Comments on: Kenyan teen claims Chinese heritage http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/ Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:31:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Waxx J http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-17996 Waxx J Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:50:26 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-17996 I am not mad @ this young lady. Personally, what she did was outright courageous N my opinion. I'd also like 2 point out that if more of us (N my area, esp. Detroit) -if time allows it-would take the time 2 trace our family history, we'll be surprised @ what we come across. And that's what this young Kenyan did. She took the x out 2 do some research and pondered over the revel8ions that she discovered. And 4 an Native African 2 discover that he/she is a descendent of Asian Royalty, just by a mere DNA sampling @ that, speaks alot of volumes. I wish Mwamaka Sharifu well in ALL her endeavors. I am not mad @ this young lady. Personally, what she did was outright courageous N my opinion. I’d also like 2 point out that if more of us (N my area, esp. Detroit) -if time allows it-would take the time 2 trace our family history, we’ll be surprised @ what we come across. And that’s what this young Kenyan did. She took the x out 2 do some research and pondered over the revel8ions that she discovered. And 4 an Native African 2 discover that he/she is a descendent of Asian Royalty, just by a mere DNA sampling @ that, speaks alot of volumes. I wish Mwamaka Sharifu well in ALL her endeavors.

]]> By: SLR http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-11008 SLR Sat, 01 Jul 2006 05:26:45 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-11008 “The greatest history book ever written is the one hidden in our DNA.” -- Dr. Spencer Wells, Former Head of Oxford University’s Population Genetics Research group (Ph.D, Harvard; Postdoc Fellow, Stanford University) Every person alive on the planet today shares a common maternal ancestor that lived in Africa roughly 150,000 years ago and a common paternal ancestor that also lived in Africa, but only 60,000 years ago. Fascinating...but how do we know? Through modern science (via genetic markers discovered through DNA testing and analysis). In the words of Dr. Wells, we are all essentially distant cousins separated by no more that 2,000 generations – members of the same extended family. So if we all share a common ancestry, why do we all look so different and how did we come to inhabit such far-flung places throughout the world? If you are curious (like I was) about the field of population genetics/forensic genealogy and haven’t seen the very interesting documentary film “The Journey of Man” I highly recommend it. Previously broadcast on PBS, it illustrates the concept of linking DNA testing to human evolution and migratory patterns. Dr. Wells travels around the globe to analyze the DNA of indigenous people and the film provides a great visual sense of why, when, and how modern humans evolved. Another related documentary style film is “The Real Eve.” Both are available through Netflix and Amazon.com Now, National Geographic, in partnership with IBM, the Waitt Family Foundation and Dr. Spencer Wells (Population Geneticist), has undertaken an unprecedented project to build the most comprehensive, anthropological, genetic database for mapping the migration and development of modern humans as they left Africa and settled in other parts of the world. This is a massive, five (5) year, real-time, research project to collect thousands of DNA samples from indigenous and other people around the globe to essentially create a “human family tree.” Public participation is critical to the project’s success so I’m spreading the word about it for those who would like to take part. To participate in a test for genetic markers that provides information on your deep ancestry, including information about your family origins and your relationships to other people around the world you will need to order a Genographic Project Public Participation Kit which contains the materials used to collect your DNA sample via an epithelial cheek swab. After mailing back your cheek swab you can access your results in complete anonymity. Your genetic data is only included in the global database of genetic information if you give your permission. The results of the project will be presented in aggregate to several media outlets including: TV, Internet, radio, newspapers etc. A few important things to note: - Your identity will not be disclosed and National Geographic does not have the ability to link your personally identifiable info with your genetic data. - Your DNA is discarded after the project is completed and is not used for any other purpose without your written consent. For additional questions concerning the Genographic Project and the procedures involved, you should visit: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/faqs.html Please spread the word about this project to your family, friends and colleagues. Everyone has an ancient story encoded in their genes. I hope this project will serve to educate and inform as well as illustrate a story of human unity in diversity! “The greatest history book ever written is the one hidden in our DNA.” — Dr. Spencer Wells, Former Head of Oxford University’s Population Genetics Research group (Ph.D, Harvard; Postdoc Fellow, Stanford University)

Every person alive on the planet today shares a common maternal ancestor that lived in Africa roughly 150,000 years ago and a common paternal ancestor that also lived in Africa, but only 60,000 years ago. Fascinating…but how do we know? Through modern science (via genetic markers discovered through DNA testing and analysis). In the words of Dr. Wells, we are all essentially distant cousins separated by no more that 2,000 generations – members of the same extended family. So if we all share a common ancestry, why do we all look so different and how did we come to inhabit such far-flung places throughout the world?

