Debate Dynamics
Ashley Wang | Nov. 5, 2024 | Sports
At Stanton College Preparatory School, students are encouraged to become globally aware and civically engaged citizens, a mission deeply embedded in the school's culture. These young soon-to-be voters navigate through nuanced perspectives, empowering them to become more involved, aware, and cohesive. This vision evolves through clubs like Mock Trial or Youth in Government, which play pivotal roles in fostering advocacy.
“Advocacy is about understanding that we are all part of a much larger whole,” said Mr. Steven Ingram, Ethics Bowl and Law Club sponsor. “These clubs are opportunities not only for the school but for the individuals who participate.”
From Model United Nations to Ethics Bowl to Law Club, Stanton’s civic engagement clubs aim to develop essential skills such as critical thinking and effective communication for political action. In Ethics Bowl, for instance, students confront ethical cases and develop an opinion through teamwork and public speaking skills to create a logical and organized argument. These organizations equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute positively to their communities. Through their involvement, students learn that being informed and active participants in civic life fosters a more just and equitable society.
“During competition[s], we [must] be quick [in responding],” said senior Alan Tang, co-president of Law Club. “We [must] argue and communicate our case coherently. These skills are important for whatever field [we choose in the] future.”
These skills encourage students to engage in outside political debates, where advocacy is pivotal in providing opportunities to influence policy or shape societal trends. In recent years, however, some U.S. presidential debates have devolved from traditional discussions into entertainment-focused spectacles. As a result, the 2024 presidential debates necessitated the introduction of five new rules, including muted microphones, addressing concerns about the tone and conduct of the debate.
“Model UN helps us understand what is happening in the world,” said senior Bela Purandare, treasurer of Model UN. “Not only in the United States but globally [as we recognize] different issues in different places.”
While some express opinions without considering opposing viewpoints, political organizations teach students to slow down and listen. The goal is not just to argue but to understand, collaborate, and seek solutions that benefit the community. This practice of receptiveness provides students with the essential skills for effective activism, ensuring they approach causes with thoughtful consideration and informed strategies.
Individuals often use social media to inform themselves about real-world politics. The development of social media has created a new norm through its widespread usage, where political figures often employ tactics to outsmart their opposition. These debates resemble performances rather than exchanges of ideas, with candidates focusing on “winning” through clever retorts or taunts to undermine the other side.
“At a young age, you [are] involved in social media,” said Arnav Khanolkar, sophomore Model UN delegate. “[As] you grow and develop, you become more aware of what is going on in the political world.”
For students involved in advocacy and debate, social media presents both a challenge and an opportunity. They must adapt to new political cultures and embrace different social issues, as they represent their generation and future. By learning to slow down, fact-check, and engage with opposing viewpoints, students can rise above and become advocates for meaningful change.