microcosm - n. something (such as a place or an event) that is seen as a small version of something much larger​

tendency - n. a way of behaving, proceeding, etc., that is developing and becoming more common​

turn out - v. to appear

matter - v. to be important

dishearten - v. to cause (a person or group of people) to lose hope, enthusiasm or courage; to discourage (someone)​

lip service - n. support for someone or something that is expressed in words but that is not shown in that person's actions​