Thursday, June 13, 2013

The GREAT DEBATERS- SUMMER 2013

Tolson: Who's the judge? Debaters: The judge is God. Tolson: Why is he God/ Debaters: Because he decides who winds and looses not my opponent. Tolson: Who's your opponent? Debaters: He doesn't exist Tolson: Why doesn't he exist? Debators: Because he is just a mere dissenting voice to the truth I speak. 1. Why do you think Tolson has the students recite this? 2. How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of negro's in Texas leave very little room for debate?

16 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. When you analyse pieces of the catechism, that it correlates to a debate. As shown what is recited "The judge is God." "He decides who wins and loses not my opponent." It is saying that the judge is someone of a higher power. In a debate a person cannot worry about his personal feelings towards the topic that is being debated. You must look at the issue from all the different angles. In the last four lines, "Who is your opponent?" "He does not exist." "Why does he not exist?" "Because he is a mere dissenting voice to the truth I speak." If you argue perfectly, there is no way that you can lose. Your opponent merely just goes against what you are saying. If there is no room for your opponent to retaliate, you have claimed your victory. In summary it is just to show the debaters what everything in a debate is and to better develop each and every one of them.

    All of the points that he had. What was the reason for the man that was lynched to be hung and treated with such utter disrespect. An unjust law is no law at all as quoted by James Farmer Jr. in his debate. It would not have mattered what he did, there would not have been any reason for him to be lynched. The man that was lynched, was he a thief, a killer, or just a negro. Civil disobedience is the moral weapon in the fight for justice.

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  3. 1. Why do you think Tolson had the students recite this?
    Tolson had the students recited this so that they remained focus and confident. This was his strategy to build their confidence. It allows the students to clear their minds of the negativity that society may have demonstrated to them. It is also a way to ease the student's mind that the process of judging will be fair, just and equal as God is. Tolson allowed them to clear all bias from their thoughts so they can be clear cut when presenting.


    2. How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of Negro’s in Texas leave very little room for debate? His argument surrounding the lynching of Negro’s in Texas leaves little room for debate against civil disobedience because it was a clear example of why civil disobedience is needed or is an option. Imagine if no one stood up to unjust laws? If someone did not show civil disobedience they would probably still be lynching of Negroes in the 21st century. It doesn't even matter if it was someone white or black just the mere fact of torture and lynching is immoral and if no one did not demonstrated civil disobedience and took a stand against the unjust laws we would still be practicing immoral exercises. It also goes to show that there are laws that are unjust and if we see that it needs to be amended we have a right to do so.

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  4. 1. Why do you think Tolson has the students recite this?
    He made them recite it so that the students show no Fear and to be on the Focal point when Debating. He used this approach so that the students stay well prepared and have their minds as clear as possible for anything they might face.

    2. How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of Negro’s in Texas leave very little room for debate?

    When James Farmer mentioned about the lynching of Negro's in Texas, He exposed a excellent example when it comes to civil disobedience. As a matter of fact he was right when he said "An unjust law is no law". being that nobody stood up for unjust laws. We have the society have the right to enhance laws that are fair.




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  5. Tolson: Who's the judge? Debaters: The judge is God. Tolson: Why is he God/ Debaters: Because he decides who winds and loses not my opponent. Tolson: Who's your opponent? Debaters: He doesn't exist. Tolson: Why doesn't he exist? Debaters: Because he is just a mere dissenting voice to the truth I speak.
    1. Why do you think Tolson has the students recite this?
    Tolson not only made the debaters recite these sentences because he wanted them to project their voice during the debate but he also did this to allow them to be able to have no fear for the opponent. He wanted them to be sure of themselves and to be able to speak without fear and without any doubt that what they were saying was right and could not be debated. He wanted to motivate them to do their best regardless of what the debate was about.

