By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Jul 18, 2015 at 12:30 PM

This past week, a mural with Gov. Scott Walker’s face and the words "down with the bitches and the hoes" went up on the north side of the building that houses South Shore Gallery & Framing, 2627 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

The line is most likely a nod to the 2003 film "Malibu's Most Wanted."

Milwaukee OATS is behind the art piece. The group describes itself on Facebook as "a local screen-print art movement that promotes self empowerment … The idea of this movement, Milwaukee Oats (OATS), is to bring a cultural revival and sense of unity to the city of Milwaukee."

OATS stands for "Only a T-Shirt." The group says the name is ironic, claiming that T-shirts can serve as a "catalyst for a cultural renaissance."

A representative from the group, who wished to remain unnamed, made the following statement regarding the Walker mural: "I believe that we should focus on things that bring us together and not on the things that divide us. This art work is not pro-Walker nor is it anti-Walker. It is simply here to create inspired moments in the community and to make people laugh …

"I’ve noticed that it’s bringing people together from both sides of the debate. These people are laughing together, having a good time and even joking about it, when the same people a week ago couldn't even have a simple conversation with each other. As a community we need to value each other and care for each other as a family because that's what we are. We shouldn't focus on our differences; we should focus on our similarities and know that we're in this together."

The mural has seemed to generate a lot of conversation online, throughout the Bay View community and beyond. Opinions range greatly. Some find it humorous, others offensive and a few have expressed confusion over the message.

Personally, I applaud the spelling of "hoes" as opposed to "ho's" which includes an unnecessary apostrophe, but one I've often seen used in this phrasing.

What are your thoughts on this mural?


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.