“Snowflake”, the term coined by the far right to undermine the opinions of those who oppose them. Described by Cambridge Dictionary as “a way of referring to the type of young people to be too easily upset and offended”. Originating from the 1996 film “Fight Club”; a way of insulting liberals. The fragility of the snowflake, in its individuality makes it a seemingly ideal euphemism for humanitarian, leftie-liberals, who believe in the rule of law to protect a person from the extremities of the far-right. The term is used as both a form of prejudice and an attempt to undermine the opinions of those who disagree with them. It is perhaps synonymous with far-right tone in general; the boiling down of complex areas of law, society, trade and economic debate into simple catch-phrases like “taking back control”. However, what if a snowflake is more than a fragile piece of ice, that melts on the warmth of the skin?
The importance of this term is not in the fragility of the individual, but the power as a group. The derogatory impact on those who believe in the power of equality and truth, is insignificant. The snowflake is an individual product of a freezing harsh winter, of snow and ice. Alone it is just a snowflake, but thousands or even millions is a snowstorm. To use George R.R. Martin’s famous Stark phrase “winter is coming”. Of course, not the army of the dead, but those who oppose far right political agenda and what it leads to.
Is “snowflake” derogatory, or is it an element of something much bigger; more powerful, stronger than a single, falling snowflake? It represents uniqueness, kindness, and empathy. Together, a snowstorm through the power of our voice, our humanity and ability to understand. To look upon refugees entering a port on a boat, with the same eyes we do a neighbour who asks for help. It is not weakness to show kindness, but strength.
“Too easily upset and offended” is a correct definition of the term the far-right coined “snowflake”, but in context it is oversimplifying empathetic people. In the dystopian age of Trump, and the detached age of Brexit; too easily upset and offended is incorrect. Watching the persecution of immigrants crossing borders, living in a time where children are snatched from their parents and caged is not “too easily upset”. Trump’s “Muslim ban” is not an example of being “too easily…offended”. Farage, inaccurately blaming the EU in the “Breaking Point” poster, is not “too easily upset and offended”. These are people; mothers, brothers, sisters, doctors, teachers, and lawyers. These examples are typical fascist and far-right political agenda; to create fear and hate. The consequences of this rhetoric throughout history has resulted in oppression, war and genocide. And we are “too easily upset and offended”? Imagine it was your child taken and caged, would you not be offended? Imagine it was your child screaming for help, alone, scared, would you not be upset? Do the terms upset and offended still apply?
We are a snowstorm, and we are showing no signs of abating.
Opinions of a Snowflake 