I'm not sure if our world is more sick than it used to be, or if it just seems that way because of the way it is reported.
Not just the way it's reported, but the fact that it is. I think news organizations even fifty years ago would be agast at such a story and drop it like bad rubbish. As far as whistling in the dark, I've always found it easier to hide from the monsters if your as quiet as a church mouse.