I have read the newspaper headlines with concern these past few months. In September, I was disgusted to learn about the brutal assault of a gay man living in Portland. In November, I was disturbed by the rise in racial incidents following the election of Barack Obama, ranging from the discovery of KKK signs in Hallowell to the black effigies hung on Mount Desert Island.

Two weeks ago, when multiple swastikas were found scrawled on public buildings, I decided that it was time to speak up.

Experts who understand bias and prejudice talk about how people who perpetrate hate crimes often target multiple identity groups. This trend could not be clearer from recent experiences here in Maine. In less than three months, the gay and lesbian community, people of color, and Jews have all been targeted. Everyone in our Maine community is affected by these disgraceful acts – and we as concerned citizens must take action in our daily lives to show that they are not acceptable.

We can interrupt degrading language around us – speaking up to say that it is unacceptable. We can forgo laughing at inappropriate attempts at humor. We can teach children about the impact of their words, and lead by example by not using degrading language.

Restoring safety in Maine is possible when we all take responsibility for treating one another respectfully. Most Mainers are respectful of individual differences. We cannot let a few hateful individuals paint an erroneous picture of this great state.

Chip Morrison, Auburn