“Snowflake.” I’ve been called that more than once. Probably you have too if you identify as a liberal or progressive. The implication, of course, is that liberals need to be coddled. That we are weak. That our demand that the disenfranchised be treated with respect is whiny “political correctness.” Conversely, our opponents have somehow gotten the idea that being a liberal is supposed to be about tolerance of everything. That we are being hypocrites when we do not roll over and quietly succumb to Republicans’ attempts to enforce their limited religion-based worldview on the rest of us with a combination of overly intrusive laws and the simultaneous removal of structures designed to protect us.
Yeah, that’s fucking stupid.
Liberalism is a champion of the people, an approach that aims at making society equitable for all. As liberals, typically, we believe in freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, civil rights for all, democratic societies, secular governments, gender equality, and international cooperation. We believe that people should have a say in their governments and that those governments should not be in any way tied to the idea of a God or gods (and also, that individuals should be free to practice whatever religion they wish, as long as it does not interfere with the freedoms of others). We believe that everyone matters and that it is desirable for nations to function as a part of the world, that cooperation with other countries—as long as they are acting in good faith—is sensible and reasonable. We believe that the press, that journalists, must be allowed to report the truth. They have both the right and the obligation to say the things that those in power do not want to be said. We believe that government should not be allowed to infringe on the free speech of anyone, that government should not silence anyone. We believe that everyone should have, not only the same rights, but also the same access to basic necessities of life. To voting. To healthcare. To public services of all sorts. To education. To jobs. What that means in practice is that those who have been historically disenfranchised—so, everyone except wealthy white cis heterosexual males—deserves whatever protections are necessary to raise them to the level of equal access. And we are willing to work hard to make that happen.
That doesn’t sound like a bunch of crybabies to me. That sounds like people with spines of steel who are ready to fight to protect each other. That sounds like people who understand that it is our individual differences combined with our core humanity that makes us strong. That sounds like people who understand that unearned privilege is real and who are prepared to combat it with everything they have for as long as it takes.
Yes, we are kind. On the whole, liberals are decent people. Believing in the rights of others tends to enhance humanity. But progressives are not complacent, and only a fool would mistake our kindness for weakness. If you stand against our principles, we stand against you. No apologies. No quarter.
