Are we more bigoted than in the past, or has it simply become more public?

I was raised in rural Oklahoma, and I’m gay. I understand bigotry on an elemental level.

Since the election of President Barack Obama, racism and many more forms of bigotry have become commonplace. I doubt it’s a coincidence.

What changed? Did the reporting change? Did bigots become more emboldened to speak out louder? Did our perceptions evolve so we see it more clearly in matters like how police handle minority suspects compared to white suspects? What else? Is it a combination?

This is a General Section question. Let’s keep the discussion on-topic, etc.