The universe is vast, new planets, suns, moons and solar systems are constantly continuing to be discovered. Yet, the answer to whether or not intelligent life forms exist within the universe is still left unanswered. But let’s say another species did exist within the galaxy, one as intelligent or possibly possessing greater intellect than us, why have they yet to visit or make themselves known? I know some of you are probably saying, “we have been visited plenty of times—flying saucers, duh!” Or, “we wouldn’t be able to handle such a discovery," as movies like "Alien" would have people cowering in fear. If such life forms do exist, it could be possible that they are actually fearful of us. Here are 11 potential reasons why an “alien” would not want to visit planet Earth.

1. Our environment could be too toxic for them.

Our oceans are filled with debris, the air we breath is often smoggy and unclean due to a great amount of pollution caused by both the industrial and agricultural industries, and chip bags and bottles often make themselves at home upon the ground.

2. Politics…oh, politics.

Anyone with a large sum of money and an unfiltered mouth can run for president of one of the most powerful nations.

3. We seem to be a species prone to violence.

“We are at war…we are going to war…let’s get ready to rumble!” These are phrases that many of us including our ancestors have probably heard. Not to mention that we have evolved from using sticks and stones to weapons of mass destruction.

4. World hunger still exists, yet food is constantly being overeaten and wasted in many places.

“Can I have five large Mc-Doubles, six orders of fries and a large Diet Pepsi please?”

5. Our youth often create stupid and dangerous trends, and look up to people such as the Kardashians.

Yes, I’m throwing shade.

6. Our way of survival relies on obtaining enough paper currency to provide us with necessities such as food, clean water and shelter.

Sadly, not a lot of pity is given to those who cannot afford or have access to these things.

7. Discrimination is still a huge issue.

Many still cannot bring themselves to welcome someone of another skin color, ethnicity, sexuality, or religion into their home, so why would aliens expect a friendly welcome? Seriously, we’re too stuck on our differences to see that we have similarities.

8. Not only is discrimination an issue, but lo and behold, species-ism.

With the power of rationality bestowed upon us, we humans believe ourselves to be the dominant species. Due to such indifference, the animal kingdom has faced great losses.

9. People are becoming fearful of those who are meant to serve and protect.

10. Looks still seem to be an important aspect.

"Ewww, that alien’s shade of blue is like so off hue."

11. We invented the phrase "curiosity killed the cat."

I'm sure there's a mad scientist somewhere just waiting to get their hands on an extraterrestrial being. If there does exist intelligent life, it's possible that they're perceptive enough to see the risks involved with displaying themselves to humanity.

Although I believe that there is so much good to offer in the world, and we have progressed in ways that those before us could only imagine, we still have a ways to go. There is so much love in the world, but not enough to allow us all to live peaceful and at ease—an ideal world. Before we can dream about exploring the universe and finding life, we must overcome our own problems and learn to become a species worth visiting.