Throughout my life, I’ve always strived to find the good in others. I went out of my way to understand the motivations behind the hurtful actions of those around me. I sought rationalizations and reasons, anything to avoid labeling people as simply bad. I held onto the belief that most individuals possess an innate goodness, that in the end, most would unite to help others if given the opportunity. But then came 2020.
This past year felt like the culmination of everything that had happened in the last few years, as I watched respected figures act in ways I never thought possible. They didn’t just support a man known for his terrible behavior; they actively celebrated him. They ignored the escalating racial tensions in our society, even denying the existence of racism. Choices made during a global pandemic put others at risk, as people fought against mask mandates and insisted on continuing youth sports despite the dangers involved.
What confounds me is not just the actions of those voting for such a leader out of long-held political beliefs, but the pride many took in his behavior. Seventy-four million people cast their votes for someone whose actions I would be horrified to see emulated by my child. I can’t wrap my head around the pride displayed in supporting someone who degrades women, veterans, minorities, and anyone who doesn’t conform to his narrative.
As the year unfolded, I saw both sides of the political spectrum devolve into name-calling and conspiracy theories. I felt ill as acquaintances dismissed science and data in favor of their own comfort, refusing to make sacrifices while others suffered. Watching the integrity of those I care for erode has been devastating. As someone who has always believed in the goodness of humanity, it pains me to witness this darker side of people.
Even as I wrote about figures like Marcus Lee and the harm they cause with their distorted narratives, I was met with a barrage of abusive messages, revealing a troubling reality. The level of hostility and misogyny I encountered left me questioning not just individuals, but society as a whole.
I envisioned 2020 as an opportunity for us to come together, to unite in the face of adversity. Instead, we witnessed restaurant owners protesting safety measures while accepting government relief. We saw individuals prioritizing their desires over community safety, and public figures embroiled in scandals leaving behind chaos. This behavior, coupled with the willingness to accept harmful narratives without question, has made me reevaluate my beliefs about human nature.
I’m grateful to have friends who share my values and commitment to doing what’s right, but I can’t ignore the growing number of people who seem indifferent to the well-being of others. It leads me to wonder—perhaps most people aren’t inherently good after all. Maybe they are selfish and easily swayed, and the realization of this is one of the most painful outcomes of this year.
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Potential Search Queries:
- How has 2020 changed people’s perceptions?
- Understanding the complexities of human behavior in 2020
- The impact of political views on personal relationships
- Why do people support harmful leaders?
- Coping with disillusionment in friendships
In summary, the past year has profoundly altered my perspective on humanity. While I once believed in the inherent goodness of people, the events of 2020 have left me questioning this assumption. The actions of those around me, their disregard for the well-being of others, and their pride in supporting harmful figures have reshaped my understanding of human nature.