Debating Ignorance by Dyann

Debating Ignorance by Dyann - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

"Do not just look at the surface of an issue, dig down deep and try to better understand why, when, how, where, and what." Ignorance is a choice, you can choose to see what the media portrays the issue to be, or you can research the issue and learn what is truly going on. My sophomore year in high school I invested my energy in a rather heated debate, about social issues with my sociology/physiology teacher, Mr. Hogan. I am a rather hard headed-girl, I like to see things my way, and it takes a lot of convincing for me to change my beliefs. Once I form an opinion on a subject, it is as if it were etched in stone. I formed my debate on the facts that I had found in the media's headlines, and felt very confident in my facts and opinions entwined with each other. After I presented my argument, Mr. Hogan blasted me with a plethora of questions, many of which I could not answer. I believed that I had presented a sturdy argument and that I had done enough research to answer any and all questions. However, there were so many unanswered questions that I couldn't help but doubt my research and abilities. Once I had stood there silent for many ongoing seconds, Mr. Hogan informed me that I had just skimmed the surface of the issue I was debating. He helped me to understand that there was a much deeper problem festering under the surface, a problem that I had yet to look into.
The next week we were presented with a new social issue and asked to form a new debate. This time around I was much more invested in that particular social issue; I read the new headlines and formed an opinion. This is where I took Mr. Hogan's words and used them to my advantage. I researched everything possible that tied into my social issue; I uncovered problems that I didn't even know were happening. With my new debate formed I came to class with my head held high and presented an argument that could not be reckoned with. After concluding my debate Mr. Hogan didn't say a word; he just sat there and looked at me with a smirk on his face. I immediately thought "Oh, here we go again." As I braced myself for the intense inquisition to come, Mr. Hogan said "You've finally learned the lesson I have been trying to teach for two weeks now." In a concerned voice I asked "I did?" He replied, "You learned how to take the surface of an issue and dig deeper, you looked past what the media portrays and you were able to form an independent opinion about this issue." That day I truly learned what it means to "research" and "form an opinion." From that day on I look at all issues differently, and think immensely before I decide what side I am on. I am forever grateful to Mr. Hogan for teaching me this wonderful lesson; it is definitely one that I will not forget.