On Tuesday, my school’s debate team will be engaging in a friendly match with another local school….The topic is THE ROSE IS BETTER THAN THE POTATO….We are opposing the motion.
Actually, having thought about it for awhile, I find this a very interesting topic….The most immediate goal that comes to mind is the defining of the motion….It seems very clear that this is about functionality or utility vs. aesthetics or pleasing the soul.
I had a couple of classes try this out in mock debates and it all keeps coming back to you can eat a potato but you can’t eat a rose (although roses are used for medicine, syrup etc.)….You can’t give a girl a bouquet of potatoes (although considering the price of vegetables lately that’s not a bad gift)….Roses don’t last long and when a potato goes bad it makes all the potatoes nearby go bad ….For some reason, several students brought up the idea of carving a rose out of a potato as gesture to both aesthetics and function.
I still feel the function vs. aesthetic approach is the way to go but I did have another thought playing the role of the opposing team….What are human needs?....Maslow’s hierarchy of needs could classify receiving a rose as self-actualization or self-esteem or love and belonging….The sight and smell of a beautiful and fragrant rose is definitely fits in there somewhere.
Actually, having thought about it for awhile, I find this a very interesting topic….The most immediate goal that comes to mind is the defining of the motion….It seems very clear that this is about functionality or utility vs. aesthetics or pleasing the soul.
I had a couple of classes try this out in mock debates and it all keeps coming back to you can eat a potato but you can’t eat a rose (although roses are used for medicine, syrup etc.)….You can’t give a girl a bouquet of potatoes (although considering the price of vegetables lately that’s not a bad gift)….Roses don’t last long and when a potato goes bad it makes all the potatoes nearby go bad ….For some reason, several students brought up the idea of carving a rose out of a potato as gesture to both aesthetics and function.
I still feel the function vs. aesthetic approach is the way to go but I did have another thought playing the role of the opposing team….What are human needs?....Maslow’s hierarchy of needs could classify receiving a rose as self-actualization or self-esteem or love and belonging….The sight and smell of a beautiful and fragrant rose is definitely fits in there somewhere.
However, hunger is definitely a bigger, more important concern to humanity than beauty….One needs the basics such as nourishment and not starving to death before they can tackle a complicated concept such as pleasing the soul and love of art or culture or beauty.
I believe a potato is much easier to grow than a rose as well.
1 comment:
Hey I just walked home drunk but a potato is a much better gift than a rose concerning a representation of love and emotion.
A rose is simply for show, judged materialistically (for it's beauty alone) and it dies shortly after being picked. A potato lasts for ages, and even continues to grow away from soil. It keeps growing.
Potatoes also have many uses. They can be enjoyed in many ways, and even be used to make a battery. It's random spontaneity is a perfect representation.
Good night, New York!
Post a Comment