Would you Dare to Question Who You Really Are? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Would you Dare to Question Who You Really Are?

The DNA journey.

507
Would you Dare to Question Who You Really Are?
cdn1.momondo.net


Momondo's DNA journey sets out to prove that as the human race, there are more things that unite us than divide us. A group of volunteers are asked a series of questions about their heritage- where they come from, which ethnicities they tend to dislike, and their attitudes over the topic. Not surprisingly, many people showed pride for their own heritage and disdain for at least one other group of people or nation.

An English man claimed "I am proud to be English. My family have served and defended this country and been to war for this country... I think we are the best country in the world if I'm honest". An Icelandic man stated "I'm 100% Icelandic. I'm more important than you. I don't know you, but in my opinion I am stronger and more important than a lot of people". When asked which regions they are not fond of, the English man responded "Germany, not a fan of the Germans".

The interviewer and conductor of the experiment asks "how would you feel about taking a journey based on your DNA"? The English man responds "What could you possibly tell me that I don't already know"?

The interviewer goes on to describe how DNA works. "You get half from your mom and half from your dad, 50% from each, and they get 50% from their parents- and back, and back, and back. All those little bits of your ancestors filter down to make you, you." Soon after, the volunteers provide a DNA sample, and return two weeks later for their results.

Ironically, The English man ends up being 25% German, which everyone shares a laugh over. The proud Icelandic fellow finds traces of Eastern Europe, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece in his DNA. After finding this out he says, "Iceland has definitely moved closer to Europe now".

All of the volunteers express profound shock and wonder as their true roots are revealed. A woman who indicated an aversion towards Turkish people is actually part Turkish herself. The Interviewer announces, "in a way, we're all kinda cousins in a broad sense. In a more direct sense, you have a cousin in this room". The same woman goes on to meet her cousin who she never knew existed prior to that day.

At the end of it all, one participant poignantly points out that "there would be no such thing as extremism in the world if people knew their heritage like that. Who would be stupid enough to think of such a thing as a pure race"? Her question is thought provoking and brings awareness to the real and present dangers of racism and discrimination. Imagine a world without prejudice or ultraism. Our unwavering tendency to cling to what we think we know stifles our interactions and ability to spread love without discretion.

The video closes with the line" You have more in common with the world than you think. An open world begins with an open mind". This experiment challenges you to stop and confront your conventions every once in a while in order to accept all of life's grand possibilities. You may be surprised at what you find.

Let's broaden our thoughts, so we can "open our world".


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

10 Wonderful Things About The Holidays

Some of the best things about the upcoming holiday season.

64
christmas decoration

As the holidays approach, there are many wonderful things that start to appear. From weather to food and even to the decorations, there are so many wonderful things about the holidays.

1. Cold Weather

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

14 Thoughts Every College Student Has During Winter Break

The most common: "Is it time to go back to school yet?"

2445
nothing on to-do list

Winter break is a cherished time for many after enduring a grueling fall semester. It’s a time of relaxation and time spent with loved ones over the holidays. However, once the new year rolls around, we’re all ready to go back to school. Here are thoughts every college student has during winter break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Little Changes You Can Make That Will Have a Big Impact On The Enviroment

Simple switches to eco-friendly habits could add up and have a positive effect on the environment!

111
flower in hand
PxHere

In the past decade, there has been a recent surge of compassion for the environment. Many people are beginning to realize how much of a negative impact their daily lives have on the environment. In case you weren't aware the average person has about four pounds of trash per day and American's make up only 5% of the world population and produce a startling 40% of the world's waste. If you care about the environment, here are some smalls changes you can make that will have a big impact!

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

4306
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments