-
Mr. Bing Benitez addresses the student body and engages the crowd.The debate was hosted by the Associated Student Body (ASB) and Junior state of America (JSA) during lunch on Wednesday, Dec. 8.
-
Mr. Jonathan Mitchell and Mr. Daniel Klain take turns introducing their ideas about cancel culture. Mr. Mitchell points out to the students and asks the question: “Who doesn’t have any flaws?”
-
Senior Joshua Estrada asks Mr. Kayne a question in an attempt to learn more of his view about separating the art from the artist. He brought up an example with the hit horror franchise “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and it’s creator Scott Cawthon. .
-
Mr. Douglas Kayne used specific historical and current examples of real people to convince listeners of his argument.
-
Mr. Bing Benitez, the first teacher to present, argues that art cannot be separated from the artist during the debate on cancel culture.
-
Student participation was encouraged during the debate. Many students attended and listened intently to the debate during lunch, filling at least half of the small gym.
-
Mr. Mitchell argued for the pro-side, using emotion to draw the audience to his side.
The first debate of the school year took place on Dec. 8 during lunch. Hosted by Associated Student Body (ASB)and Junior State of America (JSA), the event drew an estimated crowd of 300 students. Both students and teachers participated together to argue about cancel culture, specifically whether art can be separated from the artist.
One criticism students had was that the time frame of lunch was too short to fully explore or engage in the debate. Only two students were able to ask questions to the participating teachers.
The amount of students was also unexpected for the hosts of the event. Once the bleachers in the small gym were filled, students crammed the space on the floor and to the sides of the bleachers.
Despite the flaws, the success of the event has encouraged ASB and JSA to host future debate events. Though an official date is undecided, they plan to have one soon after winter break.
