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Debate Info

88
93
Yes, returned to Africa. No, stay where they are.
Debate Score:181
Arguments:59
Total Votes:244
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 Yes, returned to Africa. (30)
 
 No, stay where they are. (29)

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DMS 6th Period Debate: Should African Artifacts Be Returned to Africa?

**This debate is part of a test grade and only for DMS students, please.**


Requirements for this debate:

-You must write a detailed, original (your own) response to EACH SIDE (2 comments) that includes sources/evidence (sources from packet, artifacts from Pop-Up Museum, and Declaration of Human Rights)

-You must reply to other comments (in a respectful, polite way) and vote (thumbs up/down) on comments.

Questions to think about, write about:

---Is it more important that artifacts be seen in their original location or by the most number of people in a museum location (even if it is in another country)?

---Is it okay to remove artifacts in order to keep them safe from destruction (weather, war, etc.)?

---Is there a difference between "spoils of war" and art acquired through corruption and theft?

Yes, returned to Africa.

Side Score: 88
VS.

No, stay where they are.

Side Score: 93
6 points

They should return the things that they have stolen from the people that had made the items,because it is really wrong for them to get the things that people wasted there hard working time. That is very cruel. Myself I really did not like it, I couldn't even do those things by getting people belongings that is very cruel. (source 2)It doesn't belong to them(the people that stole the piece of art work) it only belongs to the people that only made there piece of art work.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
6 points

Artifacts that were taken from Africa should be returned to Africa. The reason I say this is, artifacts that were taken from Africa are not able to be seen by Africans so they are not able to have a taste of what their ancestors are like (via source#1). Also, Africans have grieved enough. Africans want to see their national heritage. Also at that time they looted the artifacts/goods they had no right to do so (via source#2). If they returned the Stone of Scone they should be able to return the artifacts, that is the most fair thing (via source#3). That' why artifacts should be returned to Africa. These artifacts are part of an African chapter of history.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
4 points

The reason that they should return the artifacts is because they were made and sold in Africa. That would be like someone breaking into your house and stealing all your stuff which is also illegal. As it says in all of side 1 in our packet is that they were looted which means stolen, or not paid for. If someone took your stuff you would want it back and that is what the Africans are feeling, grievance.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

For example source 2 says "That the time has come for the return of Ethiopia's LOOTED treasures." This states that they were pillaged not bought or traded.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
4 points

The artifacts should be sent back to Africa because in source number three prince Edun says that they returned something they took from Scotland back to them . So I don't see why they can not bring back the Africans artifacts .Also in source two it says that they feel like they lost apart of their heritage.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
0 points

your right but they cant afford to get it back. they barely have money so they should get more work.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
4 points

The artifacts should be returned because they are not British people's stuff . So if the British stole the artifact's the Africans have the right to sue the British people.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
jaferrari(2) Disputed
1 point

they did not steel it they borrowed it nothing in the packet says thaat they stole it .

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

I believe that Africa has a lot of artifacts that the British have should the British give it back ? should they keep it what should happen? Africa has a lot of creative artifacts and they deserve for people to see there creativity .

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
caitlin1234(1) Disputed
4 points

I agree that africa deserves for people to see there art and that is exactly why it should stay where it is in britain.

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

African artifacts should be returned because they were made there and you can't just take something from someone that they spend time on also they can keep them there so others can see the art and things their ancestors made so those paintings and artifacts can be passed from generations. They have places to keep the resources!! (from sources #1 and #5 also source number nine)

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
3 points

African artifacts should be returned to Africa because it's their ancestors artifacts and they should have the right to see what they made. Also, because some of the stuff at those museums were stolen like it says in source 2 where it says that in the British library that the stuff in there was stolen and how the president of Ethiopia says he wants the looted stuff back.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
3 points

because even know they cant afford it they should still be able to have back whats theirs.

source 5 shows it

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

Some may say that Africa is not in the state to be the holder of important ancient artifacts, but this is not true for the entire continent, as proven by the first excerpt of source nine.

Also, many items in current day British museums were unfairly stolen from Africans hundreds of years ago, but this doesn't mean the artifacts belong to the British, which is proven by source five. Great Britain needs to stop hogging many of the worlds greatest treasures and give back Africa the artifacts that were always rightfully theirs.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

yes. because they was in cambridge was the in the 400 they can call because that is what that said on the sheet to the law that is in AFRICAN

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

African artifacts should be returned because it belongs to them and is part of there national heritage. According to Source Four, Sindika Dokolo is a rich art collector who is strongly for returning the artifacts. Dokolo says "Any time such artwork can be identified...its owner will be offered a simple choice: Either sell him the work for the price at which it was acquired or face a lawsuit for theft. I think Sindika Dokolo makes a good point that I agree strongly with.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

African Artifacts should be returned to Africa because people need to see where they were created. Also according to Source Two, the Ethiopians want them back. Stealing the artifacts was wrong in the first place, but the British hoarding them from Africa is even worse. When the artifacts were taken from the Africans it was like losing a part of their history book, this is fully supported by Prince Edun in Source Three.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

