WARNING: Liberal snowflakes may make you uncomfortable.
If you’ve never met a liberal snowflake, or you’ve made up your mind that we’re whiny and complain about everything, you can meet one today: hi, I’m a liberal snow flake. I enjoy long walks on the beach and sipping tea while seething with disappointment. Not sure if I’m truly considered liberal though. I mean I’m sure “angry minority” is something most would call me. Hey, I don’t need validation. I’m perfectly fine with the way I see the world.
Let’s get a little backstory shall we? I’m an American citizen, born and raised for 5 years in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I’m all too familiar with the uncanny Africa jokes and constant denial of my blackness because of my appearance. Believe it or not, I used to be so comfortable in not being aware of everything around me. But hey all things come to an end.
So in light of the Trump presidency, more and more people feel comfortable speaking out against political correctness. And honestly, I don’t understand why. How much of your freedom is political correctness costing you? I’ve spent my whole life trying to be considerate of other people’s feelings. So “restricted speech” is upsetting? I want to walk you through how I take being called out, how I take being told that I have said something offensive.
Usually the first step is shame. I feel ashamed that I’ve offended someone. But the next step is trying to understand. I ask: how have I? Can this person explain? And next, I come up with a conclusion from listening to this person well. I take in the fact that I do live in my own bubble. Privilege comes in many shapes and forms and I’m very willing to have my eyes opened.
I get it hurts right? It hurts for people to think you’re ignorant. It hurts. But you know what else hurts? For someone to tell you “Safe spaces are for babies.” They really mean, “I don’t consider you a human being.” “I don’t care if your existence is compromised.” I consider myself empathetic and I can’t understand how that phrase is considered okay.
As a liberal snowflake, I consider being respected a big deal. Maybe I’m asking for too much? I want my people respected, I want my blackness respected, I want to feel equal to everyone around me. I’m glad that my friend group is filled with people who are willing to learn, who I’ve actually had arguments with but stayed friends because of the mutual respect.
I really have one question to ask. How does being against political correctness help the world? Certain words and attacks that aren’t okay anymore have helped people feel safer. How does saying whatever you want about everyone help? I’m interested in knowing how being educated in people’s histories and identities frustrates some.
Freedom of speech is limited, I get it. I’m happy to say there are safe spaces I feel free to express myself. I feel free to express my hurt and anger at the racist, homophobic and down right discriminatory language I hear. I feel HEARD, I feel LOVED, that’s all people want! It’s so simple, caring about how your words affect others? It’s a noble thing. Don’t feel restricted by it.
My life before I learned of so many different identities was dull. My life before I learned about trans rights, gay rights, Black Lives Matter, standing up against anti-muslim rhetoric, it wasn’t helpful. I just want to thank so many amazing people that educated me, that taught me how to be united, how to love and stand up for people like me and different from me. As hard as it is being aware of things, as pessimistic as it makes me sometimes, it also teaches me that I can be a part of something special. That I can extend my understanding more and more.
To those who feel like they’re targeted by political correctness. I want to say that you’re not our enemy. What most people want is to be respected. Don’t damage identities, try to understand that the world is vast and diverse and people want to be respected. Realize that safe spaces are necessary, that if you see no need for them, then maybe it’s because you don’t know what it’s like to feel unsafe, downtrodden by the hatred you see. Or maybe it’s because you feel so left out of these spaces. You don’t have to be left out. Watching what you say as not to offend is not conforming. True conforming is being a huge opponent of political correctness. There are several people throughout history dead set against changing their ways. So you can decide who you want to be. But ask yourself, am I growing? Because as a liberal snowflake, I can tell you, I’m growing everyday, being told what I don’t know all the time. I’m fine with it. I’m not perfect.