What Has Happened To Humanity?

Watching the news and seeing another horrific killing in the U.S. breaks my heart. I am at a loss of what to write here. What has happened to humanity? This questions keeps popping up over and over in my mind.

I usually stay away from commenting on world events on my platforms. I don't like dealing with confrontation, especially on social media. It never seems to be a safe space for tactful dialogue.

Politics has always felt icky to me. I used to not pay attention to it as much as I probably should have. Over the past 10 years this has changed. Politics still feels icky to me (more so than it ever has before). I pay attention now. It is imperative that we all do.

This world is filled with people who have different beliefs and experiences. The hateful divide that has enveloped this country and the world is horrific. There is no justification for death and destruction in any part of the world. It hurts my heart seeing comments on social media saying an individual or group of people deserve harm because of x, y, or z reason.

The support of governmental gaslighting is frightening. Putting political leaders on a pedestal takes away from critical thinking. Ignoring terrible behavior of leaders just because they belong to someone's political party of choice is fueling this current toxic climate. Suppressing the truth because it is an inconvenient narrative isn't the answer for anything! Politicians and world leaders are flawed human beings on all the sides. These flaws come up in different ways, some more extreme than others. They should be challenged accordingly when they drop the ball on something or do terrible things. There needs to be accountability!

What has happened to humanity?

I am sad, angry, hurt, and frustrated. I asked Chat GPT to give me some journal prompts to help me process these big feelings. Perhaps they can help you as well.

Journal Prompts for Reflection & Humanity

• What emotions come up for me when I watch or read the news right now? Where do I feel them in my body?

  
  

• What does “humanity” mean to me at this stage of my life? How has my definition changed over time?

  
  

• When I see hateful or dehumanizing language online, what is it stirring in me—anger, fear, sadness, helplessness, something else?

  
  

• What values do I want to stay anchored in, even when the world feels divided or chaotic?

  
  

• Where do I notice myself wanting to disengage, shut down, or scroll past difficult conversations?What might my nervous system be trying to protect me from?

  
  

• What does critical thinking look like for me in practice—not just politically, but emotionally and ethically?

  
  

• How can I hold people accountable without losing my compassion or my sense of humanity?

  
  

• What small, grounded actions help me stay connected to love, empathy, or service when global events feel overwhelming?

  
  

• What boundaries do I need right now around news consumption or social media to protect my mental and emotional health?

  
  

• In a world that feels fractured, how do I want to show up—as a human, not as a side?

Pain and suffering hurts my heart. That is why I am a vegan. I hope one day humanity can heal and work together.

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Jennifer Shlomovich is a Plant-Powered Lifestyle-Educator on a mission to help others improve their health by eating more plants.. As the only vegan in her household, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your values when the people around you aren’t on the same path. For years, she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, but through her journey, she discovered the power of setting boundaries, living by her values, and confidently prioritizing her well-being. On her YouTube channel, The Confident Vegan, she shares inspiring interviews, practical tips, and empowering conversations about what it really means to live in alignment with your values. She is also the co-host of That Vegan Morning Show with Kimberly Winters of the Did You Bring The Hummus podcast.