Recently I read a comment on a genealogical forum that disturbed me. A lady innocently submitted a query about one of her ancestors. She explained she had just started doing family research and asked for help. Nothing sinister, certainly no arrogance or hostility, just a simple request. BAM!!! It was much like a giant cat pouncing on unsuspecting prey! This guy immediately and unprovoked attacks her, telling her she is not related to a certain seemingly affluent line and begins spouting about DNA and how testing has proven her line was not a part of the high and mighty line his DNA proved he WAS a descendant.
Wow! Such arrogance for absolutely no reason whatsoever, but it didn't end there. The lady responds, apologizes for knowing nothing about DNA testing and again explains she was simply looking for "family" information to relay to her siblings. The arrogant ass again pounced, this time suggesting the lady was less than intelligent or else she would have known about the DNA projects and how they worked. Not once did he make any attempt, feeble or otherwise to tell this lady WHO she was or was not related.
This exchanged was more than two years ago or I would have jumped in and told the guy what I thought of him and my words would not have been flattering. A couple of things I should mention; 1) - the name who the lady was seeking information was two, three maybe four generations after the generation the DNA ass had referenced; 2) - This just happened to be one of my family lines.
Frankly, I could write, in large bold, block letters on a matchbook pretty much all I know about DNA. Perhaps that alone disqualifies me from offering an opinion and is grounds to write me off as a "doofus", at least in some circles. Hey, in keeping with my honesty . . . I have known me all of my life and believe me when I say, I know so many other, much better reasons to tack such a moniker on me. Like the time . . . oh no, I'm not going there, just trust me.
Back to those DNA projects. It is my understanding the process is basically a scientific method of comparing one person's DNA to another's DNA either proving or disproving kinship. As recently as this morning I have read a wide range of articles on the subject. While I still cannot say I understand the actual process, I do understand the concept. But, isn't it a fact, before comparisons can be made DNA must exist from that distant source who walked this earth generations ago? How can these DNA tests be made legitimate when there is no body of that distant ancestor? While I do not know this for a fact, I am yet to discover ANYONE who knows the location of the burial spot of the individual this guy referenced in his DNA brag.
I do not deny the scientific evidence that can be found, nor the link such evidence can prove or disprove; however, without a body how are such comparisons possible? I suppose there are some genuinely nice people who are associated with DNA projects, but it has been my experience the ones I have dealt with are snobs. They treat others as though they are lesser! Oh please, it reminds me of childhood playground brags of "my daddy can beat up your daddy".
What happened to research, documents and I suppose common sense? Unfortunately all of our ancestors were not famous, did not write an autobiography or have biographies written about them. Heck, many did not leave wills and even when they did they were not complete as to even who their children were. So, tracing our ancestry is not an easy task, but in my opinion, DNA projects are not always accurate. Again, not that they can't be, but how does one prove kinship to someone when there is no DNA?
A final thought - common religious belief has God creating Adam and Eve, the start of mankind. Doesn't this make us ALL related, per DNA testing? Oh, then comes Noah, the ark and the flood! Wasn't it Noah, his wife and their three sons and their wives? Again, would this not make us ALL related through DNA testing?
I do not expect everyone or possibly even anyone to agree with my ramblings, but until convinced, proven or shown otherwise I'll keep my opinion. Of course, as of this writing not a soul has commented on anything I have written on this blog. Is ANYONE reading my words?
Until next time, I'm outta here!
T Bell
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