Jeff Backe, a retired suicide counselor, has consistently made claims that he invented the phrase, "agree to disagree." Backe says that in 1979, he was speaking to a man considering suicide because he was saddened over the death of disco. Backe claims the following conversation occurred:
Suicidal Disco Fan: But, what will happen to KC & The Sunshine Band?
Backe: They'll be fine. What's more important is that you stay focused on your life.
Suicidal Strutter: But, KC & The Sunshine Band are the greatest band ever!
Backe: I can name at least one hundred bands that are better than them.
Suicidal Guy: "Making a Little Love": You don't know good music.
Backe: Well, agree to disagree.
Backe never copyrighted the phrase after using it, and the man he spoke to in question committed suicide outside of a Chicago area disco an hour after speaking to Backe. Professor Julian Alexander of The Chicago Institute has been one of Backe's most fervent opponents. The two met at The Nina Wisdale Theatre at The Chicago Institute to debate over the claims. The following is a transcript of the debate:
Professor Alexander: I am a linguistics professor and I believe that phrase existed long before you invented it.
Backe: Well, agree to disagree.
This event now holds the world record for the shortest debate ever. The debate concluded with a performance by Alanis Morissette singing her hit song, "Ironic."
Alanis Morissette during the lecture. Yes, she brought her own car and slept in the back seat.