They showed return all of the artifacts they stole but they showed keep they ones they bought there sure some were taken because they won the battles. But because of them taking them people in Africa don't have the original pieces of art in there country they only have replicas. To have my point proven just look at source 2 and 3.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

The artifact is important to the African people need their artifact it is not okay to remove the from a place. It is okay to steal if in a war because. source 2 says that the artifacts should be returned

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

African Artifacts should be returned because they worked on the Artifacts and if i worked on something i will want to have it or have it where that i can see it or where i live everybody can see my art work.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

What the europeans did was wrong. As said in source #2 they went into towns and stole items that were important to the people. That would be illegal in the USA and most other countries, but they still wont return the stolen artifacts

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

They should be returned to Africa because those artifacts strongly help them to see their culture and what their ancestors did before they were born.In source 3 the British felt that they should have looted their artifacts as a reward for defeating them in the war but its not an award it's theft and they want to hear the British saying that they would give the artifacts back but the British won't give them their artifacts back they think that they are helping them by letting other people see the art i strongly disagree by that they shouldn't just let other people see their art it's not theirs so they should just kindly return the art.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

African artifacts should be returned to their original place(Africa). I say this because these artifacts were looted from Africa, Africans grieve the loss of their heritage ,and that

one thing was returned why don't the others. In source 1 it says "These treasures belong in Africa, as that's where they were looted from". In source 2 it says "I must state that Ethiopians have long grieved the loss of the part of their national heritage". In source 3 it says "Those things that were removed were chapters of our history book.... The English returned the Stone of Scone to Scotland some years ago. So why can't they return our things?"

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
1 point

I think the art should be returned to africa because it was the africans in the place. Also in source 2 the african president wrote a letter explaining how he would reilly like their art back and he list an example how other countries gave back what was taken during war.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
1 point

The African items should be returned to Africa because they do not belong to the British. The British have stolen these items after Britain conquered Africa. In source 2 the president of Ethiopia wrote "I must state that the Ethiopians have long grieved at the loss of this part of their national heritage." If the president of Ethiopia agrees then shouldn't they give their items back.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
1 point

i agree that the british people should return the african art to the africans because the art means a lot to the africans but at the same time i think that the british deserves to keep the art because the won the war

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
1 point

i agree that the british people should return the african art to the africans because the art means a lot to the africans but at the same time i think that the british deserves to keep the art because the won the war

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
6 points

The artifacts are fine where they are and should stay where they are. I say this because Britain conquered Africa so they took the artifacts as "spoils of war". The British let more people see it because it is at a big museum and Africa goes through war and poverty which will keep the artifacts unsafe. In Source 6 it says "Alongside the culture the stories of other cultures and makes these objects as available as possible to a global audience." in Source 9 it says " because with its war and poverty, Africa lacks the institutions and resources to protect these precious works". This shows that Africa can't protect the artifacts if they are returned so they should be kept somewhere they can be preserved.

Side: No, stay where they are.
2 points

I absolutely agree. Spoils of war are treasures and prizes, not things you get to keep for some time. If they really want the artifacts so badly they should come and get them.

Side: No, stay where they are.
Manning123(6) Disputed
1 point

Even though they conquered Africa they should have let them have their dignity and heritage. That's part of their culture. They didn't just take objects they took citizens life workings.

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
5 points

I think that the african art should stay in britain. It should stay in britain because in source 9 it clearly states that the art is better off in britain because it is safer. Africa has war and poverty going on so the art would be better off in britain.

Side: No, stay where they are.
akiraaa(7) Disputed
1 point

i do not agree because what if you were the Africans you would not want anything of your ancestors items they made taken away from you .

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
5 points

No it shouldn't be returned back to Africa because i don't think they could afford it. Europe should keep it because they are more wealthy

source 7 proves my point.

Side: No, stay where they are.
5 points

The artifacts should stay where they are because there is a lot of warfare in African countries and their are looters in Africa that could just steal the artifacts and they could sell them or trade them for money or food.The artifacts are very valuable to Africa but it's not time for them to go back the time when they go back is when Africa improves no warfare poverty is over all the bad habits Africa had would be over.In source 4 I agreed with Cecile Fakhoury because it doesn't give him the right to decide on his own the whole world should be able to see Africa's art work.

Side: No, stay where they are.
Isaiah3 Disputed
0 points

The Europeans do not have the right to steal south Africa's possession.So I disagree

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
caitlin1234(1) Disputed
1 point

The british people did not steal the art. they found it and nothing in the packet says they stole it.

Side: No, stay where they are.
5 points

i agree that the artifacts in Britain in source 9 state the the artifacts are safer and the artifacts will remain were they put them .and the people will protect the stuff that is from Africa and they will keep them safe .