If you are curious (like I was) about the field of population genetics/forensic genealogy and haven’t seen the very interesting documentary film “The Journey of Man” I highly recommend it. Previously broadcast on PBS, it illustrates the concept of linking DNA testing to human evolution and migratory patterns. Dr. Wells travels around the globe to analyze the DNA of indigenous people and the film provides a great visual sense of why, when, and how modern humans evolved. Another related documentary style film is “The Real Eve.” Both are available through Netflix and Amazon.com

Now, National Geographic, in partnership with IBM, the Waitt Family Foundation and Dr. Spencer Wells (Population Geneticist), has undertaken an unprecedented project to build the most comprehensive, anthropological, genetic database for mapping the migration and development of modern humans as they left Africa and settled in other parts of the world.

This is a massive, five (5) year, real-time, research project to collect thousands of DNA samples from indigenous and other people around the globe to essentially create a “human family tree.” Public participation is critical to the project’s success so I’m spreading the word about it for those who would like to take part.

To participate in a test for genetic markers that provides information on your deep ancestry, including information about your family origins and your relationships to other people around the world you will need to order a Genographic Project Public Participation Kit which contains the materials used to collect your DNA sample via an epithelial cheek swab. After mailing back your cheek swab you can access your results in complete anonymity. Your genetic data is only included in the global database of genetic information if you give your permission. The results of the project will be presented in aggregate to several media outlets including: TV, Internet, radio, newspapers etc.

A few important things to note:

- Your identity will not be disclosed and National Geographic does not have the ability to link your personally identifiable info with your genetic data.

- Your DNA is discarded after the project is completed and is not used for any other purpose without your written consent.

For additional questions concerning the Genographic Project and the procedures involved, you should visit:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/faqs.html

Please spread the word about this project to your family, friends and colleagues. Everyone has an ancient story encoded in their genes. I hope this project will serve to educate and inform as well as illustrate a story of human unity in diversity!

]]> By: april http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-9440 april Thu, 15 Jun 2006 04:52:45 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-9440 hey, i think that's cool that you found that out. i've been tryin to find my heritage for a long time, but i don't know how. but anyways that is so sool that you have chinese in you! ~ByE~ hey, i think that’s cool that you found that out. i’ve been tryin to find my heritage for a long time, but i don’t know how. but anyways that is so sool that you have chinese in you!
~ByE~

]]> By: Adrianna http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6949 Adrianna Tue, 02 May 2006 05:05:48 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6949 It seems that you did not get what I was trying to convey here Charlette. What i was trying to say is that I hope that this girl don't venture into thinking that she should receive any special treatement because of that DNA test. I 'm looking at this story from the point of of someone who has had to deal with discrimination from other people of color, because of the History of my country. The positive side of DNA testing which is tracing your roots. but the dark side which i have seen happen without any DNA tests, is that some people might only do it to discover if they have some kind of "superior" blood AkA non- black , but as I say again I 'm looking at this from the historical point of Caribbean culture. I wonder why would these Chinese expert do it ? I do beleive we are all the same. White, Black, Asian , Midddle Eastern. But there is still a color complex issue that some members of the community of color faces. It seems that you did not get what I was trying to convey here Charlette. What i was trying to say is that I hope that this girl don’t venture into thinking that she should receive any special treatement because of that DNA test. I ‘m looking at this story from the point of of someone who has had to deal with discrimination from other people of color, because of the History of my country. The positive side of DNA testing which is tracing your roots. but the dark side which i have seen happen without any DNA tests, is that some people might only do it to discover if they have some kind of “superior” blood AkA non- black , but as I say again I ‘m looking at this from the historical point of Caribbean culture. I wonder why would these Chinese expert do it ? I do beleive we are all the same. White, Black, Asian , Midddle Eastern. But there is still a color complex issue that some members of the community of color faces.

