I thought Professor Mukharji’s talk was extremely informative and interesting. The study of people has always been something I am extremely interested in, and any chance I get to learn more about how we find out who we are at a biological level is a chance I will take advantage of. Studies about ourselves and our DNA help us to understand where we came from, who our fore-bearers were, and can be helpful in us understanding what type of medical issues we are susceptible to as a way to protect us into the future.
While this can be a positive, there are dangers to the study of such things. The danger does not lie inherently with the study of who we are, but lies within the misuse use of the information we discover. Professor Mukharji touches on the fact that the certain genetic studies carried out in India have been used as a way to prove that people with specific traits are better than those without those specific traits. This is not a novel phenomenon. The Rwandan genocide, for example, was in part a product of “genetic science” causing clashes between two groups of people. Much of the justification for slavery hinges upon false assertions based on genetic science. As someone of the Jewish faith, this issue is extremely important to me because it was also responsible for the justification of the holocaust and the anti-semitism that persists today.
The study of ourselves at a genetic level is and will remain important. However, if we wish to avoid the atrocities of the past, it is vital that we use the information gained from the endeavor responsibly. As a Jew of mostly Central European and Russian heritage this, unfortunately, is a concept my ancestors undoubtably understand far to well.
While there is a nefarious side to the study of genetics, there are also many positive aspects to the science. There is nothing wrong in understanding that we are all different. All of us come from different backgrounds, with different ancestors, and with different combinations of genes mostly based on where we come from. No two people are truly the same, and for that reason no two people’s physical bodies are the same. While this inherently applies to outward appearance, I am alluding to is something that is obviously far more important. People from different regions and with different ancestors vary in terms of what illnesses they may be more prone to contracting, how they must fight these illnesses, and how doctors can understand what different patients need.
Dr Mukharji touches on this. While it is evident that certain individuals have used information similar to what Dr. Mukharji discussed in ways that undermine groups of people, this science is key in helping our species as a whole remain healthy and treat our bodies as they should be treated. While we are all equal, none of us are physically the same, and I believe that it is not wrong to acknowledge that. By doing so, we accept that we all have different needs and can act accordingly in making sure those needs are met.