Introduction
If you’ve spent any time on the internet or around members of the military, chances are you’ve heard the joke that marines eat crayons. Yes, you read that right – colorful, waxy, children’s drawing sticks. This peculiar trope has taken on a life of its own, and has even spawned its own merchandise and fan art. But where did it come from, and why do marines eat crayons? In this article, we’ll explore the cultural origins of the meme, the science behind eating non-food items, real-life marines who consume crayons, and the potential dangers of unhealthy military traditions. So buckle up, grab a box of Crayola, and let’s dive in.
The Origins of the Crayon-Eating Trope
To understand the crayon-eating phenomenon, we have to go back to marine culture. Being a marine is hard work – demanding physical training, long hours, and potentially life-threatening missions. As a result, marines have developed their own unique sense of humor and way of coping with stress. Eating crayons might seem strange to outsiders, but to marines, it’s just another way to blow off steam and make each other laugh.
There are a few theories as to how the crayon-eating meme got started. Some believe it began as a way to mock members of other branches of the military who might be seen as less intense or hardcore. Others say it was simply a way to stand out and be different within marine culture. However it started, the meme has become a hallmark of what it means to be a marine – tough, unconventional, and unafraid to do what others might find strange.
The Science behind Eating Crayons
Okay, so marines eat crayons – but what does that actually do to their bodies? As it turns out, the term for intentionally consuming non-food items is “pica.” This behavior is more common in children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain mental health conditions, but it can occur in anyone.
The human body isn’t designed to eat crayons, and consuming them can lead to a variety of health issues. Crayons are not made of edible materials, and contain chemicals that could be harmful if ingested in large amounts. Some marines have reported experiencing stomach issues or other unpleasant side effects from eating crayons – not surprising when you consider that these little sticks are made of paraffin wax, pigment, and paper.
Real Marines who Eat Crayons
While the crayon-eating meme might seem like just a joke, there are actually marines out there who do consume crayons regularly. We spoke with a few brave souls who were willing to share their experiences with us.
Sergeant Johnson, a marine of 15 years, says he started eating crayons early on in his military career as a way to fit in with his platoon. “At first it was just a joke, but then I found myself really liking the taste,” he says. “It’s kind of like a stress ball in stick form – it helps me relax when things get tough.”
Private Davis, who recently completed basic training, tells a similar story. “I was really nervous on the first day, and one of the guys in my platoon offered me a crayon. I thought he was joking, but then I realized he was serious. I ate it just to see what would happen, and I guess it stuck.”
While these marines might find comfort in eating crayons, it’s important to remember that this behavior can be dangerous and should not be encouraged.
The Dangers of Unhealthy Military Traditions
Eating crayons is just one example of the many strange, sometimes unhealthy traditions that exist within the military. From hazing rituals to strange acronyms, military culture can be difficult for outsiders to understand. But as with any culture, it’s important to question the things that might not be healthy or productive.
While it might seem harmless to eat a crayon now and then, blindly following a potentially harmful tradition can have serious consequences. Hazing and other forms of bullying have been linked to mental health issues and suicide, and blindly following the crayon-eating narrative could lead to unknowingly putting oneself in harm’s way.
Challenging the Crayon-Eating Narrative
While we’ve spent most of this article exploring the crayon-eating meme, it’s important to remember that this behavior is not universal among marines. In fact, some marines have never even heard of the trope.
It’s also worth questioning the validity of the meme itself. While it might seem like a harmless joke, creating a narrative around eating crayons could potentially put marines in danger if they start to believe that this behavior is expected of them.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual marine to decide what traditions and behaviors work for them. If eating crayons helps relieve stress and doesn’t cause harm, then hey – go for it. But if this behavior is causing health issues or encouraging toxic culture, it might be time to reevaluate.
Conclusion
So why do marines eat crayons? The truth is, there’s no one answer. Some do it to fit in, some for stress relief, and some just because they like the taste. But no matter the reason, it’s important to consider the potential risks and dangers of consuming non-food items.
As with any cultural tradition, it’s worth questioning why certain behaviors exist and whether they’re really helpful or healthy. And if you find yourself craving a little wax and pigment, maybe reach for a stick of gum instead.