocide occuring earlier than they did and on a much larger scale.
DeleteThis could definitely have gone either way. I like how you consider both effects the test may have had, both positive and negative. Good job!
Delete5- William Perez- Is the” DNA test” really necessary to find out your genetic ancestry; or should you accept who you are without take the test?
ReplyDeleteWell William, everyone has a different opinion. Some people would like to experience this in their lives and others wouldn’t care what the test says. To be honest, more than half of the world population doesn’t care of their ancestors and live life not knowing. I personally am curious on how my ancestors lived, and I would like to see what other ethnic groups I’m from even if it’s only 1%. I hope I answered your question; or at least I gave you a glance of my knowledge on this texture.
1. "I am 48 percent white - genetically I am, at least, but not culturally. And the fact that I'm black is more important, because it's something I know. It's who I'm confortable with," Mr.Harrison said.
ReplyDeleteI find this quote to be particularly significant in the article because it explains that although he found himself being part white it didn't change any of his aspects in his personal life. He shows that he is not part of the "generation" in which people want to identify with the pop multiracial culture as said sixs paragraphs down on the first side of the article. Mr. Harrison has found himself being more comfortable in the way he was raised to be, he sounds proud of his race and it shows just how important it is for him to keep considering himself black and not let any of his white percenatge get in the way of letting him be who he has been his entire life. He explains how he is not willing to change any part of him on the third to last paragraph on the second side of the article. I must agree with Mr. Harrison, I personally wouldn't change my lifestyle.
6.) I completely agree with what you just said. Even though you find out you are part of another race other than what you are familiar with, you should never change anything about yourself or even you’re life style. Be proud of whatever your race is and have no doubt or questions about how you were raised within that race. That does not mean to completely shut out the race you just found out your part of, have an open mind and try to know more about that race.
Delete2. I'm find the DNA testing to be quite interesting, although I don't think it should identify people as something else. In any way, if I were to take the test I would't necessarily change my lifestyle to mold with whatever race I turn out to be. I believe that people shouldn't be put in catagories of who other people believe you belong to. Let's consider the fact that this article was actually published in 2005 and well, I became aware when I realized how not many things have changed, as Mrs. Best questioned on the last paragraph "Why are we, as a people, so caught up in race? Maybe we haven't progressed as much as we thought we had." This truly explains how uncomfortable a testing as such can really make someone feel bad. Seriously, who cares if we are, white, black, european, asian, hispanic, the matter of fact is that we should all consider ourselves equal and let such things as race and color to distinguish who we are.
ReplyDelete3. I was a little unfamiliar in the fact that all around the text there was no specific telling how they come on to know what other race you are. It would have been a lot easier to understand exactly how this changes in your race are identified. Maybe some sort of explanation on as how the process goes would have helped me understand a little more. The only thing I found kind of useful as to answer my question was when Professor Shriver explained how great-great- grandparents would contribute on average 6.25 percent of a person's genes. Then again, how can they go back so far in generation and genes?
ReplyDelete4. How would these DNA tests contribute to Professor Shriver's research? What was his research exactly about?
ReplyDelete5. Yepez- If this test was made in the 1800’s, do you think we would be less racist in today’s society?
ReplyDeleteYepez, I highly belive that if this test was made in the 1800's it would not make any difference at all. I believe it depends on the kind of people we are dealing with. Everyone is different, some might consider this test something racist while others might consider it not racist but helpful in understanding a little bit more about our society. As we might not want to think of it, I think that racism is still around, and so that's why I think that no matter when this test was made, even conducting this test in 2012 would make some sort of racist remarks to some other people, though the intentions of the author behind this research may not be to offend anyone. Again, it all depends on who are the people reading and responding to the article.
1.) “But it makes me question, why are we doing this? Why do people, especially in this country, want to know? Why are we, as people, s caught up in race? Maybe we haven’t progressed as much as we thought we had.” This quote was very significant because even though we don’t want to admit it, there are many people that still have race issues. After all we have all gone through over the course of time, I would think people would have learned and changed their way of thinking about this subject. Then at the same time we as people in this society want to know more information about where we come from. Also, curious to know things about us that we could not possibly think of.
