CAP 10 Debates

Assignment/Activity Title— CAP 10 Debates

Year— Sophomore

Skill— Public Performance, Research

Portfolio— Social Awareness

When I got introduced to the CAP 10 debates (which are exactly what they sound like, two versus two debates), I was immediately excited. I like public speaking, and I think it’s something I’m fairly good at. In middle school, and even last year, I liked group discussions and debates because it’s the only time academically you get to challenge and attack someone head-on. They’re not just tests of the issue being discussed; debates are tests of character as well as how powerful and eloquently one speaks. So, I was excited.

            When we got the topics, the only two that really stuck out at me were gun legislation, and the NSA spying scandal. When I saw Richard pick gun control, I chose it too because I like working with him. This is another aspect of two-person debates: you need to really trust your partner. As a duo, you need to hit home with your audience and deliver your points powerfully.

            When I got feedback from Mr. Freeman after our debate, it was mainly about not being too harsh, and being too forceful with Emma and the questioning. Although I understand what he meant, I didn’t really see it. When I asked Emma, and my classmates, they thought it was fine. But being told that was just another incident where I realized that so much of life is about appearance, not content. Which I knew going into the debate, to a certain extent. But I also feel that debates should be focused on content and the issue at hand more so than appearance. Obviously the character of the debaters is going to be a factor no matter what, but it should be overshadowed by the content of the debate and the points made. Additionally, I was told it seemed like I was being harsh because Emma’s a female. Which is a valid point based on our society, but sex should definitely NOT factor into an intellectual debate. This still irks me.

            In addition, the debate (and that incident specifically) made me realize that I can get in my own way sometimes. Even if I was too harsh with my questioning, I did make my point. Using yes or no questions, I got Emma to agree with my point – that semi-automatics are used only for murder – but the point that I made was missed because people were too focused on my tone and how Emma and I held ourselves.

            In summary, my CAP 10 debate showed me that there’s a lot more to life than ideas. Although ideas and intellectualism are valued, more emphasis is placed on personality. Which, looking back, is probably the same reason most of our presidents are not seen as nerdy – we elect those with good personalities and some smarts, rather than intellectuals. For better or worse.