What are the bad things about the pioneers?

Answer 1

Remember, the test of a good debater is to present either side effectively! You have to be able to act, and make the listener believe that YOU believe what you're selling them. There are several ways to attack this, remembering the negative things that were said about EP during his career:

1. In the 50's, Elvis was credited with bringing sex and loose morality to the mainstream media with his moves, "wiggling and simulating sex" in front of TV cameras and impressionable young people. The media named him "Elvis the Pelvis" (he hated that name), his show was filmed by the police, he was banned in New Jersey in 1957.

2. He was also accused of "using marijuana to drive himself into a frenzy before performing" - so drugs and popularizing their use could be blamed on Elvis (even though this wasn't proven). In his later years (70s) EP was again accused of heavy drug use and sex orgies.

3. Elvis was one of the pioneers of long hair and facial hair as well, with his long oiled black hair and sideburns. A lot of what Elvis did a little of, ended up being done a lot MORE by others later... but you could argue that EP started it.

4. Elvis began the 'rock and roll' music revolution - really the first music style that was by and for young people. So any- and everything that young people are blamed for, that has become popular or known in the media, can be traced to his influence. Elvis, Marlon Brando and James Dean were the original rebels - young men who revolted against their parents and authorities in their movies - and millions of viewers were influenced by them.

Hey- enjoy this debate assignment, have fun with it. Put yourself in the role of seeing how Elvis opened the floodgate of immorality, violence, sexual freedom, and social drug use. It's an acting part, with a lot of things to use to help you. If you do it well, you'll make this a great time for all the students who listen, and learn from it too. Lawyers, politicians and salesmen have to debate in their careers (and often bend, exaggerate the truth or just plain lie) and it's a great skill - but anybody can debate the easy side, the side they believe in!