I keep seeing posts on the internet referring to something called ‘Murica. It can also be spelled Merica, or Murrica. The first time I saw it, I assumed the poster was just abbreviating “America” and meant nothing specific by doing so (much like people say they were on their ‘puter instead of their computer, or they drive a Chevy instead of a Chevrolet).

But as I saw more posts, I realized that there IS an intent: mockery. Behind the usage of this word is the belief that Americans on the whole are fat, ignorant, lazy, stupid, gluttonous cretins. I’ve also heard the word used to refer specifically to certain people because of their status as Republicans, conservatives, or rednecks/country people; or to refer to the object’s patriotism or love of guns. It’s basically a new way for people who are the opposite of these things to laugh at those with whom they disagree.

So you liberal Democrat gun-hating city people who use this term? You aren’t being tolerant or “liberal” by insulting those with whom you disagree, you are just revealing your own prejudices. By mocking the citizens of our country with whom you disagree you are not advancing your own cause. You are in fact merely pointing out to other countries that some of us are arrogant blow-hards with superiority complexes. Your attitude screams “I’m better than THOSE people.” Guess what: you aren’t.

Do I cringe when Honey Boo-Boo commercials attack my eyes on occasion? Yes.
Do I enjoy all the things that people who live in the country enjoy (such as rodeo)? No.

Do I believe that these things are wrong or that most Americans are like the Boo-Boo family? Absolutely not. Do I think we should mock the Boo-Boo family or others because of their choices? No. Do I think we should generalize the behavior of a few people of low-intelligence and say it applies to our citizens in general? No.

Let’s examine the history of our country. Do you know who was from a rural area? US Senator Daniel Boone springs to mind. Also, almost all the founding fathers. Fat people? President/Chief Justice of the Supreme Court William Howard Taft. Ignorant? There are plenty of people in our history that didn’t understand things that had to be told, on BOTH sides of the political spectrum. Also, I understand that Abraham Lincoln was an avid NASCAR fan. OK, one of those things isn’t true.

And so, just as those who use a “funny” play-on-word like “Rethuglican”, “Democrap”, “Libtard”, or “Teabagger”, when I hear you say or post something about “Murica,” I’m a litte sad for you. And I think less of you.  So please stop.