Genes Are Unique

I just finished reading a very long, in-depth look at the way Asian-Americans (particularly Chinese-Americans) are thinking about and acting upon their DNA. Jeff Yang of SF Gate talks about the longing Asian-Americans have to know more about their ancestors (i.e., adopted Chinese siblings being matched via DNA testing) and how part of their destiny seemed intertwined with DNA.

In a commodified world, we want to be special. In a time of uncertainty, we want a sense of destiny and direction. But most of all, as the globe fragments and atomizes, we want to belong — to be a part of a family, a bloodline, a brethren, however tenuous the tie. We want a tribe of our own. And that’s another big driver behind the latter-day fascination with DNA: What makes us different and individual also makes us similar and connected.

It’s a great piece made all the more enjoyable because I’m Chinese-American and could kind of, sort of identify with some of what was mentioned. I still don’t quite get the fascination with ancestry, though. I’d prefer not to know what (in)famous personage I may have descended from. I am certain that I would feel diminished under his or her shadow. I like knowing that my DNA is unique. And so am I.

Hat tip: DNA Direct

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