That's right....we're all black. Well, some of us more than others.
According to scientist James Watson, even the most caucasian people have a trace of "black" genes in them. After looking at his own DNA and having it compared to others, 16 percent of his genes could have come from a black male. Now, James Watson is the same scientist who tried to prove that Africans have a lower intelligence (ironic, huh?). This, of course, was shot down and called racist. I, personally, think it would've been interesting to see if it were true.
Anyways, this article goes on to say that one can't always determine ones race by their genes. With the amount of interracial relationships and children that are the product of these relationships, it is hard to tell who belongs to which race anymore. Also, we (North Americans) put people into categories that scientists, or other cultures, do not. We identify different races by skin color, hair color, and features. Scientists try to grab the most prominent parts of our genes, for example the Y chromosome. The Y Chromosome is something that is traced back to the earliest ancestors. Today, it is hard for us to trace back our ancestors because there is only a small portion of their DNA reflected in us today. There is really too much mixing to maintain dominant genes from thousands of years ago.
So does this really mean that we are all a little bit black? If we can't really trace our lineage as far back as we need to in order to determine this, I don't think so. Although, It would be nice to think there is a piece of everybody that is the same.
site: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22248094/
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I want to give James Watson a hearty smack and say "Elementary, bitch."
Hasn't there been some sort of archaeological proof that most people are descended from a single African woman who lived ages ago? I know I read about it in Larry Gonick's "Cartoon History of the Universe" Vol. 1 (which, by the way, is the best history book I've ever read, despite a few inaccuracies). Watson seems to be a little behind on the times.
--Samus
(if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention)
After I read the article that popped into my mind, so I'm glad you said something.
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"Is it true, said Candide, that people in Paris are always laughing?"
-Voltaire
It makes sense, especially because the world supposedly began in the Middle East and earliest history takes place in that general area.