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John_Maxwell_IV comments on Let Them Debate College Students - Less Wrong
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So I've turned on the tv to watch a debate on evolution and creationism on CNN (or Fox News). The creationists have sent an older, respectable-looking gentleman in a suit, bible in hand. The evolutionists have sent a scrappy-looking college kid in jeans, barely out of his diapers and studying something fancy-shmancy at the University of Liberal Professors, Berkeley.
A priori, whose side will I be on?
How many people will think: "Is this the best guy the evolutionists have to offer?"
The college student doesn't have to wear jeans...
Yes he does. disrespect is part of the point, and Americans like underdogs and generally don't like young members of the establishment.
Okay, but he's clearly young. I don't see how sending a low-status person to debate a high-status person could ever convince the adherents of the high-status person.
I think the opinions of bystanders are more important.
They are. But that's also where Hans' point is most important. Will the fact that what the student is saying is 'obviously being right' overcome the flair, status and woo of his opponent in influence on the audience? I'd be very surprised.