3 Things To Consider When You're In The Having A Debate | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

3 Things To Consider When You're In The Having A Debate

There is a difference between having a debate and trying to push your agenda.

1267
3 Things To Consider When You're In The Having A Debate
Kyle Glenn

I had a lightbulb realization for the first time during a debate in class that the use of debates in today's society has changed into an action that is similar to walking on thin ice. The true purpose of informal debates has been forced to change with the growing divide between strict political parties and political correctness. At a previous time, before politics began tearing people apart, debates were used to understand a topic and other perspectives deeper. It was used in schools, the workplace, families, and between friends. We used them to grow our knowledge. There is a value in considering the other side even if you don't agree.

Debates are now used to push peoples agenda.

People can back and forth and forth about a topic they are passionate about because they believe they are right and others need to believe they are right as well. This is pushing your agenda. Debates are supposed to be a healthy environment for people to share their beliefs with support to back up why that is their opinion. Instead of using a debate to share our beliefs or facts, people are pushing what they believe needs to change or happen in a debate. Everyone has their own sets of beliefs and values and you cannot expect that by pushing yours on someone else they will listen to you more. We have misplaced the definition or opinion/perspective to be something that has to change in people if you don't agree.

There are no longer rules to follow when having a debate.

Informal debates typically are supposed to be structured in so as to not have a whole group of people offended by one another for attempting to push their agendas or negate someone's opinions. There is a difference between not agreeing with someone and putting them down for their perspective. People are taking on the defense role or the attack role and that is not what debates were designed to be. People take their feeling of passion to use in a fight or flight mode when they are desperate to get people to see their side. There need to be explicit rules to follow and the group needs to understand why they are having a debate to begin with.

Participants of debates now won't stop until a side wins.

A debate is defined as a formal discussion on a particular topic in a meeting or assembly, in which arguments are put forward to discuss. In no way does it state that their either party is right or wrong or is meant to come to down to how is right or wrong. It is the sharing of different opinions in order to educate one another more. By pushing one's agenda it causes people to think there is only a single way of thinking and that is not what democracy was designed to be. Informal debates are used in the sharing of differing views to expand our knowledge. There is no winner to a war on opinions.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180904
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7838
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452931
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23559
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments