When did ‘Merica Become an Acceptable Way of Saying America?
When did ‘Merica Become an Acceptable Way of Saying America?
While we all love the fun of an excessive representation about American patriotism, the culture we live in today is interesting to say the least. Our English language continues to be one of the hardest in the world to learn due to its ever changing nature and the Internet surely hasn’t made it any easier. An example of this is how so many things have become abbreviated and technology companies are popping up left and right with names that are missing letters to help them stand out. Flickr, Tumblr, Rdio, the list goes on.
These abbreviations have even trickled down into how we spell America in internet lingo and memes. I’m not questioning anyone’s American patriotism and would rather see ‘Merica (or even ‘Murica) than nothing at all, but I still cringe when I see America abbreviated like that.
I have to admit some of those memes are hilarious, but I can’t help seeing it as a shortcut, or a trendy way of being patriotic. I honestly don’t know the origin of the abbreviation, maybe as a way to save characters in a hashtag like #merica?
Patriotism, at least to me, isn’t a trend. It’s not something I take lightly, or something I find myself needing shortcuts to express.
America is about freedom, freedom for everyone to speak their mind no matter what the topic. Just as it’s everyone’s right to abbreviate America, its also my right to question it.
I might be in the minority, but I just don’t fully understand why society has deemed the abbreviation of America to ‘Merica as acceptable. Maybe I just need more coffee this morning.
Don’t even get me started on the “bro, do you even…”
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