It is what it is...or, is it?

The following is a quote from the film, The Fugitive, which had me thinking about the point of this post.

Marshal Biggs: This is hinky. This guy's a college graduate, he went to medical school, he's not gonna come through all the security, go to the county lockup, to find someone his own people say does not exist. Hinky.
Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard: Well, what does that mean Biggs, 'hinky'?
Marshal Biggs: I don't know. Strange.
Marshal Henry: Weird.
Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard: Well, why don't you say strange or weird? I mean hinky, that has no meaning.
Marshal Biggs: Well, we say hinky.
Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard: I don't want you guys using words around me that have no meaning. I'm taking the stairs and walking.
Marshal Biggs: [sotto voice] How about 'bullshit?' How about 'bullshit', Sam?

Was hinky, which "has no meaning," a pet peeve for Samuel Gerard.  I think so.

Well, I thought I'd share a pet peeve of an expression I've heard used often, which, for me, has no meaning; it's empty, with nothing to sink your teeth into, a cop out.

The expression: It is what it is...

What is?  How poor many are, children with cancer or autism, world conflict ... What is its meaning?

To me, it's throwing one's arms into the air, evading trying to understand the underlying meaning of any or anyone's situation.  Is the observer feeling so helpless or paralyzed to do something about it, so It is what it is?

It's a blanket statement which leaves no understanding or empathy to what It Is. It seems to me, that many of us would rather face the truth -- good, bad, or ugly -- while others just don't have the time to understand what is more than meets the eye, or just bury their heads in the sand.

Life is complicated with limitless shades of gray.  Would we say Robin Williams' suicide by asphyxiation is what it is, or do we try to understand the pain he was in to resort to such an ending to his life.

Yes, I find a lack of empathy and caring in making the blanket statement, it is what it is.  There's no feeling, no compassion, no commitment.  Honestly, I'm tired of hearing it.  Life just isn't that simple.

I wholeheartedly agree with the above, "It is what it is. But you have the power to turn it into an isn't."


The Fugitive Opening Theme