Rural MN Town hosts freedom of speech debate
31st annual great american think-off question released
NEW YORK MILLS, MN- January 1, 2024- The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to announce the 2024 Great American Think-off question; “Is freedom of speech worth the cost?” All are invited to submit an essay answering this question by April 1, 204
For 31 years, the Great American Think-Off, based in the small rural Minnesota Town of New York Mills (Population 1,294) has hosted a debate competition for armchair philosophers to engage in civil discourse about life’s biggest question
This year, freedom of speech is the topic put forth by the Great American Think-Off committee. In gathering to select this year’s question, the committee landed on this topic given its current relevance as well as the more timeless philosophical idea that all freedom comes with some sort of cost.
The 31st annual Think-Off question is a challenging philosophical dilemma meant to inspire thinkers from all walks of life. There are many costs to consider when it comes to engaging in freedom of speech- and for this philosophical contest, you must choose whether or not you think those costs are worth it. For 31 years we have used civil discourse as a tool to publicly explore ideas and critical thinking, and we want to hear from you.
Perhaps you believe freedom of speech should be supported at any cost as a matter of principle. Or maybe you think the possible negative effects outweigh the benefits. Whatever your position, share your thoughts and you could win $500 and become “America’s Greatest Thinker” for 2024!
The Great American Think-Off is a philosophical essay and debate competition held each year in rural New York Mills, MN (Population 1,294). This Contest has received national acclaim and thousands of entries from all 50 states and more than 25 international countries throughout it’s 31- year history.
People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to submit an essay of no more than 750 words for a chance to win one of four $500 cash prizes and participate in the live debate to ultimately answer the question, determined by audience vote. Entrants should take a strong stand, basing their arguments on personal experience and observations rather than philosophical abstraction. Essays are due April 1, 2024. There is no fee to enter, though donations are welcome to help support civil discourse.
To enter, visit http://kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay/ (online submission preferred), email [email protected] , or mail essay to NYMRCC, PO Box 246, New York Mills, MN 56567. Essays must be submitted electronically by midnight on April 1 or postmarked by April 1.
The four finalists will be announced on May 1, and each will receive $500 plus travel expenses, along with a chance to win the title of America’s Greatest Thinker at this year’s annual debate held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 in New York Mills, MN
All are invited to attend the live debate and can purchase tickets online at https://thinkoff2024.bpt.me
For additional contest details and information on the past 30 years of civil debate, visit think-off.org or call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339.
About the Great american think-off
Now in its 31st year, The Great American Think-Off is an exhibition of civil disagreement between powerful ideas being explored by everyday people. Designed to bring philosophy down from the ivory towers of academia and accessible to all, the contest has received national acclaim including coverage by C-SPAN, the New York Times, and The Today Show.
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, located in the rural farm and manufacturing town of New York Mills, Minnesota, produces this annual philosophy contest and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate.
To get a better sense of the Think-Off, find details, historical information, and a list of the Past 30 years of questions and winners on the event website http://think-off.org
About the Cultural Center
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality and lifelong learning in the arts. Since its incorporation in 1990, the Center has connected people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world. The Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in its 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic building, gift shop featuring local artists, artists residency program, sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow and thrive, for more information, call 218-385-3339 or visit https://ottertaillakescountry.com/place/cultural-center-in-new-york-mills/
