The whole "special snowflake" thing that conservatives tend to throw at liberals when they show any kind of empathy, compassion, or stand up for someone feeling oppressed. Apparently, and let me know if I'm wrong, people think that having feeling and expressing them is weakness. Why else would they revert to name calling?
I can see how hard it can be for us middle-class white folk to learn new words and how frustrating it can be to try and be "politically correct" all the time. Golly, there is just so much to remember and learn about! I just wanna talk how I'm going to talk and I want to say whatever I want and if I hurt someone's precious feeling then that's THEY'RE fault. Why should I take the time to learn and listen to others? But when I get hurt you BETTER listen to me- those commercials were unamerican! The flag and the anthem! War on Christmas! Waaaaaah! Listen to me, my feelings matter! But you want us to be considerate of YOU? What a special snowflake.
That's what I see and hear all the freaking time, you guys. From both sides.
Stop calling people names to minimize their thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
I embrace the term snowflake, personally. I think it's a beautiful way to describe someone. We are all snowflakes. We're each unique and different, yet made of the same stuff. We all have the same feelings, they're just triggered by different things. The main problem is that when we see someone getting hurt over something we personally agree with or support, we consider them to be "too sensitive" or ignorant or semi-human.
I spent the last decade listening, learning, and deciphering my own feelings in order to decide my true stance on many issues. I didn't want my religious beliefs to be the sole reason for me to side with any issue, so I put them aside and truly listened. Then I reopened my religion box and let it fill in the gaps.
I don't use my religion as an excuse to support laws that oppress people. However, I will practice my religious beliefs within my own life, quietly in my home, while simultaneously publicly marching for the rights of others. I will try to be a light rather than a dark storm cloud of oppressive doom. I want people to see that you can strongly believe in your religion while also not forcing those beliefs on others. I mean, if we did that then missionaries would just force baptisms on people rather than giving them time to investigate the teaching of the church and urging them to pray for their own answers. If someone choose to walk away from the church, that's their choice. We don't hogtie them and drag them to church every week, but we might reach out in an unobtrusive way and let them know they're missed.
So back to the whole snowflake thing....
Here's some snark for you:
If people with feelings and individuality are considered snowflakes, then what is the opposite?
I've decided they're rocks. Emotionless, dull, immovable, and always in the way. Never changing, stubborn, and in order for growth to happen they need to be removed.
And though this makes me smile, I'm never going to name-call and tell someone they're a "rock". I've been called a precious snowflake more than once and I'm happy about it. It means I've stood up for someone.
Being politically correct isn't about stifling someone. It isn't about censorship. It's about the power of words and labels.
As a writer, I can tell you that words matter. They have the ability to be uplifting or to cut someone down. Being PC isn't about NOT saying things, it's about compassion and empathy. It's taking the time to learn what words are hurtful and caring enough to alter our language.
Something we are taught in church is that our language should be clean.
Some people would call that silly or prudish. What I've found is an increased vocabulary and the ability to analyze my emotions rather than ranting and swearing when I get frustrated or upset. Of course, we have substitute words, but they are considered tame by the general public.
I think it's sweet when people tailor their own language when around me. I've noticed it my whole life. People pick up on the fact that I don't swear or curse without me ever telling them. They just never hear it from me. So I've had co-workers, friends, family members, schoolmates, etc alter their language when around me. If they do swear, they almost always immediately apologize (though I have never told them that foul language offends me or hurts me in any way). Many of my coworkers didn't know I was Mormon, they just did this out of consideration.
Now if you're reading this and you're like "I've done that!" Then just know that I don't mind swearing, I just don't participate myself. But I also appreciate your consideration. :)
If you're reading this and you're like "Hm, I've always let my mouth run away with me around Laurel" then just know that's cool. I really don't have a problem with it. It is just an assumption that most people make.
This brings me back to being PC. Most people, regardless of political affiliation, tailor their language subconsciously depending on who they're around. Why? Do they do it out of fear? Or out of habit? Usually not. They usually do it because they are being considerate human beings. GASP!
It's not that hard to learn about what words are offensive to large groups of people. And most people don't know what they don't know...so learn! Practice! Apologize when you get it wrong.
So let's embrace our unique snowflakeness. Use our compassion and empathy for good and don't sink to the rocky lower levels. Go out there and make an avalanche, people!
And because I'm a Stark I must end with...
Disclamer: I'm not perfect. Too often I find myself sinking down and being snarky and sarcastic, resorting to name-calling when tired and frustrated and angry. But, look, I try REALLY hard to be better. And I hope that someday I can look back and be proud of how I represented myself.
___
Some helpful Links:
Allys Guide to Terminology withing the LGBTQA+ Community
Disability Etiquette
Transgender Terminology
Sexuality -vs- Gender
A Few GREAT Videos:
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