Opening statement for debate team. Question is : Is man naturally evil?

Question

I'm in a team where we have to debate the question:

Is man naturally evil?

I'm on the defense side so i have to prove that man is

naturally good, despite my personal opinion.

The statement is only 30 seconds.

I was thinking of just keeping it simple and general.

Something like

We believe that man is naturally good.

But I know that is way too short, so can anyone help me expand that?

I already have my argument, questions, and closing statement, but I need help with my opening statement because I don't want to give away my entire argument in the first statement

Answer 1

Man will naturally defend himself in the face of a threat, but no, I don't believe man is naturally evil. He is corrupted by his surroundings and ignorance. But this debate's been going on since Socrates, man. There will always be the two opposite opinions.

Answer 2

I'm sure you know this but here's a note on the fundamentals of debate. Your opener should immediately engage the listener, forcing them to be mindful.

Now i don't have a direct answer for you but here is something to consider: Why the question "is man naturally evil" was posed in the first place. Is it because we are decidedly undecided on the true nature of man?

Anyway, if this doesn't help your debate i hope it will allow you to feed your own brain.Good Luck!