    2. How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of Negro’s in Texas leave very little room for debate?
    James Farmer Jr.’s argument surrounding the lynching of negro’s in Texas left very little room for debate because not only did he made clear his point of morality but he gave a vivid and detail description of the events as they occurred during the lynching he and his team mates witnessed. He went on to quote from St. Augustine that, “an unjust law is no law at all.” This made the opponents statement; “nothing that erodes the rule of law can be moral”, very much void and could not easily be debated after he squashed that statement with his final words, “you should pray I choose the lather.” His point was clearly understood and this made them win the debate against Harvard University.

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  6. In the debate Tolson, had to have good points in order to gain the attention of the judges and the crowed in the audience. He had to have proved and facts about every point they made. Being in a debate allows a person to express the taught that sometimes are not seen or heard by others. To gain the people attention and make them realize the point being known. He debated hard to show others that not because he was dark skin (Negros) people he didn’t have the opportunities to attend a university in the Untied States of America. He want the people that called them self white classic people to understand that he had privilege to show that they could become someone in life too. Also that he could share classrooms together and that he could work along with one another. He wanted to prove to the world that Negros can work hard and achieve their goals too.

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  7. THE GREAT DEBATORS!!
    1. Why do you think Tolson had the students recite this?
    Ans: Tolson had the students recited those phrases/sentences because it is known that when students recite poems, songs, phrases etc. they tend to store it in their long term memory. students have a tendency to project their voices clear and loud even with interruption from colleagues or in this case their opponents! In addition, when people are reciting any piece of work it leaves room for no quarrel nor debate.
    2. How does James Farmer Jr's argument surrounding the lynching of negro's in Texas leave very little room for debate?
    Ans: He did a phenomenal job in highlighting his main points, also I think he defended his points well and simultaneously attack his proportions with truth that couldn't be debated. "An unjust law is no law at all", another quote he used as "you have to do in order that we can do what we want to do".
    -Kristy Morrison

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  8. 1.Why do you think Tolson had the students recite this?

    ANS: MR.Tolson, played by Denzel Washington, forces his debaters to recite this memorable phrase “Tolson: Who's the judge? Debaters: The judge is God. Tolson: Why is he God/ Debaters: Because he decides who winds and looses not my opponent. Tolson: Who's your opponent? Debaters: He doesn't exist Tolson: Why doesn't he exist? Debaters: Because he is just a mere dissenting voice to the truth I speak.” I believe by having his debaters reciting the phrase Telson taught that this phrase can be inspirational to them because it embodies the most important aspect of debate. There is no right or wrong - the judge is impartial, a higher power. They control their own destiny; therefore if they argued perfectly, they can never lose. I also believe that Tolson had the students recite the phrase as a mean to practice how they will need to project their voice during the debate which installed that confidence needed to talk in front of all those people. He also had them reciting the phrase to help in building their self-esteem, getting rid of all the doubt that they might had have and also not having them being afraid of their opponent.

    2.How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of Negro’s in Texas leave very little room for debate?

    ANS: James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of Negro’s in Texas leave very little room for debate because he catch his opponents off-guard. He flusters his opponents by going out of his way to include less well-known examples of history, which are harder to refute. In his rebuttals, he surprises his competition with bold counterarguments they are not prepared to hear like for example the recent incident he and his teammate’s witness of a Negro being lynched. He provided detailed information painting a picture in everyone’s mind and later continued by reciting a quote from St. Augustine that “an unjust law is no law at all” meaning a law to torture someone is the opposite of what the law should be, that is morally wrong. At that point he had already destroy all pointed made by his opponent, and went on saying “you should pray I choose the lather” which help to seal the victory over Harvard University.

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  9. 1. Why do you think Tolson has the students recite this?
    The reason Tolson has his student’s recite this is so that they build up speaking out loud with confidence, and to shatter the fear that they have for their enemies in order to present their points. Furthermore; to claim them down whenever they get stress out and remind them what it is they are fighting, so hard for and to keep them focus. Those that they go against know whoever presents the perfect argumentative point will win and the judge will judge everyone equal. Tolson also did this so they don’t lose faith and their hope of fighting and never back down.

