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TV PREVIEWS
Is It Better To Be Mixed Race?, Monday 8pm, Channel 4 
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This latest offering from Channel 4’s Race: The Last Taboo series sees geneticist Aarathi Prasad set out to examine claims that there are biological advantages to being mixed race. It’s a controversial topic - and one that’s aroused opposition from both ends of the political spectrum. However, it also raises some fascinating questions and insights.
The theory? The greater a person’s genetic diversity, the healthier they’re likely to be. If the gene pool is diluted, an individual is likely to have higher tolerance to disease - and be better at fighting it - than those who come from a more isolated population.
Dr Prasad’s investigation sees her meet up with various scientists and sociologists, all of whom outline the very persuasive facts and theories - before stressing that environmental and lifestyle factors play a far, far greater role in affecting our state of health.
Indeed, one of the programme’s failings is that it doesn’t adequately explain how this kind of genetic investigation can really be of benefit. Instead of focusing on how those who have a genetic propensity to a disease can use this knowledge to reduce their risk, it chooses to highlight the possible “benefits” for people of mixed race.
Nevertheless, this is still a very interesting and thought-provoking study - made even more watchable by Dr Prasad’s obvious enthusiasm for her subject.
by Jane Murphy, Monday 2 November 2009
Picture: Channel 4
