I had a debate today in Art History II. The theme was Painting vs. Sculpture: Leonardo vs. Michaelangelo. We all prepared information from both sides but I was assigned the sculpture side today as I walked in. I was very excited for it because it was right up my alley: there was no clear answer, so the outcome would theoretically be decided by persuasion, oration, and skill in debate. Excellent.

IN REALITY, it was CHAOS. Disorder, nonsequitors, repetition, appeal to emotion, unfounded claims, no rules I could discern, many, many spurious arguments and finally, the moderator was biased and kept arguing for a side. I think the only concession to 'debate' I saw was that we turned our chairs so they were facing each other, left against right side.

It drove me absolutely BATTY.

Dear Art History teacher:

WE LIVE IN A CIVILIZED COUNTRY. WE HAVE RULES FOR THIS SORT OF THING. EVEN IF YOU WANT TO SIMPLIFY A DEBATE, RULES ARE YOUR FRIEND AND CHAOS, WHO'S COMPANY WE KEPT THIS MORNING, IS YOUR ENEMY AND A FOE TO REASON.

In fervent hope for a better tomorrow because frankly today was EXCRUCIATING,

Skye

What are they teaching in the schools these days?!

[/old woman rant]

PS You should have seen the girl across from me gasp and become speechless when I brought up how we, as sculptors, were superior because we created in all dimensions like unto the Almighty.

When she recovered, she said, "Are you saying...that you're like God, because you create like he did? That because you mold a man or uncover the statue that already existed in the marble or whatever that you're LIKE GOD?!?"
"Yes" I said, nodding, "...thank you. You explained that quite well."

Her team glared at her and she continued to stare at me and do that gaping-fish-mouth thing. I looked back at her evenly, but because I am evil and love to win, I giggled a little inside.