Why are things the way they are?
First and foremost, it is the economy. When people are hungry or afraid that they may become hungry, they get stressed and and agitated.
Second problem is the message of hate. During the elections and even more so after that, the "right" has been preaching hate. That has been their entire election campaign and their only message since then:
Hate immigrants, they are taking your jobs.
Hate minorities, they are taking your money through welfare.
Hate brown skinned people, they are all illegal immigrants that are bleeding the system dry.
Hate black skinned people, they are the criminals stealing/murdering/raping you.
Hate the government, they are trying to take your guns and your money.
Hate anyone who is happy because he is happy at your expense.
Hate everyone who is poorer than you because he is receiving the money the government is stealing from you.
Hate everyone who is richer than you because he got that way by keeping you down and stealing from you.
Hate the gays because god hates them.
Hate someone, hate everyone, we do not care why you hate, just hate, hate, hate......
What do you think the consequences will be when someone is constantly hearing hate, hate, hate, hate..... ? Even those who are not part of the ever shrinking "right" and do not agree with any of their ideology are still hearing the message of hate. Eventually people will act out, it is quite expected given the circumstances. And unfortunately it will get A LOT worse.