    2. How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of negro's in Texas leave very little room for debate?
    James Farmer Jr.’s argument surrounding the lynching of negro’s in Texas leave very little room for debate because it was perfect statement to have won the debate, since he gave detailed description of what he and his team had when though. Even though the man didn’t do anything it didn’t matter they still lynched him regardless of what he did. Civil disobedience is the moral weapon in the fight for justice and equality against an unjust law that is no law at all. He statement with his final words, “you should pray I choose the lather.” His point was clear and this made the debate against the Harvard students led to an end with an victory.


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  10. 1. Why do you think Tolson has the students recite this?
    To analyse a piece of work given, is to separate it into its constituent elements in order to gain a better understanding of its meaning. As recited by the debaters “the judge is god” “he decides who wins and loses not my opponent”. Meaning that the judge is the final word, law and therefor god who are all of higher authority and power hence the reason why determination is the key essence in a debate. In any argument a person should stand still and determined to fulfil his/her goal and not be appealed by others pity.” Who is your opponent?”” he does not exist” “why does he not exist?” “Because he is a mere dissenting voice to the truth I speak”. It is saying that your opponent does not exist and you hear not his voice for he is being nothing more nor better than you and that your answers are to the judge who decides who wins and loses. Tolson has the students recite this in order to get them prepared at a level that they are at their best before the competition, thus making them” Great Debaters”.
    2. How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of Negro’s in Texas leave very little room for debate?
    James Farmer Jr. argument leaves very little room for the debate when he speaks the truth, a living reality and not just something unreal. When he asks “the man that was lynched, was he a thief, a killer, or just a Negro?” leaving no room for the opponent to strike back and get even. James Farmer Jr. left little room for the debate because he simply gave an excellent example of injustice when it comes to civil disobedience “an unjust law is no law” making it clear that if nobody steps forward to fight for their rights.

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  11. Why do you think Tolson has his students recite this?
    In the film, Tolson has his students reciting the these lines with a cork like object between their teeth as he gradually moves further and further away from them. This can be thought of as a vocal projection exercise to prepare them to speak clearly and loudly and also to speak with confidence while partaking in debates to follow. He also made them recite these lines in order for them to feel as if their opponent is nothing to fear because they are no more than a force opposing the message they are trying to bring across to their audience. They must then do their best to overcome this force which is against them and prove to the higher force, the judge, that they indeed speak the truth.

    How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of Negros in Texas leave very little room for debate?
    In James Farmer Jr.’s argument surrounding the lynching of Negros in Texas, he opened up to his audience and revealed to them the horrible lynching he and his teammates had witnessed. He used this as an eye opener to show the audience exactly how tough and unfair White people made life for the Negros. James Farmer Jr. then recites a quote “An unjust law is no law at all,” which implied that what they considered the law was corrupt and one sided and therefore would never promoting true peace. His argument left no room for debate.

    Washington, D. (2007). The great debaters. United States: Harpo Productions.



    -Dorant Tun

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  12. 1. Why do you think Tolson has the students recite this?
    because this instills confidence in the students. Knowing that God is the judge enables them not to worry about what anyone feel toward their point, only God can judge them. They are being prepared for the rough road that is ahead. In order for the students to succeed these taught must but into their head. This clear their mind from all the negative thoughts of loosing.

    How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of negro's in Texas leave very little room for debate? because there is no defense against the lynching of a human being. he spoke about what negros had to face in there everyday life in texas. all the cruelty that they had to endure. and there is now valid explanation for those action that white people did to the negros.



    Tolson: Who's the judge? Debaters: The judge is God. Tolson: Why is he God/ Debaters: Because he decides who winds and looses not my opponent. Tolson: Who's your opponent? Debaters: He doesn't exist Tolson: Why doesn't he exist? Debators: Because he is just a mere dissenting voice to the truth spea

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  13. 1. Why do you think Tolson has the students recite this?

    Tolson has the students recite this as a psychological tactic to build their confidence. This "mantra" symbolizes the defeat of every obstacle by making them non-existent. Making only their word the truth and their only judge God,validates their strength and certain victory. It allows the students to be completely confidence in not only their self but their ability as a person. It is only by God and their own effort that they can win or lose. Although I believe Tolson's initial reason for having the students recite this was to make them great debaters,I do not think it was his sole purpose. In the end of it all not only would this lesson make them great debaters,but also great men and women of society.

