Joined: 25 Aug 2009 {Posts: 11 } Location: California
Posted: Wed 04 Nov 2009 00:13 Post subject: Need a little help understanding this whole thing...
I'm sorry if this is in the wrong forum. I wasn't allowed to post a message under Issues for Biracial Americans. Well, I recently had a admixture test done to try to confirm the results of a previous test. It says that I am 68% African, 20% European and 12% Native American.
What exactly does this mean? Am I mulatto, mgm, multiracial or a black American? Are results like this typical for black Americans? I know this question may seem silly, but I'm new to racialism and there are still things I don't understand. I'll appreciate any help you guys can offer.
It means that a genetcs test is saying that you have genetic markers that indicates African, European, and Native American ancestry.
Quote:
Am I mulatto, mgm, multiracial or a black American?
On the strict definition of mulatto, no. In the looser sense of simply having black and white ancestry you could be. You could definitely be considered mgm in the sense that you are multigenerationally mixed and you could also definitely be considered multiracial, genetically. Whether you are a black american is your decision. Race and how we see it really is socially constructed. I would say if that is how you were raised and how you've come to view yourself as, then you are.
Quote:
Are results like this typical for black Americans?
Regarding admixture, almost all African Americans and about one-third of White Americans are of mixed Afro-Euro ancestry, and most Americans (Black or White) have a bit of Amerind in them as well. Shiny's twelve percent Indian is slightly high for most English-speaking African Americans, but it would be ordinary for Dominicans or Puerto Ricans.
Regarding how Shiny should self-identify, this is a personal choice. I would suggest trying out several possible choices to see which one "fits" best considering your self-image as well as circle of friends and family.
Regarding posting forum, if this thread continues to focus on ethno-political self-identity then "Ethnicity in America" will continue to be the best choice. But if it switches to focusing on DNA, I shall move the thread to "Molecular Anthropology."
Joined: 25 Aug 2009 {Posts: 11 } Location: California
Posted: Wed 04 Nov 2009 22:15 Post subject:
Hi Blue and Frank,
Thanks for your responses. I do have difficulty seeing myself as anything other than a black American, but the recent DNA testing I've done has made me second guess that. It makes me question what a black American really is. I think I'll take Frank's advice and see how comfortable I am with maybe calling myself mgm or multiracial. I think I might even join the multiracial club at school. I remember reading somewhere (maybe wiki) that only about 5 percent of black Americans have Native American ancestry. I'm not sure if that is true or not, however, I was surprised to see that I had the amount of Native American ancestry that I do. Oh and thanks for the wiki link Blue.
'
FAQ
Search
Register
Log in
