This is indeed an insightful article regarding race in the
context of genetic and sociocultural factors. Hopefully it will help to stir up the discussion on the importance (or lack thereof) of a person's genotype.

Epigenetics adds another layer of complexity. These molecular mechanisms appear to mediate gene-environment interactions. Good evidence comes from a recent "Dutch Hunger Winter" study (e.g. Tobi et al, Hum. Mol. Genet. 2009): individuals exposed to famine (during pregnancy) are found to have epigenetic changes at certain genomic loci. Such epigenetic differences cannot be detected by classical sequencing/SNP techniques. Thus, at least in theory, racial health traits could be encoded be epigenetic mechanisms (Stöger, Bioessays. 2008; 30(2):156-66

The racial-epigenetics component has recently been addressed by Kuzawa CW, Sweet E (Am J Hum Biol. 2009 21 (1):2-15). Potential ethical implications are discussed by Rothstein (The Ghost in Our Genes: Legal and Ethical Implications of Epigenetics).

I think in the next few years we will see a shift/drift in the public perception on how we look at health and race issues - I am looking forward to read more from Gravlee and colleagues.

best wishes,
Reinhard