CSUS professor speaks on 'The Color Line'

The lines of social division are deeply carved, and this is threatening to the soul of the nation, said Otis L. Scott, CSUS professor of ethnic studies and government. Scott delivered the John C. Livingston Annual Faculty Lecture in the University Theater on Thursday afternoon.

Scott, a CSUS faculty member since 1974 and the current chair of the ethnic studies department, was visibly moved as he was honored before the packed audience for his contributions to the university and excellence in professorship.

Scott said he was particularly proud because Livingston was a decent, caring human being.

Scott spoke about the life, ideologies and accomplishments of William Dubois, an icon of African-American history. Scott encouraged people to learn from Dubois' insight and that of others who "traveled the road before us."

As we look to the year 2000 with anticipation, there is also anxiety about the many challenges that lie ahead, he said.

Scott said that defining elements of the past must be addressed.

"Our past stalks us like a long shadow, reshaping itself, generation after generation," he said.

Although the color line is not as visible as it used to be, it is still an issue even today, Scott said. Relative progress has been made in the struggle to overcome racism, sexism and ageism among other injustices, yet the color line still shapes our social experiences and impacts the moral fabric of our lives, he said.

"Many people are in deep denial about our social structure and processes," he said.

Scott said that the color line is like a "bad habit of the mind," which often acts as a barricade and can destroy the soul of the nation.

"The color line exists today in the attitudes, practices and habits passed down like old clothing or an heirloom," Scott said.

Scott said that achievements made by African-Americans are made in spite of the color line, not because it doesn't exist. They refuse to allow advocates of limitation and exclusion sabotage their opportunities.

Scott said we must build an inclusive, democratic society in which race, gender, class and sexual orientation are no longer significant in ordering social relations. This requires a commitment to re-envision and reconstruct our society.

"There's a role for us to play," Scott said. "We can't give in, up or out to the negative forces that keep us down."

The challenges of oppression still linger, yet Scott said he is optimistic.

"I believe we can shape our destinies. We can influence our futures," he said.

Social justice comes from organization, hard work and courage, he said. We can choose a different path that leads to a more just society of inclusion and equity. He said a transformed society may not be easy, yet it's critical that we stay on course, especially as we enter into the next century.

"Lines can be redrawn between diverse peoples. We can do it with courage," Scott said.