Book 2 Post 1

 

    For the second book, I decided to read The Wayfinders by Wade Davis. I was intrigued by this book because I am not well educated on the various Indigenous cultures of the world and wanted to know more while also learning valuable lessons. Although I have not read very far yet I am thoroughly enjoying the book. 

    I appreciated the way Davis started the book by discussing ancestry and genetics. As a biology major I have a great appreciation for genetics and the potential to prevent/cure various genetic diseases. However, it is important to acknowledge, as Davis did, that the field of genetics is rooted in eugenics. Eugenics is a "field of study" focused on controlling reproduction to encourage the inheritance of "desirable" traits.  As mentioned in the book, eugenics efforts promoted disturbing practices such as forced sterilization, primarily of women of color or people who were poor or disabled. Not only was this practice cruel and inhumane, but it also disrupted the ancestry mapped in our DNA, as certain individuals were prevented from passing their genes on. 

    Although the field of genetics has a dark history, modern day genetics is working to connect people with their ancestry, as mentioned in The Wayfinders. I am currently in a biological seminar class were we have different speakers each week and one speaker talked about this type of research. Dr. Jazlyn Mooney, a genetics researcher at USC, has used her knowledge of genetics to help piece together the ancestry of African Americans since there is often little genealogical data. USC Dornsife posted about her work on Instagram if you would like to learn more. I am excited to read more and explore through Davis' travels. 

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