Maybe that's the problem - "a higher level of consciousness" and "human beings" seem to be mutually exclusive - at least based on behaviors, attitudes, etc. currently circulating.
And I deleted most of this ranting post because it was just that - a ranting post. Suffice to say, I just don't understand why people can't be nice. Or, as the Dalai Lama has said, if you are not going to help, at least don't harm.