This week’s motion concerned whether we should give awards to music and film stars who have committed a violent crime. Kazuki Fairbrother made the strongest case in the Closing Proposition – that this is all about how it will affect future actions. He argued that if this motion is passed, we will see less violence against women and children. Dilara Gencer argued that this is about the victims of previous crimes and how they would be affected – to see their abusers being celebrated. The opposition lost because they primarily argued that the main stakeholders are the celebrities themselves. However, celebrities, by their very nature, impact thousands or millions of more people, shaping attitudes and affecting what we consider acceptable. If a violent misogynist is being celebrated for their art, will this normalize violent misogyny? On that point this debate will be decided. The Closing Opposition of Chloe Yuen & Kylie Leung came third –they really needed to rebut, or undermine, the proposition’s case more comprehensively. Another great debate!

 

Mr Ahern & Mr Murphy