The ASOMEX Halloween Debate Tournament is an annual gathering of debaters from ASOMEX-affiliated and other schools, featuring spirited discussions on taboo topics. Embracing the festive ambiance of Halloween, participants don creative costumes, adding a playful twist to the serious world of debating. The unique aspect of this tournament lies in the taboo nature of the debate motions, encouraging participants to delve into unconventional and sometimes controversial subjects that are difficult to discuss. This adds an exciting dimension to the event, challenging debaters to think critically, argue persuasively, and consider perspectives beyond the norm. Our tournament is a perfect blend of academic competition, Halloween merriment, and stimulating conversations.
As we embark on this journey of engaging discourse, it's essential to familiarize ourselves with the foundation that supports this vibrant competition. Our rules and guidelines, carefully curated and rooted in established debate formats, set the stage for spirited and insightful exchanges. Embracing modernity and efficiency, we proudly utilize the Tabbycat platform to ensure a seamless and fair tournament management, allowing every participant to showcase their debating prowess on a level playing field - note that the platform will be up once registration closes. And lastly, within the bounds of our well-structured schedule, we anticipate moments of enlightenment, mentorship, and camaraderie, as novices learn, seasoned debaters lead, and all of us celebrate the beauty of spirited discourse. Welcome to the ASOMEX Debate Tournament—where words wield power, and ideas spark change.
The motions for the ASOMEX Halloween Tournament adhere to the American School Foundation’s vision and Mission and align with American, AP and IB curricular standards. The School, and therefore our tournament, is an inclusive and diverse community, offering an international, academically rigorous, university-preparatory education. In addressing our Core Value of Truth, our motions often examine preconceived notions of taboo subject-matter in a highly academic manner as we encourage the integration of multidisciplinary and often challenging perspectives to understand the human condition.
Prepared Motions
Round 2: 1st Prepared Motion
THBT love conquers all.
Round 3: 2nd Prepared Motion
THBT there is only one true religion.
Impromptu Motions
Following our Halloween theme, our impromptu motions are related to taboo.
2024: Fernando de la Mora is a renowned Mexican tenor, celebrated for his powerful voice and versatility in both opera and popular Mexican music. He trained at the National Conservatory of Music and went on to establish a prominent international career. De la Mora has performed in prestigious opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, and the Vienna State Opera, often taking on leading roles in works by composers such as Verdi and Puccini. Known for his passionate interpretations, he is also highly regarded for his promotion of Mexican music, blending his operatic talent with the traditional sounds of his homeland in concerts and recordings.
2023: Viendo TEntiendo, a civil association committed to fostering the effective inclusion of people with hearing disabilities. Their mission is to promote a world where everyone, regardless of ability, is welcomed and included in all aspects of public and private life. Their team is made up of five founders - three who have acquired hearing disabilities through different experiences, while two are hearing individuals. Together, they reflect the society we strive to create and our tournament promotes, one where every person’s identity is respected and valued.
2022: Yair Gittler, ex alumno y debatiente de ASF, es director de YGU Comunicación, agencia de mercadotecnia e imagen y co-fundador de Mezcal PUNTO;COMA, Casa Hadasa y Neets Dental, consejero dentro de las mesas directivas de Ironman Capital Partners y Tequila Travesuras en Miami así como Gobiz Advice en Costa Rica. Desde el 2017 Yair es el representante del área de Formación y Educación en CADENA, ONG con presencia en más de 15 países, especializada en la atención en desastres climáticos y emergencias humanitarias en dónde ha tenido la oportunidad de dirigir esfuerzos humanitarios a nivel internacional en lugares como Guatemala o Mozambique. Yair considera que el poder de la palabra, la comunicación, y el liderazgo asertivo han sido las herramientas más importantes que ha podido obtener, todas atribuibles al ejercicio de debate.
2021: Alexandra Huynh is the 2021 National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. As a second-generation individual, Alexandra employs poetry as a tool of self-reclamation and social justice for marginalized communities. She is a student at Stanford University where she aims to combine her passions for creative writing, science, and civic engagement.
2020: Brandon Love is a professional speaker and inspirational wizard who awakens people to their possibilities. He has been speaking and performing for 10+ years to audiences across North America. He is also the co-author of Brainsprouting: How to Become Fearlessly Creative & Have Better Ideas More Often.
It is imperative that as a coach, judge, and debater you understand the expectations of the debate and how you will be evaluated. Please check out all information on these pages.
