The Power of Perspective

True tolerance grows when we challenge the uncomfortable. Through debate, we turn taboos into conversations, and ignorance into empathy

One of the obvious things we learn from debating is critical thinking. This write-up is based on critically analysing the core values one might learn from debating. 

To begin with, critical thinking cannot truly be achieved without a proper moral compass and integrity. A person lacks humanity when discrepancies between their actions and words are evident and known by others. Navigating life is challenging enough on its own, and if a person does not retain their integrity—an essential part of their humanity—they will falter and fade into society’s oblivion. Finding loopholes, identifying problems, and acting accordingly are often considered problem-solving skills, and this is the foundation of debating. Debating encourages curiosity and a desire to learn. Life presents multifaceted scenarios that provide various perspectives, and one must be curious enough to question them. Curiosity, in turn, is the foundation of leadership. The sense of curiosity and learning naturally positions us debaters to lead, while also being led to a common ground for decisive and informed decision-making. This makes us the frontier in society to question taboos. To us, it is simply another topic to explore, learn, and spark conversation. Taboos should never be kept in the dark, and nothing progresses unless a voice is given to the voiceless. If we don’t question, then who will? We debaters have honed our ability to balance learning and questioning discrepancies.

Just as life presents multifaceted scenarios, we are keen to understand and explore atypical systems, situations, and circumstances. This naturally cultivates open-mindedness. We debaters expand our belief systems and ways of thinking to accommodate multiple perspectives, including our own. This is why we are often perceived as vocal and logical: we understand the struggles of the voiceless, are empathetic to others and are committed to finding common ground with people who hold different opinions. While we may not agree with everyone’s opinion, it is possible to bond and coexist despite differences. This ability to find common ground is what defines us as debaters.

Curiosity is essential for us debaters, forming the foundation of both critical thinking and leadership. Through questioning and seeking answers, we learn to empathise with diverse perspectives, making us resilient and adaptable in navigating challenges. For instance, the NSU Debate Club's early solidarity during the quota reform movement highlights how we lead by example. We, debaters, are also tasked with being vocal about taboos that unnecessarily cause fear in society—topics that should instead spark dialogue and foster deeper understanding. While we are often seen as vocal and logical, these traits are not prerequisites; they naturally develop through the process of growth, overcoming fears, and building confidence along the way.

The core values of a debater should always be remembered. The first step in debating is to questions. However, it’s important to note that questioning does not mean discrediting others or putting them down.

A message to those who wish to venture into debating: the only true barrier to debate is your own mind. And this is completely understandable. Even seasoned debaters sometimes forget the core values we’ve learned through debate. Tolerance of a myriad of opinions, coexisting within them, and not just coexisting but bonding with all and residing in harmony is what we debaters strive for and have maintained throughout history again and again. This is a reminder that forgetting these values is akin to disregarding their existence. We may sometimes get lost along the way, but the NSU Debate Club is always here to help guide you back on track.