Debate #3

For the third debate, we covered the topic of colonialism. The debate was probably the worst out of the first two I'd have to say, but there were still some great points made on both sides. I have to say that the con side really took the cake in this debate. There first point they brought up was how colonialism exploits the people and their resources. They make the point across that these colonizers were coming to these areas for their own good and not to help promote economic development like the pro side was saying. I have to firmly agree with what the con side said about this. The whole idea behind colonialism was to expand the empire and gain more riches, wealth and resources from other areas. Another point that the con side brought up was about how colonialism destroys independence and self determination. I do not feel that this point hit as hard as the first, but the way they talked about how people coming into another country that has been doing for something for so long a simpler way, then having an outside source come in, set things up and leave would do more harm than them just not coming in the first place. Another strong point that the con side had was issue dealing with national identity and racism. They used an example from Africa when the Europeans came over, they left leaving the power in the hand of a few crooked and corrupt chiefs that were racist toward other tribes. Also the cons put down what the pros said about how colonialism is an inevitable process because they say how the culture has survived for thousands of years and now this culture feels the need to come in and help out. No, these places do not have to do this and the only thing they are in it for is to better themselves. I do agree with the pro side when they talk about how different concepts would not be as widespread as they are now without colonialism, but then again I agree with the con side when they say well who says that we are right to force it upon these people. Overall, the pro side had a very westerner point of view while the con side obviously took the complete opposite. In all, I figured out that colonialism can be both a good and a bad thing.