Indeed, it is an unfortunate trend.
It is in part a pushback against what some see as being overly politically correct, in part due to a resurgence in "Alt-right" groups (Fascists by a different name), and in part thanks to a president who is actively and possibly deliberately once again normalizing racist speech.
I really wish we could get off our arse and differentiate between hate speech and someone's stated opinion. The former is a call to action, destined to cause harm to others, and should be considered in the same vein as yelling "Fire" in a crowded building.
Edited: daishain on 15th Jul, 2018 - 9:20pm
Server faked ‘we don’t tip terrorist’ note, Texas restaurant says. A server at a Texas steakhouse who went viral for sharing what appeared to be a racist message from a customer lied about what happened, his employer said. Source 6j.
USA Racism (Hover)
The number of hate groups in the US hits a 20-year high amid a rise in white supremacy. An annual survey by the Southern Poverty Law Center shows that the number of hate groups active in the U.S. Climbed to 1,020 last year, up from 784 just four years previously. Source 5y.
Research shows racism has harmful mental and physical effects and when people of color experience racism, there is a profound emotional toll. Here are some resources for coping compiled by my colleague Kelly Lawler in her newsletter Staying Apart, Together. Source 8d.