Should i get a DNA test done?

r/

Okay so I’m Black. I look in the mirror and I see a Black person. My mom’s Black. My (biological) dad’s Black allegedly, I never met him. I was raised by my late stepdad who I adored, so I never really cared to question it.

But here’s the thing: my entire life, people have been asking if I’m mixed or Indian. Like, full on strangers including actual Indian people have come up to me speaking their language like I’m supposed to respond with something more than confusion and blinking.

Now I’m spiraling. I spend way too long staring in the mirror like “Is it me? Am I the drama?” I feel Black. I was raised Black. But apparently, to other people, I don’t look just Black?

Is this just a common experience
Should I get a DNA test and see what pops up, or am I just overthinking this?

Comments

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  2. Lemmy_Axe_U_Sumphin Avatar

    You sound very curious about it so of course you should get it. Then you don’t have to wonder anymore

  3. Sparkle_Rott Avatar

    Took a DNA test and am White, Black, and Native. But what was really shocking was that my Dad wasn’t my biological father. lol

    I really enjoy the doors to information that DNA testing opened up for me. It’s fascinating what’s hiding inside of us and all of the people were related to.

    My husband’s DNA shows relatives all along the ancient Silk Road. Fascinating to think his relatives were regular travelers trading with so many diverse people.

  4. MintWarfare Avatar

    There are some very dark skinned indians, any chance the people who told you he was black just mistook him as African? It’s possible he was second generation or half.

  5. Munchkin_Media Avatar

    Get it so you can stop wondering.

  6. MountainHippyChick Avatar

    I’d say get it because you will learn more than just what ethnicity you are! You can see where exactly in Africa some of your ancestors are from as well as likely many other places ☺️

  7. wetfootmammal Avatar

    If it helps you resolve some inner conflict then sure. Get a DNA test. It’s better to know than not to know right?

  8. Mermaid89253 Avatar

    Not the same thing, but my uncle in law was southern Italian. He was so dark he was constantly confused for being Indian. When I was growing up I even thought he was Indian. People are dumb. “Colored” races are a social construct.

    Even if turns out you are Indian it’s not going to change anything. You’re still you. Still your beliefs, values, personality, and up bringing

  9. Saltwater_Heart Avatar

    I mean it’s cool to get done even if you don’t have questions. I say go for it!

  10. monkey_monkey_monkey Avatar

    It’s entirely possible that somewhere along the way you have ancestors from India. Most people’s family trees are not homogeneous ethnically or culturally.

    Given you don’t know your biological dad, it’s possible that he has some Indian ancestors. It’s amazing how genetics are handed down.

    If you’re curious, get a DNA test. Having different races in your DNA makes up who you are but doesn’t change who you are.