Rules of Debate

Brandon Dufour
Aug 23, 2017 · 2 min read

Yesterday, I posted an introduction to a new project focused on solving the Global Education problem. It sparked some debate on Facebook, Twitter and my text messages. The debate is going to be an important part of this project and I want to encourage, not stifle it. However, as education is a big topic with lots of opinions from lots of backgrounds, I wanted to lay some ground rules for debate.

I’m not a scientist. Most, if not all, of the things I will post on this blog will be opinion, not fact. If fact, I will state it as such and supply appropriate sources. When note stated, assume my statements to be opinions.

For those that know don’t me, I come from a firm belief that “best idea wins.” When we discuss or debate things at The Next Street, I spend most of my time listening. I believe it is my role to ask the right questions of my team, and then listen to find the most important points. I then process and curate those points to make decisions. Often times, the idea I have entering a debate has changed multiple times and before the end, we end in a very different place than I expected.

I expect the same to take place here. I believe it is my role to spark debate and discussion, either by sharing my opinions, or asking questions that spark conversation. It is not my goal to offend or upset, and should you feel either of those things because of this debate, I apologize.

If you choose to participate, here are the simple rules that I’ve developed and built into my normal rhythm and routine of life:

  1. Be Nice. The rule is simple: don’t be a donkey. You can speak passionately about a topic, and you can disagree with the opinions of others. You can also do this nicely. Treat the community with respect and the community will do the same in return. Just be nice.
  2. Be Positive. I seek to be surrounded by positive people with positive mindsets. Complaining gets us nowhere. Proposing possible solutions is a great alternative. If you bring positive energy to the community, the community will return positive energy to you. Disagree and argue, but keep the tone positive.
  3. Seek Knowledge. Seek to understand, not to be understood. Even if you are on the polar opposite end of a debate, try to understand where the other person is coming from before replying. This may involve research or fact checking. Seek that knowledge before replying with something like “You’re an idiot.”

That’s it. Simple rules. The debate starts later this week. Before we dive in, I wanted to set the standard. Box: Checked. Thanks in advance.

Until Soon,
BD

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Brandon Dufour

Written by

An entrepreneur passionate about education and treating others with kindness.

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