Socialism? Socialism!

Hard work and perseverance paid off in a public debate on socialism held in the cafeteria at UCC on Friday May 14, 2010. The debaters, students from the UCC Debate Club, presented their sides to over 100 students and guests who attended.

The topic of socialism was chosen for the public debate after conversations in various campus classrooms showed that many students were confused on the topic. The debate teams researched and spent weeks in preparation, with students meeting and researching in small groups in the library, the student newspaper lab and the cafeteria on their own time to consider what they should bring to the debate and what the other side would likely use.

Cody Norris, UCC Debate Club president said, “It’s been a great opportunity as well as a reward to see our members vastly improve in communication, public speaking, team building and more importantly, their confidence.”

Members from both sides interviewed students such as Tatyana Wahlman who grew up in non-capitalist countries.

The debaters consisted of six members divided into two teams, affirmative and negative. Arguing for the affirmative side were Iam Pace, Isaac Hallgrimson and Chase May; arguing for the negative side were Chase Gilley, Michael Stephens and David Novak. Presenting the debate was UCCDC President Cody Norris.

“I think it was a significant event because with so many social media outlets allowing members to express unfounded opinions, this was a very important educational activity that provides opportunities for civil discourse so those who wish to can express facts,” Dean of Arts and Letters, Greg Fishwick stated.

Chase Gilley, UCCDC public relations officer, chose the debate’s formal structure with rebuttals and cross fires. Debate officers organized the facilities and extra credit was given to almost 70 students in the crowd. A questionnaire was distributed after the debate throughout the cafeteria to find out whether the audience felt they had learned from the speeches. Most of those surveyed were interested in learning more about socialism and the debate club.

The club was started at UCC because of two previous students four years ago, Rob Johnson and Andrew Weeks, who went to Paula Usrey, communications instructor and current debate club advisor, to find out if this was possible. Usrey has had a hands-on mentor relationship with club members ever since. Johnson and Weeks can still be seen at club meetings two or three times a term.

Students from all majors attend the debate club and learn communication skills as well as group work. Members of the debate club stress that public speaking is not the only thing the activity inspires. Debate draws on a full spectrum of communication skills.

A misconception exists that a debate consists of two or more people shouting at each other. This could not be further from the truth. Debate has been described as the “blood sport” but not because real blood is drawn. Debaters put exhaustive hours into their research and then practice what they know.

Researchers study both sides to keep surprises at bay. They fight through knowledge because a bit of misleading and a little intimidation can throw an opposing side off of their game, which can be a winning factor in any debate.

UCCDC prides itself in being supportive and positive with applause frequently heard throughout their Friday meetings. The club is hoping to work with area high schools next year and possibly join other community colleges after that for debate competitions.

“The debate club has seen a huge improvement overall, largely due to the fact that the entire club is working as a team,” UCCDC Vice President David Novak commented.

This year the debate team has practiced with various forms of debate. A popular format is called SPAR, which is a fun way to debate with no research being done beforehand. The group chooses topics and then votes on the favorites. The room is then divided into two and the divided room debates each other. The topics are usually silly, but there have been some serious topics as well. These exercises promote confidence in new members. The SPAR format was presented by Chase Gilley who serves as UCCDC public relations officer. “Everything the club has worked for was built towards this day. This day we proved our status as part of the UCC community and, furthermore, this day set in motion the future prosperity of this club,” added Gilley.

The Mainstream is a student publication of Umpqua Community College.