Weekly Genetics Quote #19: The Practices of Human Genetics

This week’s genetics quote is from The Practices of Human Genetics (Sociology of the Sciences Yearbook) ed. by Michael Fortun, Everett Mendelsohn.

Inanimate objects can also be successful by virtue of their genes. For example, the gene is a popular image in automobile advertising. A Sterlin’s remarkable handling is “in its genes.” A BMW sedan has “a genetic advantage.” A Toyota, says a pregnant woman in an ad, has “a great set of genes.” Apparently, other products have good genes as well. A Bijan perfume is called “DNA,” and the company advertises it as “a family value” and “the stuff of life.” A blue jeans ad exploits the obvious pun “Thanks for the genes, Dad” and implies their superior quality. An article on the leadership changes in the New Yorker asks, “Can you change a magazine’s DNA?…A Magazine’s underlying character remains–unchanged and enduring, a DNA-like set of fingerprints–and lasts through the years and reinventions….Tina Brown has much to reckon with, starting with 67 years of DNA.”

I’ve got almost 34 years of DNA. How about you?

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