It seems like these days, the word “glaze” has taken on a completely different meaning than the sweet, delicious, white covering on donuts. Our generation (Gen Z) has adapted the definition to fit more casual conversations, and not just in deciding our cravings. In verb tense, glaze/glazing refers to the act of putting someone on a pedestal by depicting them as amazing at something. It is similar to showing respect for someone's success, but in an environment such as speech and debate, it can be dangerous. Although admiring others is normal, excessive glazing leads to the idea that only top debaters matter, which overshadows others’ progress.

Throughout my two years of speech and debate experience, I have noticed the common trend of glaze culture in the community. Even as I am not extensively connected with circuit culture, I have become aware of the glaze top competitors receive. As in any other activity, such as sports, there will inevitably be famous and well-trained people known for their remarkable achievements. But this becomes an issue once conversations only revolve around the national outstanding performers. A novice may receive less attention after winning their first round in comparison to a conversation about top-ranked debaters. This leads to a pattern in which new contestants believe only high-achieving debaters’ awards matter and not their own progress. The glaze isn't random but rather focused on the perceived “GOATs” of the competition, which creates an impression in which novices are not as important in the speech and debate community.  With so much value placed on the top competitors, novices are left to feel worthless rather than satisfied with their hard work.

The solution that allows for a more inclusive community revolves around giving more attention to those who are the future or are currently trying to make it far in speech and debate. The solution is not to stop glazing top debaters, but the community must expand on what it should celebrate in terms of performances. TFA, TOC, and MBA winners should be getting praise, but so should first-time competitors who worked hard to move on to finals at their first tournament. Whether it’s getting a 1 in a room or a first-time tournament win in the novice division, there is recognition to be given for such a special moment. Allowing only a small group of people the spotlight, other achievements become invisible. This permits newer competitors to believe that their improvements are insignificant to well-known debaters. Rather than blocking out those who have just started, providing them with a sense of accomplishment can boost their self-image about what they can do. 

Speech and debate is a community in which diverse ideas are expressed through various methods, and glaze is a way to show appreciation for the rhetoric and knowledge people can acquire through time and dedication. Everybody, whether it's winning the state tournament or simply winning your first round in the novice division, makes progress in speech and debate that deserves recognition. A great community celebrates not only awards, but also growth. Not everyone may be as sweet as a donut, but everyone is worth some glazing so that they can feel wanted in the speech and debate community while continuing to better both themselves and their peers.