University allows us to meet people from all different walks of life. I’ve met people older than me, younger than me, wiser than me; I admire and appreciate many of these people. However, I have also been introduced to this beautiful, majestic breed of person. The people who I like to refer to as “special snowflakes.”
Are you already picturing someone in your head?
It’s that person who feels the need to start a full-blown, off-topic debate with the professor, refusing to admit that they are wrong when it is clear to everyone else. The person who constantly and seriously uses the phrase, “Am I the only one who…?” There are seven billion people on this planet, so no, the odds are you aren’t the only one.
These are the snowflakes that cannot take an ounce of criticism, and are unable to wrap their minds around the notion that people have different opinions. They seem to think they have some kind of device that allows them to see the world in sharper definition. Show this person the colour blue; to them it will be a blue that you’ve never heard of.
These are the people who go off on long philosophical rants about life — most of the time on topics they know nothing about. However, that doesn’t stop them from getting on their double tiered and decorated soapbox, all the while shaming people for their way of life.
I, for one, am done being put down by people like this. I am also done watching others receive such treatment.
I am not sure where this self-righteous, arrogant attitude comes from. As a 20-year-old, I am constantly looking for ways to improve myself as a person, and I know that one of the best ways to do so is to meet and listen to as many people as possible. It’s through being open-minded to what others have to say, and what others do, that you learn more about the society you live in.
I’m not sure if it’s due to parents and their constant praise for their children, and if that is the case, good job! Look at what you’ve spawned.
My parents bluntly told me when I did and said something stupid, and they still do. They gave honest criticism, and never let me get away with anything. The minute my ego inflated, they made sure to let some air out.
This is my message to the special snowflakes. Do you actually feel good about yourself when you put people down because of what they wear, what music they listen to, or what they have or have not done in their lives? Sure, maybe you’ve done some pretty amazing things in life already, if so, good for you. Doesn’t make the story of the person you are interrupting any less interesting. Doesn’t mean you have the right to place judgment on someone who has chosen a different lifestyle. You don’t even know the person; you don’t even know how they’ve gotten to where they are in their lives.
We are getting older, which means we all come with our own baggage, so to speak. Likes, dislikes, preferences, quirks, and stories. Tales of triumph and defeat. It’s so incredible to me — and yet, some people chose to focus on the small picture. I won’t get philosophical on you all because I am not here to lecture you. I understand that it is not my place.
I’m just using this space to tell the special snowflakes to tone it down, defrost, and learn to live and let live. You may seem unique and impressive at first, but start insulting others while being condescending, and just like winter your novelty wears off and you’ve become a pain in the ass.
