Why are Debates important?

Answer 1

Debate is extremely important to our survival as a civilized world. Talking about issues and trying to figure out how to solve them, not only makes the World go round, make people smarter(reading, writing and researching are its core parts), and makes it easier for us to handle issues when they arise, but it has also been used for millennia as a way of passing on and changing cultural norms, laws and even mindsets. So even if YOU aren't a debater,(though most of the highly influential people in our universe, are or have been), it is very important that debates happen in many different settings.

My personal experience has been how having policy debate in urban cities across the Nation have finally given bright students the tools they need to be more successful, I was a debater in high school with a full ride debate scholarship to a prestigious four year university and am now a middle school teacher, debate coach and entrepreneur. I am not saying that all of this wouldn't have happened without debate, but it definitely made it easier...like the motto from the debate camp, I attended every summer in high school.." Life is hard, it's harder when your stupid"..don't be stupid, debate....and if my answer isn't enough, I decided to ask the students at the 2010 B'MORE Summer DB8 camp, why they thought debate was important, here's what they had to say:

"It teaches you critical thinking skills. It opens you up to different aspects of the world." ~Corey Lacey

"Debate teaches you how to think outside of the box, and how to stand up for yourself without resorting to violence. It also improves your speaking skills, helps you get along with your friends better and you meet smart like-minded people like yourself. It builds leaders that will make these decisions."Takia Wicks

"With debate, I can express my opinion, meet new people, but the most important reason, I think its important because I can prove people wrong with the power to back it up using only my words. That's power..." ~Phil Allen, Rising 9th grade debater

"I use debate as a tool to fight the stereotypical views of African American males..." ~

Khalil, Rising 9th grade debater

"Debate builds a strong mind." ~Matheno Frazier-Bey, Camp Staff, Towson University debater

"Inherently it's not and historically has caused more harm than good. But this community {Balitmore urban community} is looking for change. It wants to be able to use debate as a tool for liberating the people of this community not dominating them. Debate has really become a tool of change, and it that case, is extremely important.

~Spilly, Camp Staff, Hoop Revolution creator

" Debate is the best hope for saving ourselves." ~ Chris Baron, Camp Director

Whether or not , you agree with these statements, think their staged or just think they are wrong, my only advice would be to try it. Debate someone in your neighbor about an issue that the community can solve and develop solution, then act them out...the conversation is only the beginning...debate is an important tool for activism and that's why it's important to me