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Did anyone watch "African American Lives" last night?
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Bxgell2
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Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
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Beth
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Did anyone watch "African American Lives" last night?
In Philly it was on WHYY, I guess it would have been on PBS around you guys.
The Harvard president narrates, and in the show he explores the genealogical history of several celebrities, like Maya Angelou, Bliss Broyard, Don Cheadle, Morgan Freeman, Tom Joyner, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Chris Rock and Tina Turner.
They did the analysis through DNA samples, and the show revealed that most of them had a SIGNIFICANT amount of European/Caucasian ancestry in their blood. For some, they were able to narrow down their European ancestry line, and for some they were able to narrow down the exact African tribe they originated from.
It was beyond fascinating.
Message edited 2/14/2008 10:41:39 AM.
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Posted 2/14/08 10:40 AM  |
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Kara
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Re: Did anyone watch "African American Lives" last night?
I *think* I saw something similar on TV not that long ago. There was a huge debate about it. Some of these DNA companies tell people they can narrow down their ancestry to certain names / family lines in Europe or to certain family lines / tribes / names in Africa. Several scientists on the show stated that it wasn't nearly as accurate as these companies were stating. They had the same person go to two different companies and get two completely different ancestries...
Was this the same thing, or am I just completely off on another tangent?
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| Posted 2/14/08 10:44 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Did anyone watch "African American Lives" last night?
Posted by Kara
I *think* I saw something similar on TV not that long ago. There was a huge debate about it. Some of these DNA companies tell people they can narrow down their ancestry to certain names / family lines in Europe or to certain family lines / tribes / names in Africa. Several scientists on the show stated that it wasn't nearly as accurate as these companies were stating. They had the same person go to two different companies and get two completely different ancestries...
Was this the same thing, or am I just completely off on another tangent?
No, they didn't go into the debate at all, it was really just the Harvard president sitting down with these celebrities and showing them what their DNA demonstrated, which really shocked most of them. Most thought they had native american ancestry, when virtually all of them had very little or none, and instead, their genetic makeup came back with as much as 30% caucasian/european ancestry.
I have to admit though, when they started telling each celebrity what tribe they likely came from, based on the DNA analysis, I had serious doubts in my mind as to the validity of the test.
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| Posted 2/14/08 10:47 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Did anyone watch "African American Lives" last night?
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by Kara
I *think* I saw something similar on TV not that long ago. There was a huge debate about it. Some of these DNA companies tell people they can narrow down their ancestry to certain names / family lines in Europe or to certain family lines / tribes / names in Africa. Several scientists on the show stated that it wasn't nearly as accurate as these companies were stating. They had the same person go to two different companies and get two completely different ancestries...
Was this the same thing, or am I just completely off on another tangent?
No, they didn't go into the debate at all, it was really just the Harvard president sitting down with these celebrities and showing them what their DNA demonstrated, which really shocked most of them. Most thought they had native american ancestry, when virtually all of them had very little or none, and instead, their genetic makeup came back with as much as 30% caucasian/european ancestry.
I have to admit though, when they started telling each celebrity what tribe they likely came from, based on the DNA analysis, I had serious doubts in my mind as to the validity of the test.
I think he was one of the people on the documentary I watched... I'll see if I can search around to find more info on whatever show it was I saw.
While I think the two shows had different points entirely, I have a feeling the same DNA tests / databases may have been used.
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| Posted 2/14/08 10:48 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Did anyone watch "African American Lives" last night?
Posted by Kara
I think he was one of the people on the documentary I watched... I'll see if I can search around to find more info on whatever show it was I saw.
While I think the two shows had different points entirely, I have a feeling the same DNA tests / databases may have been used.
I bet it was - I'd love to see that show too!
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:23 AM |
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