A Common Thread

From the 5th grade playground, through high school corridors, and on into adulthood, cliques and clans persist and some mean girls never grow up. Social exclusion arises from differing economic classes, religious and political affiliations, ethnicity, and, absurdly, even from quirky personality traits.

When opposing values collide and beliefs do not align, respect and civility can unite a group, which is strengthened by diversity and is rich in unique perspectives.