Apparently, the only way to describe the people who get so hung up on frivolous things is to call them sensitive little snowflakes. However, the people that get called that are not always the one that deserve it most.

For your sake, I decided to compile a list of all the things I’ve seen people getting mad about recently, that I believe just aren’t worth the fuss. 

I think it is quite fitting to start this list with one of the most controversial topics of the last year, which is — although I have no idea why — wearing a mask. 

This one shouldn’t even be a discussion. After all, it’s only a little piece of cloth that you wear over your face to stop the spread of a deadly virus and protect those around you. The little snowflakes with their conspiracy theories can’t disprove these facts, so how about we all just wear ‘em.

Next, another hot-button issue, using “politically correct” terminology. Snowflakes get so worked up about not using slurs and utilizing the correct words to identify certain groups, LGBTQ+ people, racialized people or POC.

I mean seriously, it’s a couple of words that take about two seconds of effort to remember.  Soon enough, it’ll just come naturally, and we can move on to more important issues, like climate change.

Along the same vein, snowflakes love to make a big deal about using a person’s preferred pronouns. Everyone uses pronouns — it’s just a language thing. 

After that, I feel it’s about time we address the elephant in the room — how these snowflakes refuse to see racism, even when it’s right there. They are constantly talking about “It’s just a coincidence that the staff is entirely white,” or “This isn’t racist — it’s part of my heritage,” and the list just seems to go on and on.  

Well guess what pal, people calling out racist things are usually referring to their life experience and we should listen. Google is also free, so you can check for yourself. 

Then there is the issue of gender equality. Snowflakes, I ask, why are you comfortable with dating women, but not willing to treat them as an equal in the workplace? You might want to work on those insecurities — your fragile masculinity is showing.

Oh, and one more thing, snowflakes who think it’s just a joke when you say something blatantly sexist, racist or homophobic? Please don’t hide behind the age-old excuse that it is dark humour or get all mad when people call you out for it. 

I hate to have to be the one to tell you this, but for something to be classified as humour it has to actually be funny. So why don’t you go rethink that punchline, and try not to let your hatred for other people show while you do it.

As I’ve said, there are a whole bunch of ridiculous things for people to get upset over. But this issue is beyond an angry outburst since language can be very powerful. It might be a good idea to work on using that power for good, rather than using it solely to tear others down.

If you’re going to complain constantly about being asked to be a decent human being, it’s time to grow up. That’s just how things are in the real world, and you snowflakes wouldn’t last a day in it.

This op-ed was written by a University of Saskatchewan undergraduate student and reflects the views and opinions of the writer. If you would like to write a reply, please email opinions@thesheaf.com. Beth Zentner is a first-year undergraduate student studying history and is dedicated to spreading common sense on the internet.

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Beth Zentner | Contributing Reporter

Photo: brenkee