Mixed race question

[QueenPaws]

Apologies if I phrase this wrong!
So there are people who are distinct percentages if that makes sense so 25%, 50% etc etc
What classes as mixed race or white? So 1/8, 1/16...
I've been watching some genetic reveal videos on YouTube, the ancestry type things and I'm curious. Google isn't helping much

@yetanothernamitynamechange

Its also worth mentioning that when it comes to medical history whether you are mixed race etc can sometimes have an impact. For example sickle cell anaemia is far more likely in someone with African heritage, certain blood disorders associated with ashkenazi jewish heritage etc.

I agree with this. When I was pregnant my midwife assumed I was white and ticked the white British box on the forms. This meant I wasn't referred for a particular blood test that is recommended for people with black ethnicity. I spotted it when signing the forms and corrected her. She acted very surprised and made a big deal out of it, making me feel very uncomfortable.

It's also relevant in the current situation in relation to Covid 19. I have been trying to decide if I fall under the BAME category for a Covid risk assessment or whether my 'white' skin means I am just average risk.

skylarkdescending That's bad of the midwife! I'm pale with mousey hair and blue eyes, but I was still asked my nationality and referred for the extra sickle cell blood tests when I said I was Italian.

I think I'd probably ask for the extra BAME risk assessment in your case, when DS1 had prolonged jaundice the drs were very interested in my 1 Sicillian grandad (so DS is 1/8th from Southern Italy - but that was enough for 'medical' stuff)

If you are asked your ethnicity by a health professional, it really is important to give them the full picture. For example Ethnicity influences interpretation of cancer risks, CF carrier rates and kidney function tests.