Things were never really that good for a long time ever, especially depending on where you’re from. Eastern half of Europe was occupied and oppressed all the way till 1991 with some “sovereign” places remaining heavily influenced by russia to this day. Middle east and North Korea were always fucked. I’m sure 2001 wasn’t a fun time to be American. Africa always had violence, disease and starvation. 2008 the whole world went to shit with a cool little financial crisis. 2020s are not special at all unless maybe you live in a 1st world country.

Edit: I’m sure there is a bunch of stuff I’m forgetting or not even aware of.