Originally published April 19, 2001
by Adam Zurn

The mapping of the human genome has been said to be "the outstanding achievement not only of our lifetime but perhaps in the history of mankind."

In the next 50 years with the information gained from the Human Genome Project, we will possess the technology to design medicines atom-by-atom that will not only specifically target an illness but also have no side effects.

We shall overcome cancer. We shall eliminate birth defects. We shall conqueror AIDS. In short, we will for the first time since our exile from Eden have the power to end physical suffering.

Scientists believe that in this century, the human race will enter a new golden age. I couldn't agree more. It will truly be an exciting time to be alive.

What I find more profound than the possibility of ending illness and enhancing the quality of the human race is the opportunity to end hate.

When the human genome findings were published, it revealed a previously unimagined wealth of genetic information. Scientists were surprised to learn how much genetic code we shared with other creatures of the planet.

For example, we share nearly 98 percent of our genetic DNA with chimpanzees.

Also, it was quite possibly the worse day in history for racists and xenophobes everywhere when we learned that all humans-male and female, black and white-are indecipherable the same.

Surface variances such as skin color, hair color, and eye color hinge upon such infinitesimal genetic differences that they are almost imperceptible. Simply put, we're all made from nearly identical building blocks.

The goal now is to get this scientific fact through the thick skulled Neanderthals that feel the need to drag a homosexual teenager behind their truck or insist on telling racial jokes of poor taste.

Explain to the populous that we are all the same and perhaps we can stop one group of people killing the neighboring group of people just because they are a slightly different shade of color.

Pointing out our differences is as pointless as seeing who has more hairs on the top of their head. To prove my point, I have 178,243 hairs on my head. See what I mean? No one cares?

We are all the same-male or female, black or white, gay or straight, Christian or gentile. I suggest that instead of embracing our differences, embrace our similarities. I assure you there will be more of them.

A project started in the mid-1980s to decipher the genetic code of man with the hopes of creating a better world has succeededor at least will. Perhaps not in the way originally thought either.

Yes, we will soon have the technology to end disease. But more importantly, we now have the scientific proof to foster the ideas of tolerance, and it is our job to extend this idea, this knowledge to the people inhabiting the four corners of the globe.