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?