The Great Slavery Debate

Should slavery be abolished? Students at Constitution High School debate the advantages and disadvantages of abolishing slavery from an antebellum 19th century perspective. Having students focus on the social, economic, cultural, and to some extent political nature of this debate, helps students understand the context of America's "peculiar institution", roadblocks African Americans needed to overcome in order to abolish slavery, as well as frame the upcoming 10th grade American history course. The purpose of this blog is to create a forum in which students can self-reflect and continue the process of peer-to-peer evaluation as they debate in class.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Kahleah v. Nick

A very close debate. Kahleah delivered one of the best inhuman arguments I have seen in years. She used both the textbook and reader to overwhelmingly prove that inhumane treatment towards enslaved African Americans existed. However, Nick was able to effectively counter this by discussing the reasons for such treatment as well as using Kahleah's character, Crispus Attucks, as a perfect example as to why punishment is necessary. Kahleah attempted to attack the monsterous backbone of the economy argument through the discussion of death and diseases but without making the leap and discussing the effect on prices, and thus the economy, her heroic argument did not hold. Kudos to both debaters!
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2 comments:

  1. Lauren WMay 4, 2009 at 3:47 PM

    Both Kahleah and Nick gave strong arguments. While observing I found it hard to decide which one delivered their argument the best. In my opinion it was a tie. Kaliea (Crispus Attucks) really did well. Although she went fast in her delivery she gave a strong argument on why slavery should be abolished because cruiel and unusally punishment. She had more than evidence needed for debate but it helped her out in the long run. Nick on the other hand had a lot of evidence as well to support his arguments. He was also passionate in his delivery.
    Overall the debaters today were amazing and it really showed that they prepared in advance. They really showed and explained in their arguments why or why not slavery should be abolished. They showed me how to strengthen my arguments and become passionate in my speech.

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  2. Kayla M.May 11, 2009 at 2:02 PM

    WOW Nick did a lot better than I think he would. I mean I figured he would come unprepared, but man was I wrong.Nick was really good, he answered and asked questions very well. Kahleah had a lot of information. Anyone could see she put a lot of effort into her debate. Nick made had a good speaking voice I could hear him during the whole thing. Kahleah's voice was easy to hear too. Kahleah vs Nick was a good debate to watch, congrates to the both of you.

    kayla

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