I Attended a Debate

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending my first “professional” debate. It was about the existence (or not) of an afterlife, and featured two of my favorite authors, Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris, arguing against two prominent rabbis. The event was enjoyable, and I was especially pleased to see Hitchens sharp and hilarious, despite his stage 4 esophageal cancer.

I figured I would enjoy the debate (otherwise I wouldn’t have bought tickets), but I also appreciated the audience. Lines moved quickly, everyone was pleasant, friendly, well-dressed, and respectful, even as they exited the congested parking lot. It was an efficient, civilized crowd of smart people. I liked everyone there, because they were there.  Even if they weren’t on my ‘side,’ I appreciated them for supporting critical thinking. 

Even in the bathroom, there was a palpable sense of mutual respect, which struck me as an odd foil for the many pro sporting events I’ve attended. Never once have I looked at a Dallas fan and thought, “I may not like the Cowboys, but I’m glad that guy in the Tony Romo jersey appreciates football as much as I do.” Any thought bubble floating above me would read something like “fuck that asshole.”

While I believe nothing is more important than critical thinking, when it comes to sports, I’m a fundamentalist Philly-fan.