whattawiseguy Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I personally like debates, and if it didn't involve public speaking i'd go in debate club. I'm shy :P But how do you feel about them? Do you think they cause too much fighting or are you laid back and just think they're fun? If they get too personal I think they can be bad. I don't like fighting. Just FRIENDLY debating if you know what I mean? But yeahh. So that's what i'm wondering! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bo89453 Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I am completely fine doing a debate for a class project, but on a public or national level? Nope. In today's society, friendly debates no longer exist. It's either "my view is right so leave" or "your view doesn't matter so shut up". Really, how is anyone supposed to have a say in anything when they are being criticized left and right for their own opinion? Especially when people begin insulting others, I mean really does that make you feel better about yourself? If you have to defend a subject with insults, I don't believe it is worth fighting for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whattawiseguy Posted November 10, 2010 Author Share Posted November 10, 2010 I completely agree with that. I respect everyone's opinion, unless they are just being ignorant and have no idea what they are even standing for or against. Other than debating with friends or in class I don't think I would enjoy it at all. Then it has gone from debate to fight/insult each other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aastra Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I'd go with what Volltaire once said "I do not agree with what you say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it." I think debates are vital for the advancement of societies:by discussing the fors and againsts of any given topic all participants can make informed decisions. Also it shows you the other person's point of view and by learning how other people think you grow as a person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuroida Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I hate debates. Usually they're about stupid topics and, when done in school, always lower my mark and/or create unwanted stress o.0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathleen_a_b Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 I like debates. They can sharpen your mind and expose you to different viewpoints you may not have considered or noticed on your own. When people start insulting each other or just flat out arguing, I don't think it really counts as a debate anymore and therefore cannot be considered under the same conditions. Debate teams and formal debates, however, are a little too structured for me. They just don't seem to be the most effective way of discussing a topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whattawiseguy Posted November 12, 2010 Author Share Posted November 12, 2010 That's also true, I've never been on a debate team so I actually have no idea if I would like it or not! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
selusa Posted November 13, 2010 Share Posted November 13, 2010 I'm all for them, mostly because they're so much fun. My parents have some friends that are super smart, opinionated, educated and well-spoken, so whenever they come over for dinner it's usually a discussion on whether global warming is a myth or the scientific reason behind ghosts or something. Those debates I can handle, because you're reading and responding to the other person's energy and vehemence. However, when it comes to Internet debating, I find myself headdesking with alarming frequency. Some people get so stubborn and convinced that they're right and that there's no way your point could possibly have value or worth, and you find yourself basically talking to a brick wall (or, I guess, more accurately, a computer screen), or just bailing out altogether and not responding. Like Key Quest. Man I hate that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAV of Gang Green Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 Debates are great for expressing your opinion and defending it with gathered evidence. But it's not good when someone starts yelling and inturrupting, and disapproving of your opinion because they don't like you. That kills the spirit of debate, and turns it into a pointless arguement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Secre Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 I enjoy debates but I will always stick to the basic rule of only attacking the argument and never the person behind it. As soon as a debate gets into a personal argument then I leave, as I can't be bothered with it. I enjoy debates for the fun of the argument, I'm not in it to offend or upset people! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Yoshinho Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 I am ok with debates there are a sorta good way of figuring out what is right. Having people share their own opinion and their side of the story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macabre Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I enjoy debating, but I always have to be in the right mood for it. I can't do it if I'm feeling apathetic. Debating has really helped me developed my viewpoints, and taught me how to show people my reasoning and logic behind my beliefs. (I was cringing earlier as I read some of my previous posts in the debate/discussions threads and how much they've changed in the time I've spent away from these forums.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex_and_ria Posted November 17, 2010 Share Posted November 17, 2010 Yes, I like debates, but private ones. I'm not really fond of public debates (i.e. politics, global warming, et cetra). One time, my class had a debate about whether or not women should be priests. I was uncomfortable with this debate, because it talked about religion, and I believe that religion is the way one believes. (If that makes any sense to anyone.) We did have another debate, about whether boys should be able to sit next to girls in the classroom. I thought this was a fine debate, although it was hard to give an oppion without being offensive. So, it is hard to say whether or not I like debates. :sad01_anim: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whattawiseguy Posted November 17, 2010 Author Share Posted November 17, 2010 Macabre, that's a really good point.. I really have to be in the mood for debating, or else it just sucks. And Alex I agree with you too.. debating some things, especially things that are person, is just awkward... :/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spritzie Posted November 17, 2010 Share Posted November 17, 2010 For me, it depends on the kind of debate. I enjoy a nice exchanging of opinions and supporting "arguments." But when things get heated and people start to be rude and lose respect for the other's opinions, then I'm no longer interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seliphra Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 I agree with the overall here. When it's a real debate, I often enjoy it, -by a real debate though, I mean a calm discussion on you point of view with supporting arguments, and then listening to the other person calmly and hearing their opinions and views. If people are screaming or swearing then it is not a debate. I think the only way for people to enjoy themselves though is if BOTH sides come to the table with an open mind and ear. Otherwise people get so stubborn and stuck in their own point of view that they aren't willing to even attempt understanding. The best way I find is to write a speech supporting both sides and then go with the one you feel suits your own personal beliefs. You have to really research the topic you're debating otherwise you are just as ignorant as the person who refuses to see both sides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slinky Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 I have a pretty neutral view. There's nothing wrong with sharing your opinion, but debating it isn't worth the effort. In the end, people are going to believe what they want to believe, no matter what 'proof' you try to stick in their face. If you think you're right, then that should be enough satisfaction (but the fact is that we are greedy little s**ts who wouldn't see our own arrogance if it punched us in the face). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuroida Posted December 2, 2010 Share Posted December 2, 2010 Another reason why I hate debates: They make you pissed at people you normally wouldn't be pissed at....and you stay pissed for hours >.< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunnyca568 Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Yeah, I love debates.. you get to see both sides and what other people think. I hate public speaking too... that's why I'm not in the debate club :P This topic has been edited by a member of staff (Spritzie) because of a violation of the forum rules. Please do not bump topics over 21 days old. Please check your user inbox to see if you have been contacted regarding this incident, then review our rules. Per the reason above, this topic has been LOCKED. Please contact Spritzie if you have any questions regarding this action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts