Intelligence Squared Debate Reflection
This project was in the style of preparing an Oxford style debate. We as a class have been looking at culture and religions in the Middle East. Specifically we started looking at issues that have risen from conflicts in the Middle East that the U.S. has been involved in. For an example the use of torture, the use of drones and the refugee crisis in the area. The topic I choose was examining the use of drones in military actions in the Middle East. I took the position that the U.S. should not use drones in the Middle East. We build our background knowledge by researching pro and con drone use in newspapers and magazines online such as current New York Times articles, CNN reports, and the Huffington Post editorials. The preparation process was doing the research followed by the TEA paper with three arguments and one rebuttal. From the finished essay we built an argument for our debate.
In this project I learned more about how terrorism has shaped the world today. I was able to reflect on how a terrorist a group can be defined as terrorist or not based on a personal bias. For example many people feel that Islam is a terrorist religion but is not the case. There are many practicing Islamists who are peaceful and good citizens. I learned more about ISIS and how they came into existence. I feel like as a country the U.S. is justified for using drones as an effective use of modern technology in warfare but there is room for improvement.
This Oxford style debate was new to me even though I’ve done other debate and public speaking projects. The physical structure of the debate with specific seating was difficult for me as I had to stand and walk to the podium for a designated turn to speak instead of shouting out. This was a great lesson in time management as I had to slow down and mentally prepare my arguments for each time it was my turn. Rebutting was new and exciting and more interesting than doing a constructive argument. I feel like I’m better with this practice but there is always room for improvement. I would like to be able to listen and retain information from my opponent to build a stronger rebuttal.
In this project I learned more about how terrorism has shaped the world today. I was able to reflect on how a terrorist a group can be defined as terrorist or not based on a personal bias. For example many people feel that Islam is a terrorist religion but is not the case. There are many practicing Islamists who are peaceful and good citizens. I learned more about ISIS and how they came into existence. I feel like as a country the U.S. is justified for using drones as an effective use of modern technology in warfare but there is room for improvement.
This Oxford style debate was new to me even though I’ve done other debate and public speaking projects. The physical structure of the debate with specific seating was difficult for me as I had to stand and walk to the podium for a designated turn to speak instead of shouting out. This was a great lesson in time management as I had to slow down and mentally prepare my arguments for each time it was my turn. Rebutting was new and exciting and more interesting than doing a constructive argument. I feel like I’m better with this practice but there is always room for improvement. I would like to be able to listen and retain information from my opponent to build a stronger rebuttal.