Pandora’s War of words
“Debate is combat. Your words are your weapons.”
– Melvin Tolson, The Great Debaters
What Debate Is and Why It Matters
Debate has existed for thousands of years, going back as early as 1700 BCE, when philosophers used it for intellectual sparring. How can we use a formal debate to convince an audience of our perspective? Today it remains a core skill. I believe debating is something everyone should understand, because learning how to defend your ideas and clearly communicate them to the world is essential.
The Great Debaters is one of the most powerful films I have seen. Released in 2007, it tells the story of the 1935 Wiley College debate team, coached by Professor Melvin Tolson. Despite the intense racial prejudice of the Great Depression era, the team rose to national recognition. For the students in this film, attending a Black college gave them a platform to find their voice and make a statement to the world. Tolson tells his students to “find and keep your righteous mind,” a message that shows how debate can shape a person’s confidence, discipline, and sense of purpose.
My Thinking
For me, debate represents a tool I can use for the rest of my life. It helps me defend my ideas, but it also teaches me how to understand other perspectives. When I look deeper, the value of debate is not only in arguing well but in listening well. It forces you to research, to think critically, and to break down ideas until you understand them with real depth.
I usually consider myself a strong speaker. I have done a lot of public speaking, and I can articulate my thinking clearly. My biggest challenge this year is developing deeper knowledge. Debate shows how important depth really is, because you cannot speak persuasively without understanding your topic. This means doing research, questioning your assumptions, and building a solid foundation before you ever step in front of an audience.
Further Action
As I move forward in this project, I want to keep coming back to one guiding question. What is the true value that comes out of debating? I think answering that will show me not only how to be a better speaker, but how to be a better thinker.