The land of the free, and the home of the brave, ‘Murica. With Sno-Daze week upon us, Wednesday was originally planned to be ‘murica day until the term was deemed disrespectful. Controversy has followed as to whether or not the word “murica” actually does any harm.

Blaine’s multicultural perspectives class with Mrs.Moore recently got into an enlightening discussion over the word. First asking students to say what immediately came to mind when they heard the word. Some answers were “rednecks”, “mcdonalds and fat people”, “Walmart”, and many other American stereotypes. Next, the class was asked to think about why the word was used. Answers ranged from, “ Making fun of Americans”, to “ A strong sense of national pride”. This is where the controversy began. Was this word meant to Vandalize this country? Or was it meant to actually back our strength as a world superpower? Mrs. Moore asked her students to now recall where they see the word, and what context it is in. Most students said they’ve heard it on the internet beginning around 2012-2013, The also said to have heard it in the hallways and that their friends often use the word. Nobody reported to have heard the word said by someone from another country, but there was a common theme present. All students said the word had been used satirically and not in a serious manner. This brought up another component to the discussion, is this a word of power? If the only people using this word are Americans who do in fact love their country, then why do they make fun of it? The class came to the conclusion that this word may be a means of defense. Meaning that they took a word used against them and turned it into a word used in favor.

After some research, it was identified that morocco was seen as early as 2003 in a description of the states that voted for George Bush’s reelection. Team America: World Police, a film created in 2004 by the creators of Southpark also has connections to the word as it further stimulates American stereotypes. Even though the word has early 2000’s origins, its use never became popular until about 2013 after the Tumblr page “F@$% Yeah Murica” became popular with its posting of satirical memes using the word.

Whether or not you believe this word is annoying and ignorant, or a great example of American pride, no harm or disrespect seems to come when the word “Murica” is used.