I try to be optimistic like we have come a long way but we seem to be regressing. I wouldn't be too worried about the racial tension those are just by products of people trying to point figures at a failing economy. The boot is really starting to come down on peoples throats, money is tight and people are reacting emotively.
I really hope we have a turn around, for sure, you're young and things like this limit opportunities for you, perhaps it is time to look abroad sad to say.