    2. How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of negro's in Texas leave very little room for debate?

    James Farmer Jr's argument leaves little room for debate because it was delivered with such conviction and done so genuinely. He was not arguing for the negros nor was he arguing against the mob. His tiff was with society's moral code which he debated there was none of. His facts supporting the lack of justice in the very laws placed to uphold justice were unmatched by any. He proved that it didn't matter the reason for the lynching or person being lynched. If a man,for any reason,should be prosecuted with such cruelty then all moral code goes out the window. If the law would allow something so unjust to be carried out then it would seem true that "all men are above the law". Civil disobedience could no longer be seen as such but rather merely a human right.

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  14. 1.Tolson uses this method with the cork in their mouth to help them project their voices. ' The judge is God' God is the only one who can judge any human being in this world. The opponent is no one to be feared, the debaters in no way should feel intimidated by their opponents.Here Tolson also instills confidence in them as well as faith. Because the only way you can over come fear is by having faith in yourself. ' just mere dissenting voices to the truth i speak' the opponents just speak due to their ignorance of not wanting to see the truth. The truth is the truth and their is no debating in that.By reciting those words over and over they are able to convince themselves that they should not be afraid of facing their opponents, to be able to keep focused even if they are under pressure. This therefore creates a great self confidence in their selves and they learn to assess their own limitations.
    2. James Farmer Jr's argument left very little to debate because all he did was to speak the truth. He refuted his opponents points of view with clear evidence of the injustice that was occurring. James was a victim himself along with his team mates where they witnessed a man being lynched and they could not do anything to stop that wickedness.'Nothing that erodes the rule of law can be moral' how can they call someone immoral when people of your own kind are being killed just for being Negros, immoral would be to just sit their and do nothing to stop this unjust act. Jr also said that according to St. Agustin 'An unjust law is no law at all.' how can a law be just if it is biased, laws should be fair and equal despite the color of the individual.He ended his debate by saying' You should pray I choose the latter' here he clearly points out that civil disobedience was not working to have justice, and was leaving no other option than to use violence.

    Washington, D. (Director). (2007). The Great Debaters [Motion Picture]. United States: Harpo Productions.

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  15. 1. Why do you think Tolson had the students recite this?
    Tolson had the students recited this so that they remained focus and confident. This was his strategy to build their confidence. It allows the students to clear their minds of the negativity that society may have demonstrated to them. It is also a way to ease the student's mind that the process of judging will be fair, just and equal as God is. Tolson allowed them to clear all bias from their thoughts so they can be clear cut when presenting.

    2. How does James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of Negro’s in Texas leave very little room for debate? His argument surrounding the lynching of Negro’s in Texas leaves little room for debate against civil disobedience because it was a clear example of why civil disobedience is needed or is an option. Imagine if no one stood up to unjust laws? If someone did not show civil disobedience they would probably still be lynching of Negroes in the 21st century. It doesn’t even matter if it was someone white or black just the mere fact of torture and lynching is immoral and if no one did not demonstrated civil disobedience and took a stand against the unjust laws we would still be practicing immoral exercises. It also goes to show that there are laws that are unjust and if we see that it needs to be amended we have a right to do so.
    Reference
    Washington, D. (2007). The great debaters. United States: Harpo Production.

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  16. Mr. Tolson used this method to build the students confidence and give them hope. He knew that these few lines were strong and meaningful words for them to recite so that they would not have the mentality that they would be debating to win but to voice their opinions. He wanted them to know that God is the true judge and their opponents didn't exist because they were not involved in a battle but a discussion. He wanted the four students to know that they do not have an opponent because they will speak the truth and the other students will try to prove them wrong by using lies, that is why they answered he is just a mere dissenting voice to the truth I speak.James Farmer Jr.'s argument surrounding the lynching of Negros leaves little room for debate because he provided some facts that could hardly be denied by the other students. He also had much experience with Mr. Tolson the night he came home late, so he had first hand evidence about the mobs cruelty and racism.

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