Are Millennials Really ‘Snowflakes’?

By Omika Sharma

Do you fundamentally stand against racism, sexism, and classism? Do you speak up if you see something unjust? If so, be prepared for older generations to call you a snowflake. The snowflake, once a symbol of happy winter days, now a derogatory term used against younger generations. Why is it that the media now labels those who simply speak out about topics they are passionate about as snowflakes? 

This term has become extremely popular in the media to criticise people for being too ‘sensitive’. According to The Sun, a snowflake is “a soft, whiny and overly sensitive person who thinks the world revolves around them.” But why exactly do they think we are overly sensitive?  Is it simply because we are generally more liberal than previous generations? 

It is a well-known fact that younger generations always tend to be more liberal, but people seem to be forgetting this nowadays. An example of this is how younger generations are significantly more liberal on LGBT issues. Roughly 80% of under-34s have absolutely “no objection” to same-sex marriage but only 62% of 55-75-year olds (according to the British Social Attitudes survey)  have the same stance. 

 The recent  Black Lives Matter movement has been increasingly more apparent in the media, resulting in BLM marches and protests worldwide. Surprisingly, a huge proportion of those attending these protests were the younger generations, even children. Surely this shows that our so-called “over-sensitive” nature is being put to good use. 

Another topical issue which we are likely to be more worried about is climate change. According to the British Social Attitudes survey, 94% of 18-34-year olds believe that climate change is happening and 90% of over-65s think this too. Although seemingly not a huge gap, the difference a whole generation can make might be able to lessen the consequences of such a severe issue. And of course, we cannot forget about young environmentalists like Greta Thunberg who show that even younger generations can make a change. 

Another key topic that older generations like to slam younger people on is social media. Fair enough – there are some downsides to it if used in excess. However, there are many benefits too. In 2019, 40% of teens found out about causes of concern from social media, including Instagram, Twitter and even Tiktok. These sites which parents warn us of, are also places for younger generations to unite when tackling serious issues.

Honestly, I do not mind being called sensitive if being sensitive means that I care about the world we live in. In fact, I am happy that we are sensitive when situations, like Katie Hopkins saying “migrants are like cockroaches”, arise. All it shows is that we have the confidence to speak up for ourselves and for what we think is right. Being sensitive should not be used as an insult, instead it should be used to show that we are both caring and passionate. 

If being part of a generation that wants to bring social change makes me a snowflake, then I can safely say that I for one, am proud to be a snowflake.