Discontent and sadness in today’s society

[frugal-one]

I have felt a lot of discontent, sadness, and foreboding since djt was elected in 2016.

I see the result of his reign. I am saddened by the vast number of people hurt by his actions. One place I’ve donated is to the food bank. I cannot imagine people going hungry in this country. My salvation is that I am in a senior community with lots to do and people to hang out with. Prior to being here, I was constantly stressed. For a while, during covid and trump’s rabid assertions, I could not even concentrate to read a book. The country has definitely gone downhill because of him!

[Alan]

I think a trend, sometimes declared but often ignored, is emerging.

[catherine]

I think a trend, sometimes declared but often ignored, is emerging.

And that trend is...? Are you talking about GenZ returning to organized religion? Could that be it?

[Alan]

And that trend is...?

I was simply referencing the couple of responses which admitted to feeling discontent and sadness while also providing a rationale for it.

Are you talking about GenZ returning to organized religion?

I think that's unrelated to the OP's observation and actually provides the opposite outcome.
I remember noticing during the last 5 or 6 years of my work life, while I was the old guy observing the young pups coming into the work force, that there seemed to be an upswing in religious participation. Since that time I've also noticed that the preponderance of my assorted nieces/nephews and their children seem to have embraced organized religion in a manner they were not raised with. Personally, I think that's the result of newer churches embracing a ministry of informality, sociability, kindness and community. Although that may be too simplistic an explanation, I'm not sure. I do know that they all seem to be quite happy.

[HappyHiker]

Yes, I do think there's more sadness and discontent in our society today. Some were hoping for "making American great again" and that, imho, hasn't happened, only the opposite. The rising costs of everything--housing, food, cars --not being matched in increased paychecks of regular working folks contributes to disillusionment and anger...

People seem to be acting out more--in airports, in stores, on the streets. A lot of anger seething underneath--short fuses ready to ignite..

For me, the solution is to dis-connect with much online activity (yet here I am!) and spend more time immersed in nature, in books, in being with like-minded people in real life. And in volunteering in my community.

I think the virtual life is not healthy--it can divide us and is impersonal. I'm calling people more--I want to hear their voices and inflections--which I don't get through texts or emails...and smart phones can't give hugs. We need that touch.

[flowerseverywhere]

Great points raised. I don’t doomscroll and only use social media to look at quilts, sourdough tips and so on. No news watching but people tell me things. Lots of sunshine, walks and pool time every day (Florida) and lots of socializing. I avoid politics so don’t come here often. Politics are inserted into so many posts here and often opinions are not respected.

Since I volunteer with groups that help homeless, sick and foster kids etc I see a lot of people who struggle.

and I see the opposite of what Allen does in churches. Most of my friends kids and grandkids don’t attend and people talk about no young people coming to church.

[Tybee]

Pool time every day and socializing would send my mood skyrocketing! Winters here are definitely on the gloomy side. Like my granddaughter said yesterday, "I miss summer."

[littlebittybobby]

okay----i'm just sitting here, wondering: Is lindsay Vaughn a Klutz? But yeah: Vaughn is so anxious ta be in the game, that she's gotta ski while chronically hurt, and injure herself time and again, and avail herself of resources---medical treatment---that would not be needed if she were really fit to compete. Long story short: She reminds me of someone who uses an EBike as a crutch to ride on that organized bike ride across IWAH, or any other place. Seattle to Portland, or whatever. Just to be in with the in-crowd, when she doesn't belong there. See?