one thing that has always been a problem for me is voicing my opinion sometimes. especially when it comes to politics. i just dont understand the reason behind having a huge debate, which in my mind is just a monitered argument about what each person belives in. honestly, by the end of the debate i dont think that many people walk away educated, i believe they leave just being irritated because it was just one big argument. such as in my Participation in Government class, i hate having to stand up in front of the class read my opinion about what i feel is right and wrong with our president and government. the reason being; because after im done reading my paper, if the teacher doesnt agree with me then he will keep asking why this and why that. that not only puts me on the spot but it puts me on the spot in front of the entire class and makes me extremely uncomfortable, and yet if i choose not to read my paper infront of my peers, he refuses to pass me. i just dont understand. why cant we just have an opnion and keep it to ourselves and be happy with it?
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Yes. Why?
Some teachers will ask why this and why that even if they do agree with you. It is a way to make sure you are thoroughly knowledgeable in the topic you are discussing. A lot of people put their opinon forward with no basis behind it. It's not good enough to have an opinion. Just because it's an opinion doesn't mean you don't have to research the topic. There are plenty of people who have opinions about the president, but a lot of them are based on fallacies or one sided arguments. Also, the why question makes sure you aren't just repeating one parties dogmatic responses.
The idea is to be able to anticipate the others' questions and have a reasoning or response ready. I love having casual debates because it helps me to get my own thoughts in order. Sometimes the best reasoning is made up on the fly. It also helps if you're well versed in bullshit.
--Mike