# Requiring kindergardeners to share things is now apparently a "socialist" idea **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 22, 2011, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372 "2011-04-22T16:29:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Max\_the\_Immortal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Max\_the\_Immortal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_the_Immortal)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/41 "2011-04-23T01:01:02Z")
> [@Dag\_Otto](#): > > She did the best she could. What was she supposed to cover your name with? Everyone knows you don’t give permanent markers to first graders. So with no marker to use I’m sure she thought the orange paper would be good enough. And she was right, until some creepy little boy rummaged through her stuff. > > 😃 Hey, now, be fair. First of all, it was _my_ stuff. Second of all, we had [the kind of desks you don’t have to rummage through to see their contents](http://www.deskadoo.com/2010_TitleImage.jpg). I was more offended that she’d done such a lazy job of stealing than I was by the theft itself. She even used an eye-catching color of paper. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/42 "2011-04-23T02:06:10Z")
Dude, she was hitting on you. Trying to get your attention. Nothing more flirtatious than a missing glue stick. She was saying she was “stuck on you.” ---
**Author:** ![Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/96bed5/32.png) [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/43 "2011-04-23T02:57:17Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > Jerome Corsi’s new book “Where’s The Birth Certificate” might be the tipping point where the loons poison the GOP message. I sure hope so. I was so sure you were joking with this, until I went to amazon and saw it right there in front of my eyes. If that book is more than 25 pages long, I just don’t know what I’ll do. I might just have to buy it and put it up on my shelf next to John Gibson’s _The War on Christmas_. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/44 "2011-04-23T04:20:12Z")
> [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](#): > > I was so sure you were joking with this, until I went to amazon and saw it right there in front of my eyes. If that book is more than 25 pages long, I just don’t know what I’ll do. I might just have to buy it and put it up on my shelf next to John Gibson’s _The War on Christmas_. Are you sure it isn’t called _Dude, Where’s the Birth Certificate_? ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/45 "2011-04-23T04:23:36Z")
You got away easy, you only went to school with her. Out there, somewhere, some guy… ---
**Author:** ![Max\_the\_Immortal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Max\_the\_Immortal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_the_Immortal)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/46 "2011-04-23T04:39:13Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > You got away easy, you only went to school with her. Out there, somewhere, some guy… I know it doesn’t quite make sense, but this gave me a mental image of a baby with a rectangle of orange construction paper taped to him as his mother lies about his paternity. ---
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/47 "2011-04-23T05:09:23Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Compared with humiliating some kid who’s parent’s couldn’t afford or couldn’t be arsed to get them their supplies? Definitely the latter, since this was a reasonably affluent area and a bottle of glue costs what, $1.49? In any case it teaches kids that if you’re irresponsible and fail to contribute, other people will simply be forced to take care of you. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/48 "2011-04-23T05:20:50Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > Definitely the latter, since this was a reasonably affluent area and a bottle of glue costs what, $1.49? In any case it teaches kids that if you’re irresponsible and fail to contribute, other people will simply be forced to take care of you. Oh for the love of fuck - that’s asinine. Teaching children to be social parasites because they share glue? I honestly thought Glen Beck was putting on an act, thank you for disabusing me of the notion that no one is that stupid. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/49 "2011-04-23T05:23:26Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Compared with humiliating some kid who’s parent’s couldn’t afford or couldn’t be arsed to get them their supplies? Hell, yes. It’s a better idea to teach them that young that they don’t have to bother to get what they need, that the government will provide? ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/50 "2011-04-23T05:39:17Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > It’s a better idea to teach them that young that they don’t have to bother to get what they need, that the government will provide? And you honestly believe that the simple act of sharing class supplies teaches children to be dependent wards of the state, not that cooperation is a good way for a group to accomplish a common goal? ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/51 "2011-04-23T05:43:20Z")
> [@zoid](#): > > And you honestly believe that the simple act of sharing class supplies teaches children to be dependent wards of the state, not that cooperation is a good way for a group to accomplish a common goal? I wasn’t responding to the idea of simple sharing, I was responding to the question of whether “forcefully seizing and redistributing property is the “right thing” to do”. Since that is what the government does to taxpayers to support those who cannot be bothered to be responsible for themselves, I kind of wonder if teaching kindergardeners that this is the correct order of things is a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/52 "2011-04-23T05:50:30Z")
“The \_\_\_\_ Show” was used on the wrong SDMB poster. It should have been called The Curlcoat Show. Thread’s over, everyone. The rest will now be everyone arguing with Curlcoat. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/53 "2011-04-23T05:52:49Z")
Ah, so you belive that if kindergarteners share supplies thay will make the leap to; “forcefully seizing and redistributing property is the “right thing” to do” Correct? If not, then when you make the satement: [QUOTE=curlcoat] It’s a better idea to teach them that young that they don’t have to bother to get what they need, that the government will provide? [/QUOTE] please explain how they are being “taught” other then through sharing. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/54 "2011-04-23T06:18:17Z")
