Thoughts on "Resolved" documentary on HBO?

Question

The two kids from Jordan High School in California had it right on about the whole debating style currently used in competitive debating, I hope to hear more from their instructor and them in the future.

Answer 1

They certainly seem to know what they are talking about, and it would be very interesting to hear more from them.

Answer 2

Powerful and a compelling argument that high school debate and debate in general is debased by the "banking method," of education. I have met so many debate students, over the years who seem to want to go into their document tubs and search for a quote when asked to give their opinions or personal feelings on a subject. Richard and Louis were men playing with boys. (Too many white boys and not enough girls or inner city kids, by the way)

Answer 3

The approach of the Long Beach Team seems to me a bit much. I understand the protest against this obscure style of competition, but give me a break; if you came to play, then play.To the extent their strategy worked it is a one trick pony. The last judge made great points about the inconsistency of the argument; they argue against the game of banking knowledge, but their whole approach IS a big banked play. So it made for interesting television that they made it work for a while, but if the message of the film is that more urban children will engage in debate via challenging  the format, this I see as self-defeating...both within the scope of this intriguing sport, but also on the stage of life.

Bottom line: you don't win a baseball game by playing football, or refusing to play ball at all.

Answer 4

I can understand the two young black men's intentions, but I feel that debate should keep certain traditions: a focus on the question at hand, a reliance on logic and evidence, and a focus on research. It makes sense that the one with the best argument and most evidence would win, and therefore it makes sense to "bank" more information and arguments.

If those two young men wanted to change the way debate is held, they shouldn't confuse the issue by changing the subject to racism (a trick one could only use for one year BTW), but BEAT the banking method at ADDRESSING THE ISSUE with whatever "non-racist, non-elitist" method they propose.