"DNA Test Gives Students Ethnic Shocks" Response

            The reading titled, “DNA Test Gives Students Ethnic Shocks,” by Emma Daly, was a very shocking reading in itself.  The multiracial culture that has developed in today’s society had definitely had an impact and changed the views of individuals. In the past, a white person would never even have thought it plausible to be part black, let alone hope to be part black. Yet students partaking in the DNA tests administered were actually saying, “Oh man, I hope I’m part black.” This goes to show how far along modern society has come and the multiracial culture that has transcended. I really think that these DNA tests are extremely interesting and something that everyone should have done. To the naked eye, people may appear one race, when in actuality they are a higher percentage of another race. People tend to develop judgments about individuals and their race solely based on physical appearance. The DNA tests allow students to realize that although someone may appear Black, or Asian, they could still be 60% white.  Being familiar with our ethnic background, and the idea that physical appearance is only skin deep, will help society envelop this new multiracial culture and deplete the racial bigotry.  Another thing that I found interesting was that the one student made a clear distinction between his genes and his culture. Despite what genes we as individuals are composed of, the culture within which we are raised, and the beliefs and values that we have developed, are the main components of identity and individuality. The culture and the beliefs of an individual should be his or her identity, and genetics should not cause any individual to stray from that identity.