ReplyDelete2.) I’m for the DNA testing in a way because there are many individuals who have difficulty trying to fit in because they feel something inside them is not right. They might have a curiosity of known how they are and can help them understand why they feel the way they do. Even though in my personal opinion it really does not matter what the DNA results say. You should be able to feel like your own person, doesn’t really make a difference if you are white, black, yellow, green, and etc. As long as you know who you are inside and out, a DNA test should not have the best of you and change your whole style of living. Yes, it might help you know you background and that’s great, but don’t change who you really are and the way you think. To be honest even though this article says it was out in 2005, I have always known there where people out there that where not comfortable of whom they were. Especially, those who let it be known they did not like colored or light skinned people. Even today there still few out there but, I say get over it and deal with it, its life.
ReplyDelete3.) What I was unfamiliar with was about the DNA Print Genomics Inc. to measure genetic mixing in populations, and it has two different testing. I did my research online and I found out that the two different DNA testing were called AncestrybyDNA which is to determine an individual’s bio-geographic ancestry. It can provide you with a better understanding of your genetic. Also, discovers estimated percentage from four different population groups: Europeans, Indigeonous American, Sub-Saharan African, and East Asian. The other is Lineage DNA Testing which is direct origins, like maternal, paternal, or both lineages which they can only be traced for males. So in this text we are discussing about the AncestrybyDNA.
ReplyDelete4.) Honestly, why should a child be scared of sharing with their parents about receiving the test result of the DNA they took showing who they really are? Do you think the parents should be upset about it or embrace it because they were the ones responsible of bringing that child into this world?
ReplyDelete2)The bias I have against this article is the significance it puts on the racial makeup of a person. Besides being called the land of opportunity America has long been called a melting pot cultures and ideas. So why does it matter if one of your ancesters was European and now 4% of your DNA proves that? I think life makes you who you are as a person DNA takes care of the rest. I think that having a bias towards this article did not allow me to evaluate it. The reason being that having a bias towards anything does not allow you to objectively evaluate it.
ReplyDelete3) The idea that white people want to be part black is definitely an unfamiliar piece of information to me. I approached it with an open mind. I can understan white people wanting to feel like they can fit in with black people a bit more if they are technically part black themselves.
ReplyDelete4) How are they able to tell if one trait is inherently Asian or inherently African?
ReplyDelete1) "When I teach I try to demonstrate to students how complex race and ethnicity are," Dr. Richards said. I find this quote significant because it helps believe that race and ethnicity aren't just a few categories we place people into. It is more complex and difficult to understand, although we still need to respect one another regardless what race we are. It also shows that a race or ethnicity is just more than color skin or a simple background.
ReplyDelete2) Im not sure if I am 100% with doing this DNA testing because some people might be uncomfortable doing so. Even though I believe it doesn't not really matter on our race because we are who are and at the end of the day we are equal, different people have different beliefs. If it was a personal experience I would allow the testing because I am interested on knowing what I really am and the history behind it. It did not hinder me in any way because this really is an interesting topic.
3) About half of the 100 students tested this semester were white, he said. " And every one of them said, 'Oh man, I hope I'm part black,' because it would upset their parents.
I was unaware on how people think and what they believe. I dont understand how it would upset their parents and why they would want that in the first place, but I guess it shows how many different beliefs people have.
4) It say's that the test compares DNA with that of four parent populations, western Eurpeans, west African, east Asian and indigenous American. I am just curious why these populations?
5) Perez -Is the” DNA test” really necessary to find out your genetic ancestry; or should you accept who you are without take the test?
At the end of the day I strongly believe we should just accept who are without the need of doing a test. But I understand that people are a lot more interested in finding out information about their ancestry so it would be necessary for them to do the testing.
One quote or actually two quotes that were significant to me was when Mr. Harrison said, "Just because I found out I'm white, I'm not going to act white.” I completely understood him. Why should the results of a DNA test, surprise us in revealing that we’re not all what we “genetically” believe to be? In my honest opinion, what we are now is much like a box of fancy chocolates, within each of us there’s a complex taste of different cultures and races. Yet, on the outside we’re coated in different hues of dark chocolate, caramel, and vanilla layers. Limiting us to only judging upon appearance and acting on what we appear to be. White acts white, black acts black. If this is the case then, “Maybe we haven't progressed as much as we thought we had."
