US craze for DNA ‘heritage’ tests may bolster racism, critics warn

Too bad to handle: Studies have shown that when white supremacists are confronted with evidence of a black ancestor, they scramble to explain away the results. AFP

MILLIONS of Americans are using DNA test kits sold online to research their ancestry, either out of simple curiosity or to find answers about their identity.

But some academics warn the craze could reinforce racial stereotypes and divisions.