Dear Debate,
Now that I am going into my second year of college I have to thank you for everything that I have learned. I can research efficiently and effectively, I can quickly think of responses to issues raised in class, and most importantly I can persuade others to appreciate my view on a particular subject. Without you debate, I would have not learned these skills until I got to college. Since I learned these skills in high school, college has been made easier and my professors admire my articulate and prepared nature. You gave me my first ever summer job and helped me gain skills that are helpful outside academia. Lastly, you taught me the power and the importance of networking. Yes, I learned to talk to people. While many told me no, I found people that were happy to help me throughout my debate career and people that are happy to help me in college.
However, debate there were times were you stabbed me in the back. At times you became too focused on my identity and my reputation. Many judges and coaches were less receptive to my arguments because of how I looked and who I did not know. I was told that only certain identities have the appropriate oppressed narrative. My identity did not exist because it did not fit someone’s preconceived notion of a marginalized identity. My arguments did not register in many judges’ minds because they were not wrapped in an appealing school name. Come on debate. Many members of the community tout you as inclusive and open to all viewpoints. That is really not the case. Debaters who were included had to be from either a big school or a certified marginalized group. I fit neither and my arguments were given a lower amount of credence and some judges copped a stank attitude when they voted for me. Debate, you should not tolerate judges who value reputation over substance, and you should not tolerate Anti-Semitic arguments on the basis that Anti-Semitism was not “that bad.” It should be a place where our arguments are challenged and a place where our notions of the world are challenged. All of this is taken away when a winner is chosen before both sides have an adequate chance to persuade the judge.
Debate, you were what I lived for in high school. But there are glaring problems that have begun to outweigh the positive aspects of you. You changed from a place where I felt like I belonged to a place where I felt great anger and sadness. Peace out debate, it’s been real.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth