Course (1 lessons)
An Exercise in Civil, Respectful Political Debate
Description
Note: I have done my best to upload a high quality video with my explanation to go along with the PDF, but here is the YouTube link that is also another video reference that perhaps will work better for groups:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na6mDh-_bO4
Motivation behind Debate Exercise
How can we reduce the great divisiveness in our society right now? This is the question that I had in mind when I created this debate exercise (please see PDF format below). We seem to all be living in our own separate clusters with an unwillingness or inability to communicate with each other. It is so important for us to remember that at the end of the day, we are all Americans. Whatever happened to the ideal that we can disagree with others, but also respect others' right to their own opinions? This exercise was designed simply to get us as Americans back in the habit of not just debating civilly, but to communicate with one another in a way that encourages the opportunity for us to really actively listen to those whose opinions differ from our own.
It seems that debating civilly and communicating openly in good faith has become an activity of the past. It is time we begin to open up dialogue to move past our separated worlds " whether these divisions are based on political, racial, religious, sexual orientation or even geographical identities. A core right of every citizen is the right to Freedom of Speech in these United States of America. However, my opinion is that we need to emphasize that while our speech can and should be highly spirited and passionate, we have a responsibility to also listen and understand others' viewpoints.
Our leaders have set a poor example in that lately they do not seek compromise with one another. The current federal government shutdown demonstrates how both sides just refuse to engage in civil discussion in order to find a way that gives each side some of what they want. We need to do much better as a people in finding commonsense solutions to issues through compromise.
My hope is that this exercise helps in some small way to reduce the constant screaming at one another (whether that be literally or via social media) and contribute to Americans listening to one another again. We've done it before and we can do it again " all Americans uniting together under our flag of freedom.
Finally, I suggest the exercise using one of the essays from my book: Man in the Middle: A Collection of Essays by a Red, White and Blue American that is currently available on many e-book platforms or in paperback at very reasonable pricing (I'm always running sales particularly on the e-book). However, any current issue or subject that the session organizer/instructor wishes to select can be used for the debate exercise.
And remember: Have fun with it! Thanks, Eric Nachamie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na6mDh-_bO4
Motivation behind Debate Exercise
How can we reduce the great divisiveness in our society right now? This is the question that I had in mind when I created this debate exercise (please see PDF format below). We seem to all be living in our own separate clusters with an unwillingness or inability to communicate with each other. It is so important for us to remember that at the end of the day, we are all Americans. Whatever happened to the ideal that we can disagree with others, but also respect others' right to their own opinions? This exercise was designed simply to get us as Americans back in the habit of not just debating civilly, but to communicate with one another in a way that encourages the opportunity for us to really actively listen to those whose opinions differ from our own.
It seems that debating civilly and communicating openly in good faith has become an activity of the past. It is time we begin to open up dialogue to move past our separated worlds " whether these divisions are based on political, racial, religious, sexual orientation or even geographical identities. A core right of every citizen is the right to Freedom of Speech in these United States of America. However, my opinion is that we need to emphasize that while our speech can and should be highly spirited and passionate, we have a responsibility to also listen and understand others' viewpoints.
Our leaders have set a poor example in that lately they do not seek compromise with one another. The current federal government shutdown demonstrates how both sides just refuse to engage in civil discussion in order to find a way that gives each side some of what they want. We need to do much better as a people in finding commonsense solutions to issues through compromise.
My hope is that this exercise helps in some small way to reduce the constant screaming at one another (whether that be literally or via social media) and contribute to Americans listening to one another again. We've done it before and we can do it again " all Americans uniting together under our flag of freedom.
Finally, I suggest the exercise using one of the essays from my book: Man in the Middle: A Collection of Essays by a Red, White and Blue American that is currently available on many e-book platforms or in paperback at very reasonable pricing (I'm always running sales particularly on the e-book). However, any current issue or subject that the session organizer/instructor wishes to select can be used for the debate exercise.
And remember: Have fun with it! Thanks, Eric Nachamie
Note: I have done my best to upload a high quality video with my explanation to go along with the PDF, but here is the YouTube link that is also another video reference that perhaps will work better for groups:... more
Details
Type
Course
Subtype
Self-paced
Subject
Government & Civics
Language
English
Grade
12th Grade (Senior) (ages 17–18), College/University, Lifelong Learning
Standard
—
Age group
Adult (18+), All Age Groups, Teenager (13–17)
Refunds
No Refunds
Expertise
I am a self-published author of Man in the Middle: A Collection of Essays by a Red, White and Blue American in which I discuss many current and recent social/political issues. Any issue can be used as the focal point in this exercise, but my book with several essays is a great fit in providing subjects that could be used to improve debate and public discourse practices by students or members of civic, social organizations. My undergraduate degree is in Political Science with a Law and Political Philosophy concentration. Also, I earned my master's degree in Public Administration. I worked several years in local government public administration in North Carolina. Finally, my greatest qualification in creating and distributing this debate exercise lies in my desire to reduce the intense divisiveness that, in my opinion, is currently a great plague on our nation. I am a proud American who wishes to do his part in bringing back kindness, fairness and, most of all, civility to our public dialogue. Thank you. Eric L. Nachamie
I am a self-published author of Man in the Middle: A Collection of Essays by a Red, White and Blue American in which I discuss many current and recent social/political issues. Any issue can be used as the focal point... more
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How to get in touch with me with questions?
My e-mail is [email protected]