The Nature of Debate

I hate the way the internet has been trying to redefine what a debate is. A debate isn't the same thing as an argument and treating them as the same is just incorrect. Debates are structured, evidence-based, and respectful. They can devolve into an argument, but they are not one in the same. Additionally, while debates can be a good tool for learning, a lot of "debates" are just being used for propaganda (you can see this in the college campus "debates" done by TPUSA and similar organizations.)

Not enough people seem to understand that a major part of debate is learning and understanding your opponent's side. You don't have to agree with it, but you need to know their points and have actual counterpoints. It's not just a back-and-forth; it's a learning experience on all sides.

Also, it's perfectly fine to have boundaries about who and what you're willing to debate! Discussing "discourse" isn't an invitation for people to drag you into an argument. If I'm talking about flat earthers and how I feel about the "discourse" surrounding the shape of the Earth, that does not automatically mean that I want to argue with flat earthers about it. Get your head out of your ass and start respecting people's boundaries.