Vol. 38, No. 18

1-19-2005
By: Susan Wittstock

New discussion series gets people talking about controversial issues

On the first evening of “On Moral Grounds…,” a new series of public discussions exploring moral issues, Georgina Dodge came prepared with questions to help get the discussion rolling.

But the help of the director of Ohio State’s African American and African Studies Community Extension Center, where the event was held Sept. 30, wasn’t needed.

“I had to wait until the very end, until after everyone else was done talking,” Dodge said, and laughed. “The public jumped right in and started asking questions immediately after the speakers finished, and it just didn’t stop. What a great time.”

The series is sponsored by the Institute for Collaborative Research and Public Humanities (ICRPH) in partnership with the AAAS Community Extension Center and the African American and African Studies Department.

The first evening focused on the subject of “Reparations for Slavery,” and included two guest speakers: Howard McGary, a professor of African American Philosophy at Rutgers University, who shared a theoretical perspective, and Vincene Verdun, associate professor of law, who presented a pragmatic perspective. Each spoke for 20 minutes before opening the floor to discussion.

Dodge said opportunities to talk about issues in a deep and thoughtful manner are too rare. “People are eager to talk about these things, especially across races,” she said. “When you talk about the issue of reparation, people get angry. The presenters addressed the issues head on so as to allow us to move on into dialogue. It’s important to find the right presenters who are willing to jump into the fray and are in tune enough with what the public is thinking to address those issues.”

“On Moral Grounds…” was originally organized by Chris Zacher, director of ICPRH, and Louise Antony, professor of philosophy. “They were interested in exploring some moral issues — particularly ones that cross racial lines — and our center was a natural partner,” Dodge said.

“Part of our public humanities mission is to get people talking about issues that concern them,” said Rick Livingston, associate director of ICPRH. “And not simply just from a professional or expert perspective, but from a personal perspective. We try to encourage discussion about issues that we don’t necessarily have the answers to, but which affect our communal life.”

Two more sessions in the series are scheduled and will take place from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 3 and April 21 at the Extension Center, 905 Mount Vernon Ave.

On Feb. 3, Rick Kittles, associate professor of human cancer genetics, and Maurice Stevens, assistant professor of comparative studies, will lead a discussion on “Race and Genetics: Ethical Challenges of Genetic Science.” Kittles, a molecular geneticist, and Stevens, a scholar who examines questions of racial identity and critical race theory, will discuss the ethical, moral and social implications that arise when race and ethnicity are determined by genetic testing.

On April 21, James Upton, associate professor of African American and African Studies, and a second professor will discuss “The Black Vote.”

“Dr. Upton is very interested in this issue from historical and contemporary perspectives,” Dodge said. “So much of what resonated in the recent election had to do with history, and people saying that, once again, African Americans were being prevented from voting.”

Dodge said they are still looking for a second presenter, someone who might come from a different academic background than Upton, so as to present a broader viewpoint. “This isn’t a debate — it is a discussion,” she added. “What’s of value isn’t different opinions, but different approaches. We may get to the same point at the end, but it’s how we get there that’s important.”

Livingston said ICPRH is interested in continuing “On Moral Ground…” as long as there is interest. “We’re hoping to get it established and grow it a bit,” he said.

Dodge hopes the series catches on. “I think we’re offering a very valuable service. I don’t think there is a similar forum on campus,” she said. “In the ivory tower, we often miss the perspective that’s not theoretical, but based on reality. This allows our intellectual community to take advantage of the wisdom the greater community has to offer.”

For more information, call the Humanities Institute at 688-0265 or the Extension Center at 292-3922.
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