it's just bog standard cruelty. They do it because they don't understand it, and people are afraid of what they don't understand. And to deal with the fear they want to attack it. "Things didn't used to be like this, I'm afraid of change, I'm angry at the thing that is different". That's all it is.

Humans will always act like this, it is human nature. But you can be aware of it and actively fight it. That's how you stay "young" and don't grow "old". Young people are full of light, old people are full of darkness. It's not an age thing, it's a mental attitude.

IMO, let people be people. Treat them how you'd like to be treated. Grow some fucking balls and don't be afraid of change like a god damned coward. Don't let others manipulate you into being afraid of things.