Everyday we see new media showing us the troubles in our world. These range from another terrorist attack to a school shooting, to misgendering somebody to a coffee cup not having Christmas decorations. The problem is, only two of these are tragedies, the others, not so big of a problem. These are what we call “special snowflakes,” and yes, they occur on both sides of the coin.

The left is always going on about how gender identity is important, how one should be prideful in who they are, that Islam is a peaceful religion, while simultaneously harassing those with differing viewpoints. Shutting down events of free speech, simply because the person speaking has a differing viewpoint. Whining about an instant of being misgendered and yelling “Did you just assume my gender?” As if it were the worst thing to happen to a person.

Equally on the right, and here in America, most seem to align with Christian ideologies, get pissed off when someone misrepresents the Bible and it’s teachings, while simultaneously accusing every Muslim of heinous acts of violence and terror. They want to be open with free speech, while shutting down Pride parades and anything to do with Islam.

Both sides whine and complain about stupid shit, while ignoring larger problems. Who cares about a coffee cup while another bombing just happened in Syria or London? Who cares about your gender when someone is getting the death penalty because they like another dude? Who cares about simple petty bullshit while there is suffering in other places of the world?

The world does not revolve around you and what you believe in. There are thousands of different religions and cultures that are so far different from your own that it is hard to understand them fully. Cultural appropriation is not that big of a deal, let people experiment with a different culture and see what they like. America is a melting pot, a culmination of so many cultures it’s nearly impossible to count them all.

Yes we have our own problems, but do the little things count in the big picture? Does not getting a cake at one baker really matter? Go down the street and I’m sure someone will accommodate you. Don’t give business to places you don’t agree with, but it doesn’t need to be in the news. People have a right to refuse a customer for just about any reason as long as it’s not discriminatory. There are contradictions when it comes to religion, but again, just don’t give those places your money.

No matter your race, we all face discrimination in the street. From people calling you a monkey to yelling “Fight Me White Boy!” Work on what you wear and be aware that there are assholes who will gawk and cat call you. Know that you are beautiful and this can be a compliment. Learn to defend yourself, and don’t expect others to respect you. The world is a harsh place and no matter what you teach them, some will just be dicks because they can.

We are breaking this country apart, creating a new race war. We also might as well be starting the Crusades up again with this internal religious conflict. Know that there are different ideologies on how to live. We don’t have any proof on who is right or wrong, just a belief in God, gods or nothing. I’m personally tired of seeing personal drama become news worthy. Did anything besides your feelings get hurt? No, then no one cares.

If it’s a true hate crime, then yes it need to be reported. If you are attacked, raped or physically threatened, don’t be afraid to report it. The cops are there to serve and protect. There are a few bad apples, and we should weed them out. Not all cops are dicks, and many are there to help the community more than just get a paycheck. It’s a risky job and I guarantee not all of you are willing to use that shield. If you get pulled over, arrested, or questioned by a cop, listen to them, heed their warnings and their orders. If you’re holding something, drop it, and definitely don’t run, you don’t want to make the situation worse.

If you see someone praying to a different deity, don’t be offended, and don’t ridicule them. Don’t ask for it to be removed from schools. We have a freedom of religion, and that’s not just to God, it’s to Allah, Yahweh, Buddha, Zeus, Ra, Satan, any number of beings you so choose to worship. Don’t get pissed off if there’s a new church, mosque, synagogue or whatever. Respect them as people, not as lesser beings.

The problem is, people have the best of intentions, and that often can lead to horrible things. Those who are religious often feel the need to save you, for one reason or another. Those who protest often feel like their voice isn’t being heard, just don’t make it a riot. You have a right to be who you want to be, especially in America. You don’t need to force others to be the same as you. Let them love who they want, let them pray to who they want, let them eat what they want. As long as it doesn’t hurt you, others, or themselves, don’t worry about it.