Is Race Genetic?

This is our first podcast in a two-part series about race. In this podcast, we discuss the difficult topic of race and genetics through the lens of science and history. First, we discuss the history of racism beginning in the 1500s, then shift into how science was used to justify racism in both Europe and America. Throughout the podcast, we unpack the question of if race is genetic or just a social construct by delving into some genetic concepts about disease and ancestry. Finally, we discuss some genetic examples that are normally used to try and justify that race is genetic. 

 

// SOURCES

Articles: 

1547 Vagrancy Act: 

https://www.intriguing-history.com/edward-vi-enacts-harsh-statute-against-vagabonds/

Virginia Slave Codes summary: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_act_concerning_Servants_and_Slaves#:~:text=The%20Virginia%20Slave%20Codes%20of,the%20crown%20colony%20of%20Virginia.

Actual Virginia Slave Codes:

http://hackettlatinacademy.weebly.com/uploads/2/2/5/1/22510182/virginiaslavecodes.pdf

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Genetics and race article: http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/science-genetics-reshaping-race-debate-21st-century/

Genetics and race article:  https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/race-is-real-but-its-not-genetic

Scientific Racism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_racism#Carl_Linnaeus

MAO-A gene: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/code-rage-the-warrior-gene-makes-me-mad-whether-i-have-it-or-not/

Books: 

DNA is not Destiny - Steven Heine: https://www.amazon.com/DNA-Not-Destiny-Misunderstood-Relationship/dp/0393244083

A Troublesome Inheritance - Nicholas Wade: https://www.amazon.com/Troublesome-Inheritance-Genes-Human-History/dp/1594204462