Anybody with an outlet to the outside world in 2020 noticed the vitriol; a convergence of anger that resulted in a lot of loss.  People died. Stuff was burned. Friendships ended. Respect faded.

Each material in its own right, the compounding effect of a pandemic, mental health stretched beyond its limits, unnecessary death, racial divides and a non-so-peaceful transfer of power.  While I'm sure there were others to add to this list, it was a lot.  A lot of hurt and anger and a lot of fear-turned-blame on 'them.'  Pick a topic and there were sides. 

While there were riots we all watched on TV, there were undoubtedly thousands of arguments behind closed doors with fingers pointed and voices raised. Anger aimed at the embodiment of 'them.' 

The challenge is that there is no 'them.'  ‘Them' is a person.  You may argue with the times the cafe is open, yet your words land on the ears of a mother who worked all weekend to prepare to open her store. You may not like the mask policy the organization put forth, yet the 18 year-old kid that drew the short straw to 'greet' you doesn't deserve your venom -- he's counting the shifts he's got to work in order to take his girlfriend to the big concert. 

'Them' is somebody's mother, eyeing retirement.

'Them' is somebody's son trying to make ends meet since his company fired him to shore up cash reserves.

'Them' is somebody's husband braving an extra shift despite having immuno-comprised children at home. 

 The apron you're yelling at is a person.  Be kind. See the person behind the mask.  They're scared and angry too. They're also doing the best they can.  I want to believe we all are.