What is wrong with this Ancestry DNA ad?

I’ve seen this irritating ad on TV multiple times. And while there are several things wrong with it, let’s focus on one.

“Lyn” discovers she is “26% Nigerian.” Apparently a genetic plurality in one’s DNA profile is sufficient to claim any cultural expressions historically associated with that genetic identity as one’s own.

Since Nigerian DNA occupies a plurality of her DNA makeup, Lyn claims that Nigerian culture (including cultural dress) is her culture.

After that rather grand leap in logic, it is but a small additional step to conclude that those who lack the minimal genetic plurality in their DNA profile lack the right to claim cultural expressions historically associated with that DNA.

Now let’s think of England as an example. By this logic, if you lack a plurality of Anglo DNA in your genetic profile then you lack the right to claim English culture (including derby hats, fox hunts, and Doc Martens) as your own. So, for example, the genetic Chinese or African person who immigrates to England will lack the claim to expressions of English culture that are enjoyed by those who have a plurality of Anglo DNA.

Kind of sounds racist, doesn’t it?

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