By David Ettinger
Appreciated Objection
While perusing a friend’s Facebook page, he mentioned the word “snowflakes,” which drew this reaction: “Oh and NEVER use the term ‘Snowflakes’ again. That term has its origins in the Nazi guards calling the ashes of Jews floating out of the crematoria. The ashes were called ‘Snowflakes.’”
I immediately was appreciative of his comment, as it informed me of something I wasn’t aware of. However, my journalist instincts kicked in and I asked myself: “Is this true?”
Checking it Out
Researching this topic online, I discovered there’s nothing new in this claim; that it has been making the rounds for a number of years – at least since President Trump came into office.
I then checked Snopes.com, which said the following: “A persistent rumor holds that the term ‘snowflake’ originated during the Holocaust, but no evidence backs up this claim.” You may read the rest of the Snopes entry in the link I posted following the blog.
The Christian Reaction
When I posted the Snopes link on my friend’s FB page, the one who originally objected to the term replied: “Really? Juden shnai – “Jewish snow” – was a term I heard from my parents, who were there, in Auschwitz. I’ll take their word for it. Regardless, I hate the term.”
I certainly have no reason to doubt this man’s account, so I find the “snowflakes” term origins to be unsolved.
However, as a Christian, I agree with the man’s hatred for the term. I find it to be both dismissing and demeaning, and is too easily aimed at those who might have somewhat of a “softer” disposition.
As believers in the Lord Jesus, we should not be using such derogatory terms to describe those with different viewpoints than us. There is absolutely no grace, warmth, or understanding in this word, and it doesn’t reflect the kind of compassion Christians should be displaying.
I know some of you disagree with me on this. By all means, please let me know what you think!
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/snowflake-nazi-term-holocaust/
Blue Collar Theologian
August 13, 2020
David, I happen to agree with you wholeheartedly. I have to say I am eagerly (probably too eagerly) awaiting to hear your thoughts on Israel and the UAE. Not a story I thought I would read about today!
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dettinger47
August 13, 2020
Thanks, Mandy. Probably won’t write on the Israel-UAE pact as we already know Israel’s future … that all nations will turn on her in the end-times and that she will stand alone.
Also, that the UAE government agreed to this, does not mean the Arabs have any more regard for Israel. I guess I’m looking at this is the much broader perspective.
Thanks for asking, Mandy!
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Blue Collar Theologian
August 13, 2020
I agree with your position 100%. I thought your blog would be exactly what you just stated. I think there will be a lot of hype and fanfare around this and we need the reminder to not believe the hype but to believe the Bible.
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dettinger47
August 13, 2020
Exactly. Well said, Mandy.
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Bruce Cooper
August 13, 2020
I agree with you David, I’m thinking that we should always be sensitive to the feelings of others, if at all possible. Sometimes an association of a word we may use will unintentionally cause offence, in which case we can apologize and make an edit to remedy the situation.
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dettinger47
August 13, 2020
I agree, Bruce. Also, it falls into the category of “name-calling,” which Christians shouldn’t be doing.
Thanks Bruce.
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seekingdivineperspective
August 13, 2020
Pardon my ignorance, but I’m not sure what the term means. I looked it up, and the website said it could be an insult, a compliment, or something vague in between. Frankly, I’ve never used the term. Seems the safest thing to do. 😉
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dettinger47
August 13, 2020
I agree with not using it, but you never heard of it? It’s quite popular. Generally, it’s a term conservatives use to describe liberals … particularly the younger generation … who get easily offended and complain about how difficult life is.
So, if you think that President Trump’s language and tweets are too harsh, you are a snowflake.
Something like that, at least.
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seekingdivineperspective
August 13, 2020
Oh I’ve heard it, just never knew exactly what it meant.
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dettinger47
August 13, 2020
Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Your mindset of not using it is by far the wisest way to handle this phrase.
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jarilissima
August 13, 2020
Interesting. I’ve read some, but not a lot of WWII history and have not seen it come up like that.
I’ve never seen it used anywhere other than the internet. I don’t use that word, or any of the young lingo like “yeet” and such…
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dettinger47
August 13, 2020
Same here. Actually, growing up Jewish and attending Hebrew religious school, we learned tons about the Holocaust, but never once have I heard of the snowflake thing in relation to it.
Thanks for commenting!
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mrsmariposa2014
August 16, 2020
This is certainly something to consider. Definitely motivates me that much more not to use it. Actually, I strive never to use any term that could be interpreted as demeaning to others, even those I might not agree with. Such unkindness might well turn someone away from seeking Christ.
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dettinger47
August 16, 2020
Great point, Marisa. I agree.
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