Identify Statements

Identify statements that are Too Broad (TB) or Too Narrow (TN):

My parents have been the most influential people in my life. (TN)

My parents had an only child. (TB)

The "baby boom" generation has changed drastically. (TB)

In the last year there have been over twenty roberries in our neighborhood. (TN)

Crime is a major concern of everyone in this country. (TB)

George Bush has been an effective president during 9/11. (TB)

Dress Code in Public School Sytems

Controversial- This same proposal is being debated by our City Council in New York City. Their are mixed emotions between School Faculty, Parents, and the Student Body.

Pros-

1. Looks more presentable.
2. Saves money.
3. Demonstrates discipline.
4. Will avoid young women from wearing anything inappropriate.
5. Strengthen unity among peers (avoids social classes).
6. Positive perception from world.
7. Prepares youth for a work enviroment.
8. Helps focus more on school than appearance.
9. Avoids getting assaulted.

Cons-

1. Lays restrictions on expressing ones self and culture.
2. Hard to differentiate between students.
3. Facist idea first introduced by NAZI Germany.
4. Violation of our First Amendment right: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion
5. Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

• A few students were suspended from school because they were wearing a black armband with a peace symbol on it. The principle was affraid of a riot so he introduced a no armband rule. This case went all the way up to the supreme court and was won by the Tinker family.
• Full Case Review: Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

My position on this topic is that there are many educational institutions who require a school uniform, and if you really want your child to go to a school with a dress code then by all means go ahead it might cost more but atleast you will be satified. Why fix something that was never broken, students will where there expensive clothing either way so those demands are still out there.

RESOLVED

Banning Cell Phones in Public Schools

Comtroversial- this topic is controversial because many children have been found cheating using their cellphones during standerdized tests.

Pros-

1. This allows for students to pay more attention to class.
2. Avoids interuptions causing teachers not to perform at their best.
3. Eliminates any doubt during test taking.
4. Prevents many robberies within school property because of such devices.

Cons-

1. Many students depend on these cell phones to communicate back and forth with parents/guardians.
2. Cell phones maybe used in a time of crisis for example during the virginia tech crisis.
3. Many students need phones because of their after-school job.
4. Can't go home an retrieve their phones because they live to far.

Personally I am against banning cell phones in public because they are what bridge the gap between child and parent this is how parents are abel to track their children down. There are so many different solutions to this problem that doesnt need to resort to metal detectors, because I don't want to go to a school that makes me feel like I'm in jail.

Resolutions-

1. Install a system the blocks cell phone service within the school perimeter.
2. Their could also be a system in which you can leave your cellphone in a safe place and pay fifty cents a day.
3. Teachcher may be abel to ask for students cell phones untill the end of the class period.

RESOLVED

Racial Jokes: No Laughing Matter

Controvesial- many people have been making racial jokes lately that are very offensive to others for example minorities. [Don Imus, Actor/Comedian who plays Kramer on Seinfeld]

Pros-

1. Promote feeling of togetherness among same race.
2. According to 1st amendment in the Constitution it guarantees us freedom of speech.
3. Good to get a laugh, and relax from a tough day.

Cons-

1. Starts many racial tentions between many races.
2. Many of these racial jokes are used to supress.
3. An unjust use to show authority.

Personaly I couldnt agree anymore that racial jokes are a terrible epidemic in our society. Racial Jokes began at the start of civilization many kings degraded their workers calling them names making a joke of their appereance religion etc. These so called "JOKES" are nothing but a cover up to racism and prejudice.

Similiar Debate: Those with hightened racial/gender/etc. sensitivity are dangerous to our society.

Need To Know

Controvesial- subject to controversy; debatable.
Pros- in favor of a proposition, an argument, an opinion.
Cons- against a proposition, an argument, an opinion.
Debate- a discussion, public questioning during a public assembly.
Argument- discussion involving diffrering point of views.
Defensive- position or attitude of defense
Offensive- position or attitude of aggression or attack.
Objectivity- judgement based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices.
Subjectivity- judgment based on individual personal impressions and feelings and opinions rather than external facts.
Resolved- to decide or express by a formal vote.