I Once Believed in the Goodness of Humanity… But 2020 Changed Everything

Throughout my life, I have always tried to find the good in people. I’ve gone to great lengths to understand the actions of those who have done terrible things, searching for justifications—anything to avoid the uncomfortable truth of people behaving poorly. I held on to the belief that most individuals are inherently good and that, given the chance, they would strive to help one another.

Then came 2020.

This year felt like the culmination of everything that had been brewing beneath the surface over the past several years. I watched in disbelief as people I once admired acted in ways I never thought possible. They didn’t just support a leader who consistently showcased his character flaws; they actively celebrated him. They ignored the escalating racial tensions in the country and persistently denied the existence of systemic racism. They made reckless choices during a global pandemic, endangering the lives of others while advocating against safety measures like mask-wearing.

I’ve witnessed individuals demand youth sports continue, putting the entire community at risk, while schools remained closed. They seemed oblivious to the privilege they were displaying and hurled insults at anyone who disagreed with their views. They waved flags for a man who has openly disrespected women, veterans, minorities, and those who don’t conform to his narrative—a man whose actions have led to the loss of countless lives due to his disregard for science and delayed responses to a crisis.

I can partially understand those who voted for him due to long-standing political affiliations or specific issues they prioritize. However, what I cannot fathom is the pride some take in his behavior—enough to adorn their homes with his signs and rally for him, despite his actions that I would be horrified to see emulated by my own child.

As both sides of the political spectrum devolved into name-calling and conspiracy theories, I felt a wave of sickness as friends turned their backs on data and science, prioritizing personal convenience over the health of their communities. I found myself questioning the integrity of people I care about, and that realization has deeply hurt. As someone who has always believed in the goodness of humanity, it is painful to witness such behavior.

I recently wrote about a public figure and the damage he has caused, and within hours, my inbox was flooded with misogynistic and abusive messages. Among them were unsolicited explicit images that left me questioning the motives of those who sent them. Is this their way of asserting power?

Every day, I am increasingly horrified by the current state of affairs. Sure, I might have been naïve to think that people were inherently better, and I recognize that marginalized communities have faced these harsh realities for far longer. However, I genuinely believed that most individuals were fundamentally good, and facing this disillusionment has been a heavy burden.

When the year began, I hoped that the challenges ahead would unite us, prompting sacrifices for the well-being of all. Instead, I observed restaurant owners protesting safety mandates while accepting relief funds, and people prioritizing their desires over community health.

In my small circle of friends, I find solace in knowing that they share my values and commitment to doing what’s right. Yet, I can’t help but notice a disturbing trend of individuals who flaunt their ignorance and cruelty. It leads me to question—perhaps most people are not good after all, but rather selfish, weak, and easily manipulated. Coming to terms with this possibility might be one of the most painful realizations of 2020.

For more insights on similar topics, check out this post on home insemination, which discusses the importance of supportive communities during challenging times. If you’re interested in artificial insemination options, visit Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination kit for expert advice. Additionally, Healthline offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

In this deeply reflective piece, the author grapples with the disillusionment of humanity’s goodness, particularly in light of the events of 2020. They recount their struggles to reconcile their beliefs with the actions of those around them, ultimately questioning whether people are inherently good. The narrative highlights the emotional toll of witnessing friends and community members prioritize personal desires over the well-being of others, leading to a painful realization about human nature.