Try to be your own opponent
Lately, in our advanced english class, we talked about Neo-Nazis silent marches and censorship. We had a debate on whether or not we should allow them, and then we read an essay that put everything in a new perspective. You can probably guess that almost everyone disagreed with allowing Neo-Nazis’ speeches or silent marches, and everyone has good arguments to support their opinion. What I found interesting is that nobody had an argument that would be based on what a Neo-Nazi would think, because being against it is such a common opinion. This is why I said that this essay showed us a different perspective, because nobody thought about that.
Our professor asked us to write an essay about what we think of Neo-Nazis marches; I said I was against it; but this time, I decided to not just give my opinion, but also prepare what someone else would say, and fight their arguments to make my opinion more real. I don’t know if I will get a good mark; but I am pretty satisfied with what I’ve done and the lesson I learned. Exploring what an opponent would say in a possible debate helped me make my argumentation even better, and find more about myself. It was quite a philosophical exercise.
What I want to say here is that when you prepare a debate or think of something, always put yourself in other people’s shoes, or who might be you opponent. Try to find what they say about what you think, and that will help you to be prepared in almost 99% of the situations.
Note: I might post it later when I get it back.
