Let's Have Good Debates
Debate. Many believe it to be something to avoid. Something that tears apart relationships and disturbs the peace. This is because modern debates are exactly that.
What Makes a Good Debate?
For a good debate, both debaters must have a distinct, clear stance on an issue. There must be respect for your opponent and debate rules. Finally, there has to be a consequence to losing the debate. This can be losing an award or simply the competition that comes with presenting in front of thousands or millions of people.This is not the case with the debates we see today. Internet debates are unproductive because you're disconnected from your opponent, from an audience, and from anything to lose.Private debates (between friends for example) aren't much better. The only difference is that you're a little bit more connected to your opponent.Debates between political opponents are a bit better. They could lose an election because of a poor performance, and they're debating in front of thousands of people. The one thing missing is an emphasis on respect for the rules and opponent.
SOLUTION: Good Debates
We don't have to settle for the mediocrity of the debates that I just mentioned. Many regard the word "debate" as a synonym of "WRATHFUL ARGUMENT". It doesn't have to be. Debates were once a respected part of society. A way to discuss important topics and bring all arguments to the forefront.
How It Would Work
A website will be created where whenever a topic of great bearing on society arises, people may easily nominate and elect someone to represent their side of the issue. Speakers or writers well known and respected as authorities on the subject matter can either apply to debate or be recommended.Debates will be live streamed. The winner will be determined by three things.Three, five, or seven judges from a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints will judge the round. They will vote for one debater of the two based on respectful attitude, and the opinion of the judges on what points were most important and who won them.After the debate, viewers of the debate will vote on who they believe won the round. Before watching, they will specify through their account on the website whether they are for, against, or undecided on the issue. This will determine how many people were swayed by the speaker's opinion and how many were unswayed.Penalties as a result of inappropriate behavior or breaking debate rules will lower the ending result of who won the debate.The first two results will be converted into percentages and then averaged out. Then penalties will be applied to that figure to reveal the winner of a debate.The debates will have strict guidelines for speaking only when it is your turn, and penalties for lost time as a result of breaking that rule. Attacking your opponent or speaking with profane or disrespectful language will result in loss of time as well as points deducted from your end score.
We Need This Now More Than Ever
We see new topics for debate in the news every day. Many of these have a direct impact on society, and it is important to hear both sides from a respectful source. Hearing it from profanity blasting, faceless people on the internet is getting us nowhere. It's time to bring back a forum for discussion with class and elegance. If we want to improve our country, we must improve its culture. That starts by improving ourselves and being willing to listen to other opinions and hear the whole story from a strong source.