Discuss:
Below are some statements about engaging in public debate. Discuss the statements in groups. Do you agree or disagree? Make sure you give reasons for your opinions.
- Memes and social media posts are much more effective methods for changing people's opinions than blogs or Letters to the Editor.
- Young people never read Letters to the Editor; it is a dying format.
- The best way to reach people is through vlogs. If people can see and hear you they are more likely to trust you.
- When people have formed an opinion no evidence in the world can change their minds. It is a waste of time to try to argue with them.
- It is useless to participate in the public debate, because all you get is hate and harassment.
- People who write in comment sections are unintelligent people with too much time on their hands, so it is a waste of time to engage.
Reflect:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people participated in the public debate about the dangers of infection, school lock downs, financial support for the unemployed and the road towards getting a vaccine. Below you will find two examples of Letters to the Editor from people who strongly believe in a vaccine and fear the dangers of vaccine opposition.
Read through both letters before you give your opinion on the following:
- Which letter do you think is the best?
- Which letter is most trustworthy?
- Which letter is most likely to be published in a serious newspaper?
- Which letter has the greatest potential to influence and persuade public opinion?
Give reasons for your answers and find examples from the texts to support your views.
Write:
Write your own Letter to the Editor about a topic you are passionate about. You may choose your own topic, or you can choose a topic from the list below. Aim to take a clear stand on the issue.
- corona lock down and closed schools
- taking action to prevent climate change
- equal rights for same sex marriages
- racism and #BlackLivesMatter
- the death penalty
Your text should be between 200 and 300 words. You may use the check-list below for assistance, or watch the short film about letters to the editor.
Letter to the Editor check list
- You have a clear purpose for your letter.
- You address the editor as Sir or Dear Editor.
- You give your full name, but you may ask for it to be published under a pseudonym.
- You grab the reader’s attention from the beginning (hook).
- You explain why the issue is important and state your opinion on what should be done.
- You give evidence for your arguments, both praise and criticism.
- You are concise and clear, and you keep it brief.
- You want to make a professional impression, so you give your text a final spell check before sending it.
Research:
- There have been numerous reports that women experience more threats and harassment when they engage in public debate than men do. Use the internet and find updated statistics about harassment of women in politics, and discuss why women are more likely to experience abuse and threats.
- Choose a popular movement, for example Black Lives Matter or School Strike for the Climate, and find out how it uses media and social media to spread its message.
- The Flat Earth Society has gained a lot of members in recent years. Research how the society has used Youtube to get its message out, and discuss if freedom of speech should be limited to prevent people from believing misinformation.