As the upcoming presidential election approaches on November 5, 2024, political discourse on social media is at an all-time high, with influencers on TikTok playing a major role in shaping these conversations. As online debates intensify, the YouTube channel Jubilee has released its new series: Surrounded. This series has generated buzz nationwide due to its unconventional, high-stakes format. Each episode features one person defending their views against a large group with opposing beliefs, creating a dramatic, aggressive environment that has captivated viewers and sparked widespread discussion.
Each episode would start with one claim by the individual, and the group had 20 minutes for people in the group to volunteer to debate the claim individually. If the people in the group believe that the person debating did not accurately argue their claim, they can vote them off by raising a red flag. If 11 flags are raised, the debate is over and a new person can volunteer. Each episode covered many different claims by the individual, making for a well-rounded, exciting episode.
Jubilee launched this series with their episode “Can 25 Liberal College Students Outsmart 1 Conservative?” featuring right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. This pilot episode was a huge success as clips from the debate went viral across all social media platforms. People were fascinated by each contestant’s stubborn arguments, the topics being debated, and the arguments made by each political party. As a teen with more liberal views, I found Kirk’s headstrong approach to topics like abortion, college education, and gender issues both challenging and engaging. Part of my frustration came from my desire to join the debate and share my own perspective.
Following this episode, Jubilee released “Can 1 Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters?”, featuring one of the ‘liberal college students’ from episode one, TikTok debater Dean Withers. Similarly, clips from this episode went viral on platforms like TikTok and X where people from both sides of the political spectrum would argue who won or lost the debate. I thought this debate was more amusing due to some outrageous claims made. Specifically, one debater suggested that Kamala Harris was elected as Attorney General for the state of California by sleeping with four and a half million people.
“I always thought I had a pretty clear sense of my beliefs, but watching these debates challenged me to consider perspectives I hadn’t before. Seeing how each person defended their opinion helped me think about how to articulate my own thoughts better.” Said Sania Shah, a senior at The Village School, shared how this series has shaped her understanding of political issues.”These debates taught me a lot about the importance of listening to what other people have to say, even when you don’t agree. I think this series reminded me about how politics can divide people, but having conversations about politics is important.” Said Shah.
Overall, this series has proven itself to be a massive success on social media, sparking diverse political conversations online. I recommend that all students at The Village School watch this series no matter their political views as seeing different perspectives regarding the political election can be informative, refreshing, and self-modulating. These debates are important to have with the upcoming presidential election and can be highly educational.
References
Can 1 Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters? | Surrounded. (2024a). YouTube. Jubilee.
Retrieved from https://youtu.be/68aej2qmCtw?si=xIAiIwJbI_TZs0Px
Can 25 Liberal College Students Outsmart 1 Conservative? (feat. Charlie Kirk) | Surrounded.
(2024b). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/WV29R1M25n8?si=ssWuTuNT9UTNkEYY
