Thomas Alexander Herzog
"Describe an issue of state, local, or national concern to you"
As a debater, I have a general knowledge of multiple issues in the world today, and I'm fully able to explain my opinion on these issues and back up those opinions with logic and evidence. Of all the lessons I have learned throughout my debate experience, the most important to me was that watching the news as much as possible and just caring about what is going on around you will benefit your way of life exponentially. When I started becoming aware of current events, I realized that my opinions were actually valid, and that I stopped feeling inferior to those who had decided to become aware earlier than I. With this, I believe that everyone possess this skill. Too many times have I heard my peers address some issue that they knew little about, and argue it to the death. Everyone deserves to have an opinion, and I think that if anyone wants to argue it, they should at least know all of the facts. For example, when a classmate of mine says "anyone who votes for 'this presidential candidate' is an idiot", I always ask "okay, and why is that?". As a response, I receive an incorrect piece of information that they previously misinterpreted. It concerns me that so many people hold opinions that they feel so strongly about, but don't know why they do. I think this entire world can benefit from people just simply watching the news for thirty minutes in the morning or just reading one or two articles every now and then. Imagine the amount of progress that would develop if everyone chose their side of an argument, stated factual evidence in support of why they believe they are right, and listened to the other person explain why they believe they are right. Perhaps that is why at the end of a debate round, both participants end with a handshake, as opposed to those uneducated arguments that end uncivilly.
This will obviously always be a problem, but I would like to know that one day we can severely downsize this predicament and maybe progress can be achieved
Perhaps debate should be a core class, teaching children how to effectively argue their opinions. Perhaps schools should require a current event article every week so the child can learn an interesting thing or two. I hope that when I am older, I will be able to share my knowledge with the youth. I believe that with this, the world will be a better place.
