Debating Racism
Every Wednesday there is a meeting of YES Club members, where people
discuss a great variety of interesting topics. The subject of December 6th’s meeting was
‘Racism is not a serious disease in Russia’.
The point of debating is that all members team up in two groups – the
government, that is for the statement, and the opposition, that is against the statement.
I happened to be in the opposition this time. The debates were moderated and judged by two
guests - Peter Prabhu and Demetrius Floudas, both Cambridge graduates.
 Both groups had 20 minutes to prepare their points and statements and to
choose 3 speakers – the ones that will represent the whole group. While a speaker talks,
the members of the opposing team can say ‘Point of information’, and add a short
comment or a question. ‘Point of information’ can be accepted or rejected by the
speaker. In conclusion, when every speaker has talked, the jury chooses the winner and
explains decision.
Racism, in my opinion, is a very good subject to debate about –
everyone has heard at least something about this and everyone has his/her own point of
view. And debates give you one important thing – priceless experience. You have this
limited period of time and you have to think about the subject, suggest all your
statements and be able to articulate them as a speaker. Your performance should be as
clear and logical as possible – it will help your opponent understand your point of view
and will make you look like a specialist. Self-confidence is obviously very important.
This time the government team won the debates – their main point was
that, if we’re talking metaphorically, racism isn’t a deadly disease at the moment
that can destroy such a big and strong organism as the Russian Federation.
But all agreed that racism is a problem. It can become more serious and
it is very important for our government to find a way of solving it. Hopefully we’ll be
able to overcome national difficulties and make our country stronger. It is all in our
hands. And one of the most important things is to learn how to debate.
By Tatyana Olkhovaya
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