So, for those of you who dont know, the incomparable South African schools debating team has made it to the finals of WSDC- the first time weve had a team in the final of this competition in 10 years. I have two things to say to this: 1) You guys are the absolute greatest. Whatever happens in the final tomorrow, were all incredibly proud of you. The English best be prepared for annihilation. 2) When people hear about how much time I put into debating, theyre usually somewhat incredulous. But its just arguing! and why do you give up all your free-time for this activity? are both statements Ive heard more than a few times. I know there are times when things get incredibly heated, and it seems like the future of debating is doomed due to our pugnaciousness, but over the past few days I have seen an outpouring of support for these phenomenal kids (and their phenomenal coaches) from all corners of the debating community. Which is kind of the point and the reason I ignore ridiculous comments like the ones previously mentioned. Were a community. Sometimes we dont act like it, but its at times like these that Im inordinately proud to call myself a South African Debater. The fact that we can all band behind a team several thousand kilometres away, who many of us dont know and who represent provinces many of us have had historical rivalries with, all because they also have the peculiar, irrational but goddamn exciting passion we do is truly inspiring. A few months ago, on a particularly heated Facebook message thread, a prominent South African political commentator and twitter personality whom Id rather not name posted the comment South African debating has a bright future behind it. He was sorely mistaken.
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 09:23:56 +0000
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