2014 Articles

Who You Really Are

Pollack, Robert; Williams, Patricia

The document "Who You Really Are" by Patricia Williams and Robert Pollack critiques the growing popularity of DNA ancestry tests and the misconceptions surrounding their use. The authors argue that while these tests are marketed as revealing deep truths about one's identity and heritage, the reality is that they often oversimplify complex genetic and environmental interactions. They caution against the deterministic views promoted by such tests, which can lead to a misunderstanding of the role of genetics in shaping identity and health outcomes. Instead, the authors emphasize the importance of social and environmental factors in influencing genetic expression and warn that reliance on DNA for answers about identity can overshadow the need for a just and equitable society. They highlight the ethical and social implications of using DNA tests for purposes beyond their scientific validity, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between genetics and the environment.