ReplyDeleteWould I say that my opinion on this text was a tad biased? Yes, the content of this article did not strike me as interesting or appealing in any way. This made it mundanely difficult to evaluate the text, but I was capable of doing so. The ideas that I was unaware of in this article, were that DNA tests weren’t just for revealing paternity results. They could also be used for revealing genetic ancestry. One question that I do have on regards of this article is why self discovery of one’s origins, so important for the modern day man or woman?
Frank Rincon-
6.Frank R.;I concur with you on DNA testing not changing your persona due your race or mixture of races in regards to Mr.Harrison's situation,but I don't embrace his separation on black or white. By distinguishing the two colors it brings out the race card once again. Maybe Mr. Harrison would be better off not taking the test. Finding his DNA makeup; I believe he doesn't feel comfortable who he truly is.The DNA testing has pros and cons. Positive if you can handle your genetic makeup without prejudice or negative if you become engulfed in bigotry after receiving your results. Curiosity killed the cat; hopefully this test kills racism; but realistically that will never happen.
DeleteOne quote that was significant to me was when Mr. Harrison states that " just because I found out I'm white, doesn't mean I'm going to act white". I do think that it must be interesting finding out you're a different race but i also don't think you should try to act differently. i don't think that finding out that you're one percent asian should alter who you are. you where still raised a certain way and have culture in the house hold you where raised in. i found it interesting that after i read the text i found the same quote very bias. What does he mean by I'm not going to act white? does every race have a certain criteria? As I read the text it bothered me that in 21 century people still separate themselves better or different from other races. I am cuban and dominican and have always been very proud to be Hispanic, I was unaware how many people in general hope to be just a little more than what they are. "Everyone wants to take the test, even students who think they are 100 percent one race or another, and almost every one of them wants to discover something, that they're 1 percent Asian or something. It's a badge in this multicultural world," he said.
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Does finding out you're a different race change who you are?
Sasha, to answer your question. Finding out you're from a different race can change the person, in the sense that they will understand more about their origins. This self discovery of who we are, where do we come from, our past, all greatly contribute to our current present state leading us to our futures. In essence, you will always be who you are, discovering you're from a different race will only help you understand who you are.
DeleteFrank Rincon-
1)1) “I think the test is really interesting; I had to know,” said Ms.Best. “But it makes me question, Why are we doing this? Why do people, especially in this country, want to know? Why are we, as a people, so caught up in race? Maybe we haven’t progressed as much as we thought we had.”
ReplyDeleteI think this quote is significant to me. I think is true that we are not so advance as we thought in matters of race, there a lot of people that believe they’re not racist but they feel strange if they are in the same room with another person of another “race”.
2) To be honest I don’t mind the experiment, I think is not a bad idea if you want to know about your predecessor or something, but is not going to change anything in me, I really believe that we’re all the same, there’s no need to divide the human race by the color of the skin, we have physical differences but anyway we still being humans
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ReplyDelete3)When they said that there’s a potential importance of racial or ethnic background to drug trials, I don’t understand what is the connection between the ethnic background and drug trials. I look in the internet and I found something interesting, in this page http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ScienceResearch/SpecialTopics/WomensHealthResearch/UCM247551.pdf , they said that some drugs can have different effects on people of different races, because maybe there’s a slight difference in the metabolism or acceptation between races.
ReplyDelete4)Why some of the students were worried about their results could make their parents angry? And even thought the results were different from the expected, why it should change people personality? And why it would affect their relationship with their parents?
ReplyDelete5) Marisol Patino: I think the research is about how the races can be mixed and the result could be another different race.
ReplyDelete1. “Mr. Harrison , who says that as a child he molded himself to be more black, does not want his new information to change his identity. Just because I found out I’m white, I’m not going to act white, he said. I’m very proud of my black side.”
ReplyDelete- I like this quote because we can be curious about our ethnic ancestry I think that’s normal but even if we find out our ethnic background we are not going to change who we are just because we are 52 percent from a different group we thought we were.
2. I found the text interesting, I would like to take the test just to see what happens but it wouldn’t change who I am. Based on the text I see that racism still exist in our society, I can’t believe a problem of hundred years ago still affects people nowadays.
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