I’m still trying to figure out whether this (Oneshare.com) is a nifty gift idea, or a cynically opportunistic way of introducing children to the joys of capitalist greed before they know any better.
I suppose we already give children toy cars to get them used to the idea that they have a right to drive, toy guns to let them know that killing people is actually rather fun, and TV programmes like the Tweenies to reinforce the gender stereotype of ditzy girls and tough boys. So why not “My First Stock” as well?
Is it a potentially valuable educational tool for learning about saving, the responsibilities of ownership, and the stakeholding economy, or is it a sinister gateway into the world of day trading, inflated earnings statements, and IPO fever?
Or am I just taking it a bit too seriously?