on our minds: fall 2006 edition

Time again for in-class debates in my English courses. Last year's topic list is here, as a point of comparison.

Freshmen had an open topic selection.

• Reincarnation is real.
• Cloning human beings is good.
• Affirmative action scholarships reduce the effects of racism.
• Same sex couples should be allowed civil unions.
• Gay marriage should be legitimate.
• "Freak dancing" should be allowed at school dances.
• CHS should have an open campus.
• Evolution and creation should both be taught in school.
• Gay marriage should be allowed.
• The WASL should be a graduation requirement.

Juniors chose a resolution specific to cultural conflict and cultural norms.

• Disney movies respect different cultures. Disney movies ought to respect different cultures more. (The original resolution gave too much ground to the negative.)
• We should impose our culture on others.
• Traditional medicine should supplement modern medicine.
• We should follow tradition.
• America's obsession with body modification is wrong.
• Ritual suicide is acceptable.
• Religious minorities should conform to the values of the majority.
• Permanent cosmetic body modification is wrong.
• Visitors should adopt the traditions of their destinations.
• Schools have the right to choose which holidays they will observe.