OA325: Bonus Andrew!

As a fellow LD debate coach, I completely agree with Andrew’s rebuttal to this article . I have been in debate in one way or another for the last 15 years so I acknowledge that I have a bias on this topic. However one thing debate teaches you the longer you are in it is how to remove your own personal bias and look to the underlying information and reasoning . That being said, I can honestly say without bias Andrew severely undercuts the benefits of debate , Some of these benefits he did not mention are , 1. Most high schools dedicate 4-6 weeks specifically to writing a persuasive speech with 3 cited sources as part of the normal curriculum. For debaters this is an easy A you can get in your sleep with a bonus 4-6 weeks your essentially free to do whatever you want because your speech only took 3 days to write 2. Debate topics and the information you hear in rounds frequently offer insight into important problems have not yet risen on the political horizon . A few examples I have personally seen are ;Climate change, The rise of white nationalism, Universal Basic Income or UBI, Impacts of Mandatory minimum sentences, The Social Impacts of the rise in Automation just to name a few 3. If you can wright an LD case you can write a paper in collage . the skills Andrew mentions in research and presenting that information in a convincing manner gets you better grades and makes collage much easier 4. In the real world you are presented with arguments in real time . In debate rounds you have 4 mins prep time total for the entire round.(3 back in mine and Andrews day!) Debate rounds train you in quickly analyzing new arguments , understanding them (even when poorly made) , and prepping arguments or solutions . This has tremendous value in any job. 5. Debate looks very good on any resume no matter the job or collage you are applying for . 6. Debate teaches you how to portray yourself with confidence even when in doubt. This is a valuable tool both in life and in dating. However in the spirit of the show and debate I do feel obligated to Steelman the opposing side 1. Debate does breed attitude of arrogance. ( but so does being successful or a teenager) 2. Debate is addictive and time consuming and some students might not have the time for other extracurricular activities Finally with bias I would also argue , 1. Everyone should support the debate program and force kids into it as a mandatory graduation requirement 2. Anyone who does not support this should be banned as an OA patron, arrested for endangering the public , and branded with a trump logo so anyone with half a brain knows to stop listening when you talk. 3. Andrew should make an episode over each new LD topic going forward (and post his research and cards in the show notes)

As a former college debater (using the British Parliamentary Debate as our basis), it was fun to hear for once. However, what I loved most about it is Andrew showcasing his analytical reading skills, shredding the arguments in the article to shreds. Maybe he can pick an article about a different subject next time? In analyzing it, he would showcase what a good debater is all about: someone who can formulate the pro’s and con’s of a subject, and give cohesive (and funny!) arguments why an argument stands or falls. It would help people realize the complexity of issues and the fake arguments people use. On both sides.

Susan Schutjes