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The Devils Advocate (Benidorm's Debating Society)

The Devils Advocate (Benidorm's Debating Society)

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PLEASE NOTE: THIS GROUP IS INTENDED TO BE BOTH INFORMATIVE AND FUN:  IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS WITHOUT ...

PLEASE NOTE: THIS GROUP IS INTENDED TO BE BOTH INFORMATIVE AND FUN:  IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS WITHOUT RESORTING TO INSULTS AND STRONG LANGUAGE THEN THIS GROUP IS NOT FOR YOU:  PLEASE DO NOT JOIN


 


How it works:


We initially invite members to suggest topics that are often controversial in nature.  Due to limited topics, these are not restricted to Benidorm, although we especially invite ideas that are Benidorm related on a regular basis.  Subjects such as conspiracy theories can be great topics.  We would prefer to stay away from subjects which other members hold close to their hearts or may feel uncomfortable discussing such as religion and similar topics. The topics discussed may also be purely for fun.  (For example: If laughter is the best medicine.  Is a comedian of more value to the world than a chemist) 


Having agreed on a subject we put the subject to an initial vote to the Group to see if there is sufficient diversity of opinion before opening the topic for debate.


Debates then take place in one of three formats.


Format 1 The open forum.  


This is when the votes suggest there is roughly an even split in opinions.  In this case everyone is invited to join the discussion.  We ask that all members join the discussion with an open mind.  It is fun to try to convince others that your opinion is right.  It is also fun to be prepared to concede to someone else's opinion when they argue a point you never thought of before.  At the end of an pre agreed time span we have a closing vote and see if one side was able to sway the other.  


Format 2 Head to Head 


This form of debate takes place when the initial vote suggests there are only a small number of people with a strong opinion on the subject (we need a minimum of two opposing views).  Most other members are undecided.  In this case the members concerned partake in head to head discussions. (A bit like the presidential debates in America).   Other members simply observe and wait to be convinced.  Their role is primarily restricted to asking questions of the members in contest.  The observers are in effect the Jury that will decide who is right and who is wrong.  A closing poll will decide who won the debate.  


Format 3 The Devils Advocate


This form of debate takes place when there is an opinion held held by a very small minority.  Perhaps on occasions only one person.  That person or persons is then challenged to play the Devils Advocate.  The idea is to hold your own against an entire group opposed to your opinion.  Note it can be great fun to attempt to play the Devils advocate even on a subject you do not actually believe in.  


Everyone welcome, but remember, we will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour.  You will be removed.  


 

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Lin Merritt
Frank Mccaffery
Susan Brown
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Margaret Elizabeth Edwards
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Anne with an E
Bevan Ahoy
Carol Andrew
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  • Lin Merritt
    Lin Merritt joined this group
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  •   Carol Andrew commented on this post about 1 month ago
    Carol Andrew
    Carol Andrew The Devils Advocate (Benidorm's Debating Society)
    Editing
    Is the Israel & Palestine too sensitive an issue to discuss here? I mean the historical rights and wrongs that bring us to this point.
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    Comments (12)
    • Hazel
      Hazel
      I think part of the problem with both this and the Troubles in Northern Ireland are that they started centuries ago so the hatred runs deep, butI think part of the problem with both this and the Troubles in Northern Ireland are that they started centuries ago so the hatred runs deep, but people from nowadays are being raised with the beliefs held by their ancestors rather than being aware of the actual reason any conflict first started, and I think this will make it extremely difficult to find a peaceful solution. In relation to religion, in Ireland it definitely is but not sure about Palestine/Israel, I'd need to read up more on it.  More ...
      1 month ago
      Reported
    • Carol Andrew
      Carol Andrew
      The problems between Israel and Palestine only really go back to the early 1900s. Mainly after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after WW1
      1 month ago
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    • Hazel
      Hazel
      Carol Andrew yes, the current conflict started in the late 19th/early 20th Century but I found an article earlier (which naturally I can´t find any Carol Andrew yes, the current conflict started in the late 19th/early 20th Century but I found an article earlier (which naturally I can´t find any more!) referring to something that happened in the 1700s but even just going back one and a bit centuries the same issues arise in relation to following on in the footsteps of their ancestors :(blush)   More ...
      1 month ago
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    • Hazel
      Hazel
      Found it! 'The modern state of Israel was founded in May 1948 in the aftermath of the Holocaust and Second World War but the conflict that has ragedFound it! 'The modern state of Israel was founded in May 1948 in the aftermath of the Holocaust and Second World War but the conflict that has raged between Israelis and Palestinians since can be traced back much further.

