To the extent that we use genes to identify our essential nature as individuals and as a species, surely that same thinking will apply at levels intermediate between the individual and the species, to subgroups of humans such as racial groups (Rothman 1998). Evidence from the human genome suggesting that racial groups differ genetically should lead to the view that racial groups are essentially and fundamentally different; conversely, evidence that racial groups are genetically similar should lead to the view that racial groups are essentially the same. If we are indeed living in an increasingly genetic-essentialist world, then our reading of the human genome with regard to racial differences should have a critical impact on beliefs about essential racial differences that are key to the perpetuation of racism and racial inequality. An important question then arises: What messages have emerged from modern genetic research regarding racial differences or similarities?
