Today, we have access to more information about our genes and DNA than ever before in human history. So naturally, many people are curious about their family backgrounds. But it's important to understand before undergoing these tests that they might provide answers that you don't want to hear...
When one woman allowed her son to get a DNA test as a gift, she was surprised to find out the results. But she was even more excited to show the results to her bigoted in-laws. Below, you'll find the full story that the mom posted on Reddit, as well as some of the replies amused readers shared.
DNA testing has become incredibly popular in recent years
Image credits: Garon Piceli (not the actual photo)
This woman was thrilled to prove to her bigoted in-laws that it wasn't her background "tainting" their lineage
Image credits: Vika Glitter (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Chokniti Khongchum (not the actual photo)
Image credits: u/bekindorbesilent
The first thing her son did was send the results to his grandma
A Reddit user recently posted her experience to one of the communities devoted to users' tiny wins against people who have wronged them. She revealed that, without knowing for sure their DNA, her ex-partner's parents had told her, during her son's birth, that she had tainted their family line. The post received a great deal of attention, collecting over 12K upvotes and nearly 600 comments.
The original poster (OP) starts her story by explaining that her ex-partner’s parents turned out to be vile racists, who believed that they are 100% from a specific region. OP added that she’s from a neighboring and more multicultural region, therefore they believe that she’s less than them.
However, one day her son got the results of the genetic test kit that showed the woman had 81% DNA from the region that her ex-partner’s parents were so precious about, and no DNA from the region that they hate so much. But, well, it also showed that their son has 16% DNA from that region, which shows that his dad and others in the family have actually a mixed background.
“Guess it wasn't me that was doing any ‘polluting,'” OP finished her story. Community members also shared their similar situations and loved the woman's story. “Uno reverse card deployed,” one user joked. “Anybody who claims they're 100% of a particular ethnicity is probably racist. It's like bragging about being ‘genetically pure,’” another user added.
Image credits: Pixabay (not the actual photo)
“DNA testing can have a massive impact on a person's sense of identity and belonging, particularly with ethnicity shifts,” shared Alexis Hourselt, host of DNA Surprises and co-founder of DNA Surprise Retreat with Bored Panda. “People may have spent decades believing they were part of one culture only to learn their ethnicity is different than what they'd always believed.”
Alexis added that she has interviewed people who believed they were entirely African American who learned they were also white. “I've spoken to people who only recently learned they are ethnically Jewish.” She noted that these discoveries lead to confusion, grief and a long journey to connect with the newly identified heritage.
We asked Alexis to share some advice to people who are considering DNA testing but are apprehensive about potential surprises and she pointed out that of the 100+ people she has spoken to, all of whom had shocking discoveries such as learning that one or more parents isn't biologically related to them, only about 2 percent have expressed regret over taking the test.
She emphasized that while DNA surprises are often upsetting, most people are glad to know the truth. “There are dozens of resources available to people who have had shocking discoveries, including podcasts, support groups, and retreats.”
Finally, speaking about advancements in the field of DNA testing that look the most exciting or promising, Alexis shared that the most common thing that people are looking for when they learn something new about their parentage or ethnicity is accurate medical history.
“The fact that some DNA testing companies can give us access to risk factors is vitally important to people who are unable to connect with newfound family members, and I hope that we are able to learn more as the technology continues to evolve,” she said.
So guys, don’t forget to check out Alexis’ podcast - she had her DNA surprise in 2021 when she learned the man she’d called “Dad” for 35 years was not her biological father. She also learned that she is not a multi-ethnic Mexican woman, as she was raised, but African American. She swiftly turned her pain into helping others with her podcast, DNA Surprises!
Redditors shared similar experiences they've had with DNA tests
