English Debates Listening

Jeremy Keeshin English Debates: Listening Assignment I listened in on the debate for the resolution: Gay marriage undermines the institution of marriage between the Affirmative, Erika and Lisa versus the Negative, Sarah and Mackenzie. The areas of clash and points of dispute consisted mostly of the arguments over stability of marriage, equal rights, and interpretation of the bible. The side that was able to more effectively argue there case was the Negative because it showed how the institution would remain strong and not be undermined by gay marriage. The most compelling evidence brought up by the negative side was that marriages between heterosexual couples that cannot procreate are still allowed, while marriages between homosexuals are not allowed, and that creates an unfair double standard. This overrode the opposition’s argument that marriage was based in the sole purpose of reproduction. Also a persuasive argument by the negative was that heterosexual marriages often end in divorce, and homosexual relationships would bring more stability to the institution of marriage because it is more about the relationship. The delivery for both sides was similar, and at times during the cross examination, the sides laughed, but it did not take away from the debate.