Snowflakes. Snowflake Liberals. The Snowflake Generation. Each term means the same thing. Each term is derogatory. None of the terms are necessary.

For those of you who are like I was a few days ago, you may never have heard the term snowflake in another context than describing a beautiful, unique frozen water drop falling from the sky. In the cases above, it refers to an overly sensitive person, or group of persons, who can’t handle any opinion different from theirs.

Really think about this new slang, snowflake. At first glance, it makes sense. We all know that person that, even presented with facts, is belligerent when they try to prove how wrong any opinion but theirs is. That person probably comes to mind when you read that definition and you nod your head because you can relate.

Then think through the next term. Snowflake Liberal. Some of you are sitting there, nodding your heads because that person you thought of a few seconds ago pushes their opinion about climate change or same-sex marriage. Maybe that same person put on a safety pin the day after President-Elect Trump won and you rolled your eyes because ‘safe zones’ are an absurd idea to you. Perhaps you’re one of those people that think all liberals are overly sensitive so "Snowflake" and "Liberal" are one in the same to you.

Now think through Snowflake Generation. Many of you who read this are considered a part of it or perhaps, you raised a child who is. Many workplaces are training employees on how to prepare for this generation because they believe this generation can’t handle negative feedback. This generation is considered to have a "my way or the highway" mentality. Politically correct speech and actions must be considered at all times and this "Snowflake Generation" is taking the blame for that. Let me tell you, though, I read a few articles about this and some of the blame is being placed on helicopter parenting and promoting a mentality where everyone is a winner.

So I really thought through these three things. One of my friends suggested I do an article over the term "Snowflake" and at first, I couldn’t think of anything to write about. All I could think was, "They aren’t wrong." I thought about the most bull-headed people I know; many of them are my age. Yes, liberals can be outspoken and host protests and rallies to express their opinions. I mentioned "safe-zones" above and sure, liberals are the ones who encourage those. At first, that brought me back to square one, where I couldn’t find another way to look at the terms except what was being written for me.

But then I thought about again. The people who use the term “Liberal Snowflake” are doing so because they strongly and vehemently disagree with the liberal opposing opinion that is different from theirs. Shouldn’t, then, the term “Snowflake Conservatives” also be in use? People who think my generation is overly sensitive may not be wrong, but those Baby Boomers aren’t always very willing to listen to another opinion either. However, instead of whining about it on social media, they’ll tell someone they’re wrong right to their face. Less sensitive than us "Snowflakes," but just as bull-headed.

Which circled me back to all of this slang being derogatory. The purpose of using a derogatory term is to show disgust or displeasure with a person, idea or thing. It shows you aren’t willing to listen to the opposing idea because you believe there is no way they will ever be correct. So, aren’t those people "Snowflakes" in their own way? Maybe a reaction to an opposing opinion isn’t complaining about it, but being angry. That’s a form of sensitivity in its own right.

So when I sat down and really thought about it, this term "Snowflake" really didn’t make much sense to me because, in our own unique way, we’re each a sensitive "Snowflake," just like frozen particles of water.