Why is Chiraq an offensive term?

Chiraq: word to describe chicago because of its violent history and crime rates one of americas mos dangerous cities.  Discussing the new terminolgy that has plaqued Chicago & labeled it as a cross between Chicago & Iraq. With Chicago being the murder capital of the world, we the students at St. Malachy School feel it is disrespectful to joke on a matter such as serious as this one.