      Historians and commentators offer differing opinions as to when this chapter of history begins. In her series Al Nakba (2008) on Al Jazeera, documentary maker Rawan Damen begins her story with Napoleon Bonaparte, who proposed a Jewish homeland in Palestine as long ago as 1799 in the wake of the siege of Acre during his war against the Ottoman Empire.'

        More ...
      1 month ago
      Reported
    • Derek
      Derek
      There was conflict between Israel and the Palestine in Biblical times, it goes much further back than the 1700s. The Old Testament claims God giveThere was conflict between Israel and the Palestine in Biblical times, it goes much further back than the 1700s. The Old Testament claims God give the land occupied by the Palestine's to the Israelite's. So how do you argue against anyone who is an aggressor, but believing they do it on the instructions of their God. Religion plays a big part of the problems in both conflicts discussed. I think. It does in most conflicts. Regarding the support issue for various attacks and atrocities. Always remember there will be many decent people on both sides appalled by actions taken by others in their name, but who will be terrified to speak out against it. It creates the illusion that silence is support. That is not always the case.   More ...
      1 month ago
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    • Derek
    • Carol Andrew
      Carol Andrew
      Inspiring words.
      1 month ago
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  •   Carol Andrew commented on this post about 1 month ago
    Derek
    Derek The Devils Advocate (Benidorm's Debating Society)
    Editing
    I have a suggested topic for debate. There are many people pushing for the right to declare their own Gender, while those who believe Gender is assigned by nature and polarised. Here is my view on the topic.

    First point is what does the dictionary say. Sex is certainly polarised, Gender on the other hand takes into consideration a persons preferences and inclinations. I think this is the heart of the issue. Gender is a word that has been used as an alternative to the word Sex for years...
    I have a suggested topic for debate. There are many people pushing for the right to declare their own Gender, while those who believe Gender is assigned by nature and polarised. Here is my view on the topic.

    First point is what does the dictionary say. Sex is certainly polarised, Gender on the other hand takes into consideration a persons preferences and inclinations. I think this is the heart of the issue. Gender is a word that has been used as an alternative to the word Sex for years and many people are unaware of it's true meaning. Just like the word Decimated is often used to describe something that is totally destroyed, when in fact it means to reduce by 10%. There are many words in the English language that change their meaning over the years. Gender has been one of those words

    Next point then is Gender polarised or on a spectrum. Clearly since we have not only straight Men and Women, we have people of each Sex who display higher levels of Testosterone or Female hormones etc than what is typical of their sex. This leads to men who feel like women, and women who feel like men, and with sexual preference being different again. A man who likes to dress as a woman, is not necessarily gay. So clearly in the true meaning of the word Gender, than yes gender is a spectrum.

    I am therefore in total agreement that a person may choose their own Gender. BUT

    They should not be given the right to force that decision on other people. The idea that a man can claim to be a woman and therefore use women's toilets and enter women's sports etc is ludicrous. The "I am" therefore you must accept is wrong.

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    Comments (11)
    • Carol Andrew
      Carol Andrew
      An interesting subject

      I totally agree that an adult should be able to choose which gender they identify as BUT I think there should be a minimumAn interesting subject

      I totally agree that an adult should be able to choose which gender they identify as BUT I think there should be a minimum age for this - 18 or 21 - not sure which.
      I feel there is too much in schools where younger children are exposed to the idea that they may be a different gender if they choose.

