Andover High School Forensics Tournament
2025 — Andover, KS/US
Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss
Event Description:
Gaslight - Gatekeep - Girlboss
Rules - Any student may enter this event, but understand this is a social criticism of these behaviors. We are not celebrating them, but exploring the issue to educate people on the destructive nature of the behavior. Profane or aggressive behavior towards the judge is not allowed
Rd 1 - Gaslight - According to the American Psychological Association, the definition of gaslighting is, “to manipulate another person into doubting their perceptions, experiences, or understanding of events.” For this round, the performer has 2 minutes to convince the judge that they don’t exist. During the performance, students should direct commentary towards the judge, but the judge is instructed to not reply. Performers are not to physically interact with the judge or anything other than the floor. Rankings are based on creativity, adherence to the theme and overall impression.
Rd 2 - Gatekeep - According to the website NeuroLaunch, gatekeeping is defined as “the act of controlling or limiting access to a community, information, or resources.” For this round, the performer has 2 minutes to gatekeep the judge from Taylor Swift. Wichita Southeast coach and well known swiftie, Kayla Benson, has graciously agreed to judge this round. During the performance, students should direct commentary towards the judge, but the judge is instructed to not reply. Performers are not to physically interact with the judge or anything other than the floor. Rankings are based on creativity, adherence to the theme and overall impression.
Rd 3 - Girlboss - According to dictionary.com, “girlboss is typically used to describe a woman who views herself as a heroic figure while engaging in the same ruthless and abusive tactics used by powerful businessmen.” For this round, the performer has 2 minutes to fire their employee, Wichita West coach Melisa Wingfield. The performer should consider her an employee in a fictional job, not her actual one. During the performance, students should direct commentary towards the judge, but the judge is instructed to not reply. Performers are not to physically interact with the judge or anything other than the floor. Rankings are based on creativity, adherence to the theme and overall impression.
Finals - Mansplain - According to the Cambridge dictionary - mansplaining means “to explain something to someone in a way that suggests that they are stupid; used especially when a man explains something to a woman that she already understands.” For this round, the performer has 2 minutes to mansplain a criminal justice topic to our assistant coach Taylor Moore (who has a masters in CJ and is an adjunct professor of CJ at Wichita State). When you come in, Taylor will have a list of topics that you can choose from. You will have a minute to prepare your thoughts without the aid of the internet. During the performance, students should direct commentary towards the judge, but the judge is instructed to not reply. Performers are not to physically interact with the judge or anything other than the floor. Rankings are based on creativity, adherence to the theme and overall impression.