Our Debates Today

My family recommends me to see “great debaters” DVD, last week. Watching this movie brought my memories back to my days as a member of Parahyangan English Debate Society (PEDS). The rules in debating is simple : there is no rules, the sky is the limit for your arguments. But of course there are guidelines for debating that direct us such as : your argument can not be altruistic (for example). It doesn’t matter whether you are in the affirmative team or in the negative side. The winner is the one who gives arguments that makes sense and acceptable for all.

I wonder why in Indonesia people don’t put debate as part of their culture. Perhaps because Indonesian people doesn’t like to argue and tends to finish their debate by fighting with each other. Actually it pose more reason why we should debate more often so we can practice on how to argue without emotion. By practicing debate we also let ourselves think for both side perspectives on any problems we faced. I also believe that a lot of problem could be finalized with dialog through debate.

The reason I think why the great debaters is a good movies is because it encourage us to have faith in what we believe. It give us perspective on why we should not give in to our fear, especially fear of losing the battle. Along the way people will look down on us or doubt our abilities or even accused us of dreaming the impossible. Although it is hard to move on, the wind seems to be heavier than we could prepared for or the future looks very faltering ahead this movies teach us to stand firm, unwavering. It encourages us to face our challenges with an open mind and a brave heart. And that is all what we need to get to our ends.