Every time I come across another jab about someone being a “special snowflake” or a sneer at their “safe space,” I can feel my eyes rolling back into my head.
Let’s get one thing straight: while I find the term “snowflake” annoying, it’s far more palatable than the deeply derogatory “libtard.” At least the former doesn’t perpetuate harmful stereotypes about ability. We already have a president who belittles those with disabilities and an education secretary who seems to lack any real understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—a law meant to protect students with diverse needs. Then, of course, there’s the newly appointed attorney general who suggested that special education laws have caused “the decline in civility and discipline in classrooms across America.”
It’s clear how the GOP views anyone who doesn’t fit into their limited definition of “normal.” So, there’s really no need to insult the special needs and disability community with terms like “libtard.”
Now, you’ve decided to brand us as “snowflakes,” thinking it’s a clever insult directed at those of us who advocate for separation of church and state, equal rights, bodily autonomy, universal healthcare, environmental protections, and quality education. You see us as weak and fragile, as if we’re merely delicate ice crystals. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
What do snowflakes do when they come together? They create avalanches.
Now, I understand that the GOP may not be keen on discussing climate issues, but avalanches are powerful forces. They represent collective movements, like when people unite globally to advocate for human rights or when thousands rally at airports demanding justice for refugees and Muslims unjustly detained by our government.
Avalanches make waves. They disrupt the status quo. And if you challenge an avalanche, guess who comes out on top? The snowflakes. As Sara Raasch aptly puts it in her book Snow Like Ashes, “Even the strongest blizzards start with a single snowflake.”
So, while you thought your “snowflake” term would sting, it’s backfired. We embrace this label. We are snowflakes—fierce, passionate, and ready to resist. We want clean air, equal rights, affordable healthcare, a woman’s autonomy over her body, and a quality education for all children. And that’s just scratching the surface.
So brace yourselves, because this winter is going to be long and transformative.
For those interested in navigating their own family journey, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys for intracervical insemination and learn more about how home insemination can be an option for many. And if you’re considering this path as a single parent, resources like Becoming a Single Parent is Achievable with At-Home Insemination can provide valuable insights. For further information, the Cleveland Clinic offers an excellent resource on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, we’re taking ownership of the term “snowflake” and turning it into a symbol of strength and unity. The GOP’s attempts to use it as an insult have only fueled our resolve to fight for justice, equality, and the rights of all individuals.