      As far as sport, then only females who were born females should be allowed to compete in women's events. Maybe all Olympics events should have 4 categories - men, women, men who identify as women and women who identify as men. Or have a cross gender Olympics like the Paralympics - should be interesting.

      As far as Hazel's last point about a male rapist being allowed to go to a women's prison because he identifies as female would cause all sorts of problems. Whatever the crime, for things like prisons, hospitals etc your original gender should be the one they go by.        More ...
      1 month ago
      Reported
    • Derek
      Derek
      Yes, the points raised are all valid points such as cross gender Olympics etc, but my question is why? Why do we all need to pamper to peopleYes, the points raised are all valid points such as cross gender Olympics etc, but my question is why? Why do we all need to pamper to people because they are not born with a specific ability? I accept the things I cannot do. I can then attempt them at a lower level or find something else I'm good at. We cannot keep creating categories for different things until everyone is number 1 in their category.  More ...
      1 month ago
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    • Carol Andrew
      Carol Andrew
      I do believe that there are a few people who have a real problem because, due to an abnormality, they really are the wrong gender. I really feelI do believe that there are a few people who have a real problem because, due to an abnormality, they really are the wrong gender. I really feel sorry for these people and believe they do need help.

      Having said that, the numbers of people like this are very small. The rest who want to change gender I do believe it is for social reasons - it is fashionable to do this - or they are seeking attention. This is ok but there should be restrictions how far this can go.

      Mind you, there are times when I think that I would like to identify as male. That is usually when food needs cooking, washing needs doing or there is dust around the house         More ...
      1 month ago
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    • Tracy Ann
      Tracy Ann
      Carol Andrew I agree, with the "its fashionable" statement, my problem is that the minority now seem to be more important in this world than theCarol Andrew I agree, with the "its fashionable" statement, my problem is that the minority now seem to be more important in this world than the majority, by all means be what ever you want to be, but do not push it down everyone else's throat and certainly do not make it a punishable offence if you call someone him/her and not them.  More ...
      1 month ago
      Reported
    • Hazel
      Hazel
      I wonder how schools deal with this subject, if it´s anything along the lines of the way they handled sex education then it could explain why moreI wonder how schools deal with this subject, if it´s anything along the lines of the way they handled sex education then it could explain why more and more young people are opting to decide to be the opposite of what they were born.. When they first decided to bring sex education in at an early age (which is the topic of a discussion for a later date), when discussing homosexuality their 'teaching' was basically you should try it before you decide you´re not. Sorry but NO - the majority of people know whether they are attracted to the opposite sex, same sex or both. If they are uncertain then by all means try it to find out, but not everyone should be encouraged to try it out just for the sake of it.
        More ...
      1 month ago
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    • Tracy Ann
      Tracy Ann
      Hazel My 6 year old grandson has a "boy" in his class who dresses as a girl in fairy costumes, wears pink, with bows in his hair etc etc, this hasHazel My 6 year old grandson has a "boy" in his class who dresses as a girl in fairy costumes, wears pink, with bows in his hair etc etc, this has been ever since "they" have started school, I am sorry but at that age the parents dress the child, and no child that young actually knows their own mind with regards to sexuality. Maybe I am just old fashioned to think this is wrong?  More ...
      1 month ago
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    • Hazel
      Hazel
      Tracy Ann no I agree - that reminded me, we got pulled into school because my granddaughter commented on a boy who was wearing a girl's cardigan -Tracy Ann no I agree - that reminded me, we got pulled into school because my granddaughter commented on a boy who was wearing a girl's cardigan - she meant nothing by it (we're talking primary 3 or 4) but because the boy's mother allowed him/it to dress as a girl at that point it caused a problem for both him/it and my granddaughter and us!  More ...
      1 month ago
      Reported
    • Carol Andrew
      Carol Andrew
      Tracy Ann If you are old fashioned then so am I, At that age the subject should not even be discussed at school.
      1 month ago
      Reported
    • Derek
      Derek
      We badly need a devils advocate here. Everyone is basically of the same opinion
      1 month ago
      Reported
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