Side: No, stay where they are.
4 points

The Europeans were only helping show the world Africa's beautiful artifacts. No one else would be able to see the artifacts if they were just sitting in an old house without use (as said in source #6

Side: No, stay where they are.
1 point

I agree! Also, in Britain the EXTREMELY important ancient artifacts have a guaranteed safety rather than in Africa in the midst of poverty and war.

Side: No, stay where they are.
4 points

African Artifacts should stay where there are because you cant just go back to the Africans and say sorry there your stuff back that they looted them a long time old

source 7 shows my point because it saying how they cant just give back there stuff and say sorry

Side: No, stay where they are.
4 points

African artifacts should stay where they are. Because Africa right now is currently living with wars and poverty like it says in source #9. Also because not all of these artifacts they have were stolen ( also says in source #9).

Side: No, stay where they are.
4 points

African artifacts should stay where they are. The reason I say this is because, the British Museum says "These objects are as available as possible to a global audience." Also the British Museum doesn't have control it's both countries governments problem (via source#7). The African artifacts are more safe in Europe because Africa is in war and poverty so the artifacts could possibly be destroyed (via source#9). Another fact to consider is, with the art in Europe it allows other communities to appreciate African art (via source#8). That's why artifacts need to stay in Europe.

Side: No, stay where they are.
4 points

Many angry people around the world are demanding Britain give back their 'looted' artifacts but source nine reminds us that Africa has stolen many of Europe's treasures as well, such as some of the items in King Tut's tomb. In addition, much of Africa struggles from poverty and war, so the safety of the artifacts in this continent is also questionable, as proven in source nine. Also, in source six Hannah Boulton of the British museum points out that the artifacts get much more world wide attention and appreciation in the British museum than they would get in any African one.

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

The reason they should stay where they are is because they were "spoils of war". This means that they were rightfully taken and that they may keep them. They also will be safe in Britain because Africa goes through a lot of wars and those are perfect times for grave raiders, robbers, and much more people to come in a take all the artifacts and they will become lost. As it states in source 9, "With its wars and poverty, Africa lacks the institutions and resources to produce these precious works." While Britain has the resources to do so.

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

They should keep the artifacts where they are because in source seven it says that the British do not have the right to return the stolen goods.In source nine it also states that Africa is not the safest place for these items to be in their possession because they do not have the right resources to put these artifacts. In the British perspective they feel as if everyone should the diverse art work and uniqueness .

Side: No, stay where they are.
1 point

yes i will say that is and good and why they are to be possession that is goood for it

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

Museums should be able to keep the African artifacts for the whole world to see and experience. It states in Source 6 that our international audience should be able to understand the impact of the artwork. I personally would enjoy to see these amazing artifacts. Africans should be thankful that so many people can share the same experience that they were able to have.

Side: No, stay where they are.
1 point

people should lean about their amazing art skills the African

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

no the law that give them and to give back to the 1972 because i want to now why they are give back to the law because of the manuscripts

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

African artifacts should stay in European countries as of now. This is because there were no laws to prevent from taking artifacts back then. The artifacts were also taken because of them winning wars or capturing/defeating kingdoms. If not from those, most were bought or traded legally back then. Europeans also learned a lot about African culture, history, and art. The artifacts in Britain cannot be returned very easily because of a document. Now people can travel there to learn plus the big population will help. Anyone can view them if they travel and learn about them. People should learn though because now there are laws and rights to prevent that from happening. They should stay in European countries, but this should not happen because of laws, documents, and rights.

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

From source 9 they shouldn't keep these artifacts because they have wars and they could get ruined. Also the museums take these artifacts to show African culture to a larger audience so more people can know the history of these artifacts and they keep them safe from getting ruined. From source 4 the museums also help promote/show these these artifacts to us so we can have a better idea of their culture.

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

Well they should keep the artifacts. For one many people travel to Europe while not as many go to Africa. SO more people see the artifacts more in Europe than in Africa (source 8). Also some of the artifacts were won because the British beat them in the battles(source 9).

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

Well they should keep the artifacts. For one many people travel to Europe while not as many go to Africa. SO more people see the artifacts more in Europe than in Africa (source 8). Also some of the artifacts were won because the British beat them in the battles(source 9).

Side: No, stay where they are.
3 points

Why should they stay where they are that doesn't make any sense they don't have the right to steal there artifacts it doesn't belong to them. So i guess they should go back and not stay where there are, they should go and give back there belongings.

Side: No, stay where they are.
2 points

The artifacts should be everywhere because everyone can see and learn about the artifacts.some of the artifacts were sold. They were protecting the artifacts from being destroyed. Source 8 says that war were some of the ways they traveled.

Side: No, stay where they are.
akiraaa(7) Disputed
1 point

I do not agree because now the Africans feel sad because their artifacts are taken away from them .

Side: Yes, returned to Africa.
2 points

They should stay where they are because they can be viewed by more people. Also according to Source Eight, the artifacts were won in the war. Africans should be thankful that so many people from all over the world can see their amazing works of art.

Side: No, stay where they are.