Lineage

This story on Whoopi Goldberg and Guinea-Bissau is fascinating. Whoopi participated in a genetic genealogy test to uncover some of her roots, which turn out to be in the West African nation. (Such efforts have become increasingly popular among descendants of diaspora-affected populations, such as those of African descent outside of Africa.) Apart from describing the small nation's response to its sudden Hollywood association, I liked how the article hints at the opportunities (sometimes a lineage is clear and visible) and the barriers that exist in tracing--genetically, at least--your lineage (there are often difficulties traveling to some of our ancestral places, more less comfortably belonging to them or finding meaningful familial ties).

I'd love to do genealogical genetic testing, but I believe it would only tell me so much (and likely not much more than I knew before). DNA only goes so far. I've long wanted to learn more about the town in Italy whence my great grandfather came. But if/when I go there, what will I really find out? I can read history and see sites, even spot our rather unusual family name on a nameplate near the main square (which I've done); but what more does such knowledge offer? When it comes down to it, I will not be happier or more secure as a result of knowing more about my ancestors. It will keep me occupied and provide conversation topics for family gatherings, but substantively it will not change who I am now. I'm not sure that studying my genealogy will do near as much for me as, say, intensive therapy.

On the other hand, I love the idea of creating a more connected, community minded society. All of us doing genetic genealogy might be a nice way to catalog just how connected we are.

Intrigued? Check out these projects:
DNA Ancestry Project
DNA Tribes
FamilyTree DNA
DNA Heritage
There's even a Journal of Genetic Genealogy
Finally, help on what to do with the info you would get