The Lost Art of Inclusive Friendships

Growing up, birthdays were magical. They weren’t just about the cake or the presents; they were about bringing people together. Back then, every kid in the neighborhood was invited regardless of which school they went to, or if they went to school at all. Public school kids, private school kids, and even those who didn’t attend school mingled effortlessly. It was a beautiful sight a melting pot of backgrounds, personalities, and stories.

I cherish those days. The friendships we formed were pure, untainted by societal labels or divisions. We didn’t care about who had the most expensive toys or who came from the wealthiest family. What mattered was playing together, sharing laughs, and building memories. I’m grateful that I’ve carried many of those friendships into adulthood, and they remain a testament to the beauty of inclusivity. But things have changed.

The Shift in Social Dynamics

Today, when I observe birthday parties or social gatherings, I see a stark difference. The guest list is no longer about the neighborhood kids or a mix of backgrounds. Instead, it’s curated based on school affiliations, parental positions, and social standing. Kids now hang out with children from the same "class" or standard those who share similar privileges and lifestyles.

This exclusivity is disheartening, not just because it excludes many, but because of the lessons it inadvertently teaches. By restricting friendships to those within their social circle, children miss out on learning essential values like humility, empathy, and respect for diversity.

The Consequences of Exclusivity

This shift has deeper implications. When kids are caged within their own class, they begin to view others outside their bubble with pity, disdain, or even disgust. Instead of celebrating differences, they grow up alienated from diverse perspectives and lifestyles.

The result? A generation that struggles to connect with others who don’t mirror their own experiences. They lose out on the chance to build empathy, understand various walks of life, and develop a sense of inclusiveness.

What’s at Stake

Childhood is supposed to be a time of exploration and connection. By limiting interactions to a homogeneous group, we are robbing children of opportunities to grow into well-rounded, compassionate individuals. They miss the joy of building friendships based on shared experiences rather than shared privileges.

When we teach children to embrace diversity in their friendships, we’re teaching them to embrace diversity in the world. We’re instilling values that go beyond textbooks kindness, humility, respect for others’ choices, and the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Most parents in high echelon do not even feel the necessity to put an effort to reintroduce the beauty of diversity into their lives. Encourage their children to form bonds beyond societal labels and let them see that everyone has a story worth knowing, a life worth respecting, and a friendship worth nurturing.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not the class or background that defines a person it’s the heart and values they carry. Let’s teach our children to build bridges, not walls. The world will be a better place for it.

~Sumita Pradhan (Writer, educator, Certified Mental Health Professional)