Snow White and the Socialists

Japanese schoolchildren are being introduced to socialism at a very young age and in an unusual manner. It seems that in a recent school play, every child wanted to play the role of the pirouetting princess, Snow White. Or rather, every child's parent wanted them to play the role.

With an attitude akin to the wicked step-mother Queen, they bugged, bullied and bothered school officials until they were forced to address the issue. The solution - twenty-five Snow Whites. No one played the role of the seven dwarfs or the wicked step-mother, or the hunter, or the charming prince. Read the whole story here.

This, my friends, is socialism at its finest. Capitalism thrives on equal opportunity, but this is an example of not equal opportunity, but equal reward. There certainly is one child who plays the role of Snow White the best. Capitalism says that everyone should get to try out for the part. However, she (or he, for the sake of being politically correct) who has the darkest hair, fairest skin and tappiest toes should play the role. Socialism says that everyone is treated the same regardless of their abilities or attributes.

What is going to happen to these children if they embrace this socialistic worldview, when they enter the workforce? They are going to be severely disappointed when they discover that they don't get a promotion when their co-worker does. Not getting everything you want is a part of life. These parents are so short-sighted, only caring about whether their child gets the lead role in a school play. If everyone plays the same role, is there a lead role? I think not.

By the same token, a society based on socialistic principles will remove all incentive for achievement. Economics is about incentives. Remove the incentive, and we will become a classless society where everyone receives the same reward regardless of their abilities or performance. At least the parents with kids in school plays will be happy.