Philosophy: “It is what it is,” part 0

Self-tutoring about philosophy and psychology: the tutor visits an oft-heard, yet new, meme.

For me, the meme “It is what it is” arrived around 2010. You hear it all the time now, but remembering it’s quite new may be valuable.

Typically “It is what it is,” as I’ve heard it, is used to smooth over a situation that’s disappointing. No wonder, in our days of political correctness, that it’s used so often.

Humourously, “It is what it is” can be used offensively or defensively, depending on the role of its stater. When Person A lets Person B down on purpose, then Person B confronts them, Person A will often say the offensive “It is what it is,” meaning “Get off my case – I don’t want to hear it.”

The defensive “It is what it is” happens when Person C is left to tell Person B that A let them down. (In this case, A has doesn’t even bother admitting it.) Facing the awkwardness of the situation, C finds no other words but “They let you down – it is what it is.”

Both uses are surprisingly common.

“It is what it is” has gained such vigour, especially since 2000, that it merits more posts. I’m not alone in noticing it; perhaps I’ll share some other bloggers’ ideas about it. There’s lots of road with this one:)