PHOTO: Sadists on the left and Very Reasonable People on the right. VRP won the finals 26-19 on a house vote.

 

The World Debate Institute Asia concluded on Sunday with two preliminary rounds of debate, a semifinal debate and then a grand final debate. An awards assembly was held and then everyone adjourned to a nearby Korean restaurant for extremely generous servings of barbecued pork (beef for Muslims), side dishes, beer and, of course, soju (the popular Korean liquor).

 

In the Asian style three motions are given thirty minutes before the debate and then the two teams rank them, compare ranks and the one that is most preferred is used for the debate.  Here are the motions used for the tournament:

Round one:

THW not require consent from survivors of domestic violence in order to prosecute their offenders.

THB in safe, legal access to abortion.

THB the next American president should be a woman.

Round two:

THBT animals have an inalienable right to lie.

THW sacrifice the economy to save the environment.

THW abandon the Kyoto protocol.

Round three:

THBT China should not repatriate North Korean refugees.

THB the USA should support the rights of undocumented workers.

TH supports the free movement of labor for all European Union countries.

Round four:

THW legalize poppy farming n Afghanistan.

THBT the first world should stop protecting its farmers.

THS a moratorium on genetically modified foods.

Semifinals

THBT ASEAN should admit East Timor.

THBT Japan should have a standing army.

THBT America should end military support for Pakistan until they have free and fair elections.

Grand Finals:

THBT space should be weapons free.

THW support private ownership of resources found in space.

THW ban space tourism.

 

There were actually seven teams with 3-1 records and on e that was 4-0. This means that four 3-1 teams did not advance to semis based on points. I filmed a semifinal round that was 19-5 (house vote) for team VRF (Very Reasonable People) while in the other semifinal it was 8-1 for team Sadists. In the final the two teams met and Sadists were government on the motion THW support private ownership of resources found in space.

 

It was a spirited debate that was 26-19 for the opposition, Very Reasonable People. I also filmed this debate. Look for both of them to be available in the Videoblog section of this website within a few days.

 

Dr. Gyeong-ho Hur of Kyung Hee University, my partner in Korean debate promotion since 2000, gave a short but excellent speech. He called on Koreans to become completely self-sufficient so that USA troops would not be necessary in Korea. He also called on all participants not to see debate as a “conquest” metaphor, but as an “invitation” metaphor so that we can learn from each other in new and important ways. I liked it.

 

The awards assembly took place, with ten speakers recognized and the top teams. The final round decision was also announced.  Special awards were given to supporters of the program, including Ian Yavdoshuk, who has done so much to make the high school program a success, Ji Soo, who has been the administrator of the program, Serena Turley, for her support of Jason’s work for so many years, and finally a special award to Loke Wing Fatt. What no one had realized is that Loke’s father had passed away on day two of the college program, but that he had decided that his family would delay the funereal so that he could complete his work out of a sense of obligation to the students. There is not more to say than this about a man who has dedicated everything to debate and is one of the most influential debate organizers in the world. I am in awe of his commitment.

 

Three other awards were given out to students who had contributed to the environment of the program in important ways and had shown courage and fortitude even though debate was a special challenge for them.  They were selected by the faculty as a while.

 

Then it was off to a traditional Korean restaurant for a huge barbecue featuring pork and beef and lots o soju. The toasting and cheering grew louder and more enthusiastic. It was quite an emotional scene near the end. I did have to  leave early as I had come down with a bad cold two days before but I was able to give and receive the thanks of so many students and staff. The heat here had been particularly difficult or me, but the things that students said to me as I made my way to the door more than made up for it.

 

Most stereotypes are false. Stereotypes that many westerners have about Asians as cold and distant are extremely false. They are the warmest, most genuine and most caring people I have met anywhere.  They are also diligent, intelligent and brave. I have ben honored to b able to work with them.

 

Tomorrow I have meetings about organizing future debate events and then some tourism on Tuesday before returning to the USA on Wednesday.

 

Wow. This has been a great debate experience.