bluebird04 wrote:I also seem to recall the rapper "Akala" and him debating on a bbc3 show a few years ago, and Akala put him in his place.
In fairness it was hardly a balanced crowd.
It was essentially a very left leaning crowd with people queuing up to call Tommy Robinson racist, with none of them actually supporting their assertions. Also it was clear that TR was still pretty wet behind the ears at that point and hadn't really developed his position as fully as he has now. His position hasn't changed per say but he is certainly more comfortable in debate today.
I remember when I watched it first time out thinking that it was just easy pickings for Akala, who in fairness came across quite well spoken and who put forward some decent reasoned debate - but he was never challenged, the only person arguing against him was TR and he wasn't given the right to reply.
In actuality his arguments were weak and someone like Douglas Murray would have wiped the floor with him.
For example Akala got the biggest cheer of the night when he mentioned Islam introducing Algebra, Mathematics and Science into Europe. I'd have loved to know his opinion on Islam's invention of the african slave trade during the same period was for a start...
I'd agree that on the night TR cut a pretty forlorn figure, whilst Akala was warmly received (in fairness he seems like a fairly likeable fella) but I don't think i'd go as far as saying he put TR in his place and I certainly don't think Akala had a particularly robust set of arguments - he does strike me as someone who is able to mask a lack of substance and depth in his comments through his eloquence and grasp of the english language.
Pretty much the opposite of TR in fact, who generally has well researched and reasoned arguments but doesn't always have the composure and eloquence to get the point across.
Robinson on this particular show did admittedly seem of his depth a wee bit - but he has come on along way since though, particularly since being backed by Rebel Media, in terms of being able to hold his own in such shows.
Video is here for reference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtA21eiSmT8