]]> By: eva http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6938 eva Mon, 01 May 2006 20:40:17 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6938 charlotte, i really do think that you have taken the comments made by Adrianna way out of context. I mean I do not know her but from the comments made, it does not seem that she has a desire or need to be treated prefentially, and granted we are all related, being that we are homo sapiens, but the point is, we are talking about DNA testing and the reasoning behind it,as well as benefits that arise from finding your point of origin. I have nothing against this individual getting in touch with her roots and her being offered an opportunity to further her studies. I hope that people understand that who she has become is a product of the culture that surrounds her, and the ambition that she may have for pursuit of a higher education is not resultant of her part Chinese heritage. charlotte, i really do think that you have taken the comments made by Adrianna way out of context. I mean I do not know her but from the comments made, it does not seem that she has a desire or need to be treated prefentially, and granted we are all related, being that we are homo sapiens, but the point is, we are talking about DNA testing and the reasoning behind it,as well as benefits that arise from finding your point of origin. I have nothing against this individual getting in touch with her roots and her being offered an opportunity to further her studies. I hope that people understand that who she has become is a product of the culture that surrounds her, and the ambition that she may have for pursuit of a higher education is not resultant of her part Chinese heritage.

]]> By: tmj http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6932 tmj Mon, 01 May 2006 19:12:34 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6932 I love this story! You go girl! Without putting my "american" issues of race on this story, how rare is it that an African girl is afforded an opportunity like this! Regardless of the origin, she has been given a gift. I am not mad. I love this story! You go girl! Without putting my “american” issues of race on this story, how rare is it that an African girl is afforded an opportunity like this! Regardless of the origin, she has been given a gift. I am not mad.

]]> By: Lyonside http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6929 Lyonside Mon, 01 May 2006 17:24:09 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6929 Charlette (oh god where to begin): 1. fictionalized means to change events/circumstances/names to serve a story - is that really what Adrianne did? I think you meant, "misinterpreted". 2. so what that we're all "related," yes, sure as a species. What does that have to do with ethnicity and potentially opportunistic uses of DNA testing? 3. "inner self?" The article doesn't get into whether this is a new or old interest for the girl. 4. Wait - where does Adrianne say that SHE HERSELF wants preferential treatment? 5. "heart desires?" So she has a secret wish to what, eat pasta, take a picture of the leaning tower, and visit the Vatican because of a great grandparent? (Adrianna may, for all I know, but it's not because of the ancestor) 6. souls? barriers? *blink* I have no idea what to say to this one. Charlette (oh god where to begin):

1. fictionalized means to change events/circumstances/names to serve a story - is that really what Adrianne did? I think you meant, “misinterpreted”.

2. so what that we’re all “related,” yes, sure as a species. What does that have to do with ethnicity and potentially opportunistic uses of DNA testing?

3. “inner self?” The article doesn’t get into whether this is a new or old interest for the girl.

4. Wait - where does Adrianne say that SHE HERSELF wants preferential treatment?

5. “heart desires?” So she has a secret wish to what, eat pasta, take a picture of the leaning tower, and visit the Vatican because of a great grandparent? (Adrianna may, for all I know, but it’s not because of the ancestor)

6. souls? barriers? *blink* I have no idea what to say to this one.

]]> By: Charlette http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6927 Charlette Mon, 01 May 2006 16:11:33 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6927 In response to Adriannes statement, she has fictionalized the young Kenyan girls article. It does not say that she demanded entry into China, she(wished) second, China was conducting the DNA tests. Ask, WHY? Isn't it clear that we are all related. Poor Adrianne is under the allusion that if you follow your inner self no matter what culture it draws you to is "seeking preferential' treatment. Adrianne wants the same but she doesn't obviously feel that she deserves what her heart desires because Blacks in America are perhaps still carrying the Victim Torch. And as long as they do the white americans will oblige. Yeah for this girl to show that our souls cross all color and cultural barriers. In response to Adriannes statement, she has fictionalized the young Kenyan girls article. It does not say that she demanded entry into China, she(wished) second, China was conducting the DNA tests. Ask, WHY?
Isn’t it clear that we are all related. Poor Adrianne is under the allusion that if you follow your inner self no matter what culture it draws you to is “seeking preferential’ treatment. Adrianne wants the same but she doesn’t obviously feel that she deserves what her heart desires because Blacks in America are perhaps still carrying the Victim Torch. And as long as they do the white americans will oblige. Yeah for this girl to show that our souls cross all color and cultural barriers.

]]> By: gatamala http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6921 gatamala Mon, 01 May 2006 13:03:21 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6921 I agree Lyonside. Self-loathing can be a pernicious thing.... Sailors! I swear.....Nothing ever changes. ;) I agree Lyonside. Self-loathing can be a pernicious thing….

Sailors! I swear…..Nothing ever changes. ;)

]]> By: April http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6915 April Mon, 01 May 2006 04:33:15 +0000 http://www.mixedmediawatch.com/2006/04/30/kenyan-teen-claims-chinese-heritage/#comment-6915 I think that's pretty cool if ya ask me. I think that’s pretty cool if ya ask me.

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