Debate Prompt

5
Should people be allowed to go
barefoot anywhere they want?
Some people think that going barefoot should be banned in certain places. Others
think that being barefoot should always be allowed.What do you think?
E verybody likes to go barefoot, right? this trend. Lots of restaurant owners, for
There’s nothing better than feeling cool grass instance, place signs on their doors saying
or smooth pebbles between your toes. Even shoes are required. They say that bare feet
in cities, some people like it so much they go smell bad and “turn off” other customers.
barefoot all the time, and this trend is picking Other people say going barefoot is
up steam. There’s even a club to promote dangerous. They say barefooters can be
going barefoot. It’s called the “Dirty Sole seriously injured if they step on glass, nails,
Society” and has over six hundred members. or other sharp objects. They also say bare feet
People in this club do everything without spread disease.
shoes. They shop, work, and even go out to What do you think? Should people be
eat barefoot. allowed to go barefoot wherever they want?
But certain people aren’t so happy about

Barefoot people should Feet are dirty and they

be protected! This is a
free country and if people
want to be shoeless, no one should stop
them.The idea that being barefoot is
unhealthy is just a myth. And going
barefoot is no more dangerous than
anything else. Maybe the government
ought to pick up all that broken glass
rather than harass barefoot people.As
for people who think it’s disgusting, they
need to lighten up!
stink. If people want to go
barefoot, fine. But they
should do it in their own homes and on
their own property and leave the rest of
us alone. Feet-people say their rights are
being violated with these laws. But
what about the right of people not to
see or smell people’s disgusting feet?
What good is the law if it doesn’t at
least protect us from that?

Your Turn!
Consider Both Sides: Make a list of three reasons why someone would want to go
barefoot anywhere they want. Make another list of three reasons why someone would
not want to.

50 Debate Prompts for Kids © Daley & Dahlie, Scholastic Teaching Resources 19