Inner City Students Learn the power of Debate

[DBlack]

Thanks to the Urban Debate League and Atlanta's Emory University, innercity kids are learning to the powerful art and skill of debate:

"Leaders at Emory reasoned that debating would provide students in Atlanta's inner-city schools with communication skills useful in conflict resolution, advocacy and other aspects of their lives."

This awesome program has blossomed into over 17 leagues with over 2,000 students from innercity schools.

"Historically, if you're white and male and affluent, this is a game you play," said Melissa Maxey-Wade, the Emory-based executive co-director of the National Debate Project. "But when you level the playing field, everybody wins."

Teaching our kids how to debate empowers them with so many skills, especially the ability to disagree and manage conflict without escalating into areas where the mind is used less intelligently.

I used to be on the debate team in high school, and while it was very challenging, it really changed the way I looked at people, conversation, the law, discussion, opinions and so many other things.

I would recommend any teacher or parent to get their kids in some type of debate activities.

What do you think? Do you see a benefit to debate, or is it perhaps a waste of time for black kids.

Source.

[AdriansMommy]

A waste of time? Absolutely not. I wish that debate was a required course. I didnt take debate in school becaues I was a very shy kid, but I wish I would have. The art of debate is a very usefull way to get your point across without resulting to violence, self control, and how to view things from another point of view. Theres always a way one should go about doing things, and I think classes like this would help today's youth alot.

[Corals]

I think it is a brilliant idea because such skills can only benefit them in all aspects of their lives where they have to communicate with others, from within the family unit to the boardroom.

[therealisticlady]

Teaching children to use thier minds to win battles is wonderful. This will have a positive affect on these children. I only wish that it was available for all children. I have never taken a debate class because it was not offered in any schools I went to and I know my childrens schools dont have it offered either. They do have debate but it is a club reserved for above average students. You even have to try out just like a team. It is sad because I think all children could benefit from these results.

more important that the winning is actually expressing yourself so that everyone can understand what you are expressing.

[naskiecenye]

i its great they will need this for college
they will also learn how to stand their ground when it comes to issues that they believe in

It gives them confidence and makes them out spoken

builds self-esteem

[Chelbe]

I think its a all around good idea. Hopefully it will encourage students to speak up and out on what they believe and feel confident in doing so.

[Blak]

This is BRILLIANT. For all the jokers out there (kids and adults alike) that take the attitude that "talking is for white people" in a variety of life situations, a program like this would shield those children that take part in it from becomming so moronic. Problem solving skills, self esteem building, presentation skills, getting over shyness, conflict resolution, leadership skills (which together with problem solving can improve ones parenting skills in the future)....it goes on. All of this is needed in our youth. We need to be able to stand up and be active in our communities too and without the ability to communicate, we wont get any message accross at all. This needs to be everywhere in every black community, inner city and any minority area to help the kids in those places.

Blak

[Isis7]

Definitely NOT a waste of time. Good debate skills are needed not only in the business world but also out there in the REAL world. Whether negotiating a business deal or a mortgage, you need good debate skills. This is an excellent idea, and long overdue.

[jimihaze]

yes I am all for this. this is long over due.debating helps build better communication skills. Commmunication skills are sadly lacking in the young people today.