On Tuesday, August 24, 2004, at 10:13 AM, Michael Weis wrote:

> I've tried a few different ways to ask the question, but nobody really
> seems to be offering
> any info, so I'm going to move on.
>
> Mike
>

I think it is just that there is no really good answer. Several hundred
years ago it might have been possible to talk about 'races', at least
in some isolated parts of the world. But not any more. The races are so
mixed that it is impossible to tell by looking what someone's
background might be.

As one example, genetic tests of 'native' polynesians show that they
have on average some 30% outside genes, mainly from Europe. And if you
look at European history, it has been invaded time and again by central
asians, leaving a genetic imprint across the continent. A modern
European may appear the nordic ideal and still carry genes from Asia,
Africa, wherever.

The best you can do is closely observe your blood relatives, especially
parents and grandparents, and go from there.