http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWzsSg4TUMw
I was confused when I first watched this. Then I was upset because how can a person say that through DNA evidence that it very unlikely for an African American to be Native. The speaker says that 1 out of 20 African Americans have indigenous heritage. He uses a scientific DNA data base to "prove" that there is no DNA connection between some celebrities and their Native heritage. The hard time that I have with is how can you ( the speaker) tell someone that they are not part of a culture/family because there DNA does not match. Especially since not every Indigenous persons DNA is in the Data base. This all goes back to blood quantum which is a mainstream concept, and not originally measured by Indigenous peoples.
I wonder about runaway slaves who traveled down south, as far as Mexico and ended up being part of the mestizo community. The speaker does not address that.
I was not very fond of this video because I feel that it does not tell the whole truth but rather is taking a small groups "truth" and applying to the larger one.
I feel that this affects identity because if you tell someone that there is a small chance that you have native heritage due to the fact the DNA does not match, while you have an oral history of family and community is traumatizing. Just because there is no scientific evidence does not make it true.
-Francisca Burgos-
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I think your post is very interesting. The blood quantum "thing" is always troubling. Why do we "need" to DNA matched to a specific culture, DNA shouldn't matter. What really matters is what you believe and what your traditions are. I know that to some expent especially being certified on a reservation you need to prove your identity, but other wise I agree why should the speaker tell anyone that they cannot be part of a specific culture. Good post.
ReplyDeleteArianna
I agree I think it's ridiculous that someone has the right to come in and determine your own cultural roots due to DNA. You know who you are you know what your family has passed down to you and none of that is taken into consideration. Why is there this constant need to prove everything by science can't somethings just be?
ReplyDeletesorry forgot to put my name last comment was Brianna Howze
ReplyDeleteso what your all saying basically is that someone who is 100% italian through his parents and further ancestry, but is born in korea and grew up there, can automatically be korean?!?! well hes NOT. AND THIS APPLIES TO BLACKS not being native americans as well. so eminem cannot be black just cuz he grew up in the hood ok. your all clouding up the reality with your own inner feelings and biased nature which is not right.
ReplyDeletei think that maybe people are saying that race is not a bilogical reality and any attempt to use DNA to trace racial or ethnic ancestry is a complete sham--a tool of colonization and method of statistical genocide.
ReplyDeleteremember as well--when my family captured 7 year old zachariah tarbell and his siblings, the boys were made mohawk. full mohawk. even became chiefs. blood quantum is not a necessary componant of tribal belonging. it is a colonial tool of oppression.