THB: The Story of Stuff is suitable curriculum for elementary school students.
Hello 11C,
I have to say this debate was the best I've seen thus far from any class this semester. Even though we only have 5 students, it was great to see real emotion and signs of real investment in the issue. You guys all looked a bit red in the face and believed in your arguments. I was satisfied when thinking to myself a certain POI should be raised - and then seeing it raised exactly as I'd hoped.
Mike, again doing the work of two men, gave a nice preamble and defined the debate EDS/Baumgardner style. Nice. The arguments for this GOV team weren't a lot different from the other two debates, but they were presented more clearly and emphatically. More conditions applied to how SofS should be taught and under what conditions. No real cry for environmental awareness, and none of the three debates really delved into this which, to me, is a curious thing, as I'm not that keen on the "teachers will diffuse the bias" argument.
Joohyung began by rebutting with criticisms of Leonard. She's too aggressive - not hard to prove, really. He addressed the dangers of bias, defined "propaganda," and alluded to some religious/political affiliations that the SofS has (though without detail - why didn't the GOV attack these vague claims? It didn't look like the OPP really knew the facts). Two criticisms I have here are a better/clearer roadmap could be improved, and facts have to be accurate - especially if you are going to accuse them of being wrong. It's "4% of original forests" - not 40%. It's all right here to criticize. Conspicuously absent are the stats regarding military spending.
Young Il (good flow but need more emotion) began with rebuttals placing great faith in the quality of "trained professionals" employed by our government to use SofS properly. This is conditional and supposed, so I think it's a weak argument/rebuttal. Some teachers are professional, and keep bias out of the classroom, and some don't. Unless they stop the video every few seconds to discuss Leonard's claims, there's no guarantee it will be used effectively. Young Il did say the video had merit as an environmental video, as it was very clear and persuasive. True - and I was waiting for a POI saying "That's EXACTLY why it shouldn't be used! Clear and persuasive with FACTS THAT ARE WRONG AND ANTI-GOVERNMENT!!!" but none came. The POI that did come was a bit weak/vague (Joohyung).
Gyutae's preamble regarding Coca Cola's subliminal ad campaigns was relevant and peaked some interest. Some appeals to authority with some "specialist" whom I can't remember the name of - good. But if I can't remember the name or what the point was - execution not as powerful as it could be. Excellent emotion and investment, and he got further into things as the speech went on. One thing - the rebuttals went on a bit long. In general, the OPP didn't frame their roadmap/arguments as neatly as the GOV.
Mike, again, stating "why we win" with "points of contention" and cleanly laid out points. Excellent. Good "bias can't be avoided" arguments and finally some comment on the textbook theme that made sense. I was leaning towards the GOV at this point, despite the idealistic arguments regarding "teachers will treat SofS professionally." Bias is unavoidable, but I think SofS crosses a line with the images of toxins, poisoned breast milk, and heads on fire. The absurd stats ice the cake. Bias is acceptable in degrees, but when is it too much? If the OPP could effectively apply this against the GOV, I decided I'd have to give the debate to them.
Chaerim didn't disappoint, and did a good job of attacking the competency of teachers. Good emotion, discussion, and tone. Nice "cartoon" comments that further show that SofS can be dangerous curriculum. Good work.
So, excellent debate. Again, I think the OPP has the advantage, especially arguing if this video is suitable for "elementary school" children. We all agree it isn't. The other videos on the site are much softer in stance, and I think they learned from the first one.
Regarding your Moore responses, also excellent. I was thrilled to see some debate between Gyutae and HuyUk from different classes. Keep that up.
Class 11C-Tuesday | C.R.#2 | Debate | |
Scorsese | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Spielberg | 9.3/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Hitchcock | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | |
Kubrick | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | |
Tarantino | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
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