Some things hit one’s proverbial RADAR with the force of an Atom bomb — or a silvery disk, traveling at impossible speeds; the inhabitants of which grinning wildly while tipping back fizzy, intergalactic potions in a reckless fashion. Either illustration works, for both serve to convey a profound occurrence or event that is unmistakably real.
To this, I submit the very real proliferation of yet another timely ‘catch phrase’ which has been appearing on my ‘RADAR screen’ with greater frequency as of late (the past 5-6 months), and as such, with ever-lessening significance and inherent worth:
‘It is what it is’TM
Sound familiar?
Has anyone really thought about what this statement actually means?
Beyond being a lazy ‘crap-out’ for those who can’t be bothered to apply some energy to the proper articulation and hence, crystallization of their thoughts, it more importantly suggests a lack of choice, decision, and culpability in the outcome of any given situation.
Here’s an example in practical application, with a proposed ‘rectifier’ provided:
Person A) “We were really hoping to go to *insert amusement park of choice here* today — why did it have to be so rainy and crappy out!?”
Person B) “Oh well — ‘it is what it is’TM.”
Rectifier: Person B) “I know!! I effin’ HATE when this happens!!! You know what?? Let’s go to the A G O instead… then dinner… then catch a flick.”
Quite a stretch, this pro-active stance… but why not at least try??
(I was going to provide a series of similar and equally banal examples, but the mere thought of illustrating such an anemic, ambivalent and blanket response has actually soured my mood.)
It remains the constitutional right of any free person to assume the position that this entire subject is a waste of time; that Erich Fromm’s concept of “the struggle against pointlessness” is, in itself, a losing wager, and everything really ‘is what it is’TM.
To such thinking, I simply cannot relate.
My appeal is to those who pride themselves on being thoughtful, decisive individuals, having avoided being intellectually and creatively gelded or otherwise lobotomized by currents in pop culture. We all do, after all, have choice.
It’s sexy to exercise it… 🙂
Jon Mychal — Toronto/June 14 2010
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