> [@Idle\_Thoughts](#): > > “The \_\_\_\_ Show” was used on the wrong SDMB poster. It should have been called The Curlcoat Show. > Thread’s over, everyone. The rest will now be everyone arguing with Curlcoat. I realize that you are unable to form opinions without the help of Faux News, but there are probably others here who can think for themselves and use their heads for things other than growing hair. So why don’t you just run along? > [@zoid](#): > > Ah, so you belive that if kindergarteners share supplies thay will make the leap to; > “forcefully seizing and redistributing property is the “right thing” to do” > > Correct? > > If not, then when you make the satement: > > please explain how they are being “taught” other then through sharing. Did you read the thread? **Rigamarole’s** parents paid for school supplies and at least the glue was taken from him and the other students who had glue, so it could be used by all the students. Therefore, some of those kindergardeners came to the (government) school and found their parents didn’t need to bother to buy glue like the other parents, because the school would provide. That is not sharing - the owners of the glue had no say in whether or not others would use it, they were forced to hand it over. Hence **Rigamarole** saying “Is it really cool to teach our kids that forcefully seizing and redistributing property is the “right thing” to do?”. Then, **elucidator** thought it was oh so terrible to “humiliate” those kids who didn’t have glue and it’s so much better to force the children of the responsible parents to give up their glue without even the option of sharing. And my comment is that I think the possibility of “humiliating” a few kindergardeners is far better than teaching them all that earning things is unnecessary, because someone will come along and hand you whatever you need. ---
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/55 "2011-04-23T06:25:29Z")
> [@zoid](#): > > Oh for the love of fuck - that’s asinine. Teaching children to be social parasites because they share glue? I honestly thought Glen Beck was putting on an act, thank you for disabusing me of the notion that no one is that stupid. That was a witty ad hominem, but can you actually explain how it _doesn’t_? ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/56 "2011-04-23T07:20:17Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > That was a witty ad hominem, but can you actually explain how it _doesn’t_? You made the assertion, it is your responsibility to prove it. If I say there’s a bunny at the center of the sun, is it your responsibility to prove I’m wrong? ---
**Author:** ![Sri\_Theo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@Sri\_Theo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sri_Theo)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/57 "2011-04-23T10:17:33Z")
This is the most hilarious thing I’ve read all day. Do you really think that teachers/schools make these decisions based upon philosophical insights or do they do it based upon what makes it possible to manage 30 kids in a classroom at one time without it turning into Lord of the flies. And in the UK the government pays for it all, socialism! ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/58 "2011-04-23T13:38:09Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > I realize that you are unable to form opinions without the help of Faux News, but there are probably others here who can think for themselves and use their heads for things other than growing hair. So why don’t you just run along? > > Did you read the thread? **Rigamarole’s** parents paid for school supplies and at least the glue was taken from him and the other students who had glue, so it could be used by all the students. Therefore, some of those kindergardeners came to the (government) school and found their parents didn’t need to bother to buy glue like the other parents, because the school would provide. That is not sharing - the owners of the glue had no say in whether or not others would use it, they were forced to hand it over. Hence **Rigamarole** saying “Is it really cool to teach our kids that forcefully seizing and redistributing property is the “right thing” to do?”. > > Then, **elucidator** thought it was oh so terrible to “humiliate” those kids who didn’t have glue and it’s so much better to force the children of the responsible parents to give up their glue without even the option of sharing. And my comment is that I think the possibility of “humiliating” a few kindergardeners is far better than teaching them all that earning things is unnecessary, because someone will come along and hand you whatever you need. I read it and understand it perfectly. And my question still stands unanswered: Do you believe that if kindergarteners share supplies they will make the leap to; “forcefully seizing and redistributing property is the “right thing” to do” You made this assertion. I’d like to know if you truly believe it. Will you forbid your own children from borrowing any supplies in kindergarten? If they forget their lunch one day in the years they will spend in school will you instruct them that when a friend offers to share they must refuse and go hungry lest they become part of the socialist disease that is corrupting the nation? Honestly, I believe that the ideals of self sufficiency and independence are admirable values. But when taken to such extreme limits that we lose consideration for everyone else it becomes destructive. Do you honestly want you children to go to a school that will make them stand in he corner if they don’t have a blue crayon? If my child lost or broke their blue crayon I would prefer the class share and everyone was able to move on with the lesson. Does this offend you? ---
**Author:** ![Hellestal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3ab097/32.png) [@Hellestal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hellestal)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/59 "2011-04-23T13:45:42Z")
What do you know. We’ve actually got people advocating the [Ayn Rand School of Parenting](http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2010/8/12hague.html) here. How adorable. > [@Our Daughter Isn't a Selfish Brat; Your Son Just Hasn't Read Atlas Shrugged.](#): > > When little Aiden toddled up our daughter Johanna and asked to play with her Elmo ball, he was, admittedly, very sweet and polite. I think his exact words were, “Have a ball, peas [sic]?” And I’m sure you were very proud of him for using his manners. > > To be sure, I was equally proud when Johanna yelled, “No! Looter!” right in his looter face, and then only marginally less proud when she sort of shoved him. > > The thing is, in this family we take the philosophies of Ayn Rand seriously. We conspicuously reward ourselves for our own hard work, we never give to charity, and we only pay our taxes very, very begrudgingly. > > Since the day Johanna was born, we’ve worked to indoctrinate her into the truth of Objectivism. Every night we read to her from the illustrated, unabridged edition of Atlas Shrugged—glossing over all the hardcore sex parts, mind you, but dwelling pretty thoroughly on the stuff about being proud of what you’ve earned and not letting James Taggart-types bring you down. For a long time we were convinced that our efforts to free her mind were for naught, but recently, as we’ve started socializing her a little bit, we’ve been delighted to find that she is completely antipathetic to the concept of sharing. As parents, we couldn’t have asked for a better daughter. This sort of rearing is obviously the only sure-fire way to bring up a socially well-adjusted little capitalist. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2011, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372/60 "2011-04-23T13:51:09Z")
My guess is that the glue was stored in a common, teacher-controlled space so that: a) it didn’t get spilled inside desks when kids forgot to close it b) Johnny didn’t use it to glue Susie’s notebook pages together And, of course, to support the collective. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requiring-kindergardeners-to-share-things-is-now-apparently-a-socialist-idea/579372.md?page=4)