I'm Honoured to be Called a “Snowflake”

The word “snowflake” has become an insult, a derogatory term used by those on the hard right of the political spectrum of those whose views are seen as liberal, very sensitive, overly emotional, and easily offended.

 

For example, In an article from the Los Angeles Times, Jessica Roy says the alt-right in the United States pejoratively describes most liberals and those protesting against Donald Trump as "snowflakes" (Los Angeles Times, 14.06.2017).

 

The thing about being a snowflake is that we are concerned about other people. We are concerned about lives and their feelings.  We are concerned about people who have mental health issues, so often dismissed by others.  We are concerned for those who suffer prejudice and discrimination because of their gender, ethnic origin, religion, sexuality or gender identity.

 

In my own case that concern stems from my Christian faith.  Jesus very clearly says that that the most important commandment is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”  The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”  There is no commandment greater than these.’” (Mark 12: 30-31, NIV).

 

In the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke’s gospel Jesus makes it clear that our neighbour isn’t just the person next door, or even the people who live in our neighbourhood: our neighbour is any other person on our planet who is vulnerable and in need of our help.

 

If my concern and attempts to help those often marginalised by society make me a snowflake then I will wear it as a badge of honour.

 

Snowflakes are often seen as week, but as Star Trek actor George Takei said, "The thing about 'snowflakes' is this: They are beautiful and unique, but in large numbers become an unstoppable avalanche that will bury you."  To put it another way, when there are enough snowflakes gathered together they can cause a very disruptive storm!

 

If I seem easily offended on behalf of vulnerable people, if I easily seem offended because mental health still isn’t treated as seriously as physical health by many people that is because I am.  If I seem easily offended by discrimination against women, those of other races and cultures, those of other faiths and those in the LGTBIQ+ community that I because I am.

 

I will continue to love others as I love myself and if others are offended by that and call me a “snowflake” or “woke” then I will wear it as a badge of honour.

 

A Political Christian Minister

 As I get older I find myself becoming increasingly political and my politics becoming more radical and progressive.  Apparently we are supposed to become more conservative with age, but I’m finding just the opposite.  If I wasn’t ordained I’d almost certainly be looking to stand as a Local Councillor or even as an MP.

People do sometimes say that as an ordained Presbyter in the Methodist Church I shouldn’t be political or that I shouldn’t express my private political views in public.  I’m sorry, but I completely disagree.

As a person who is first and foremost a disciple of Christ I feel that I must be involved in and comment on every area of life, just as Jesus did during his earthly ministry in first century Judea.  Politics affects every area of our lives, whether we like it or not, and I actually believe it would be wrong of me not to be politically involved as a Christian disciple, specially as my first degree is in politics.

I have been a member of three political parties in my lifetime, Labour (under Jeremy Corbyn), the Liberal Democrats and finally The Green Party, who combination of environmental concerns and socialist principles sits well with my Christian faith.  That isn’t to say that I think Christians shouldn’t be members of other parties - indeed British Methodism was instrumental in the founding of the Trade Union movement and Labour Party.

I will continue to make political posts on both Facebook and Twitter and they will almost certainly be negative where the current Tory government is concerned and I am reviving this blog to bring more detailed insight and analysis.

Christianity is about loving God and loving our neighbour as ourselves.  I cannot stand by and be silent whilst there is violence and injustice in our world; I cannot stand by whilst a privileged few take the wealth of our nation whilst people are having to choose between being warm and eating and sometimes don’t have the money for either, and I cannot stand by as long as some people are treated badly or as inferior in any way because of their gender, ethnic origin or sexuality.

As a Christian I believe I must be aware of current affairs and involved in the political process and us my voice in a country where we still have freedom of speech and expression to opposed privilege and injustice.  I will continue to do so.