The Change.org petition may have started out as a joke but it is gathered thousands of signatures (over 68,000 at the time of writing). The petition poses the question: “It’s 2016, there are 36 genders, bayblade might be a new olympic sport, why arent we calling fire ants ‘spicy boys’?” (sic).
The petition is aimed at the First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama; President Barack Obama; and the Founder and CEO at Facebook Mark Zuckerberg.
Fire ant is the common name for several species of ants in the genus Solenopsis. A typical fire ant colony produces large mounds in open areas, and feeds mostly on young plants and seeds. Solenopsis are stinging ants.
With the petition is not only the high number of signatures, what is also of interest are the types of people, signing up. Signatures are not only from the usual student contingent, but there are also musicians and reporters around the world backing the campaign (according to The Independent.)
In addition to the petition, a social media campaign has also developed, reflecting the shift towards it becoming a trending meme:
hannah b (@champagnemmami) “Shelton told me there was a petition to rename ants “spicy boys” and I can’t stop laughing about it.”
Happy Hallowyeen (@Hyane_Fleischer) “Respect their titles they are spicy bois not fire ants .”
peach kelli pop (@peach_kelli_pop) “I’m so immature this cracks me up teehee heheheh “spice cabinet”. Rename fire ants to “spicy boys.”
As yet the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature has refused to comment on the social media campaign.
