09-02-2011, 07:30 PM
MAVIC was originally on point... acknowledging something that the speaker, and usually the listener has no control over. Perhaps we can collectively change to, "WTF can either/any of us do about that?... and please don't say it is what it is!" I frequently use "the phrase" to acknowledge that I cannot do anything about whatever the issue is, and often tell the other party(ies) that they must be more proactive if they want things changed. "It is what it is, but if you feel [whatever] was wrong, you should do what you can to make it right, if it means enough to you for you to do so."
The "phrase", I believe, readily connotes the speaker's inability to effect change. Often people present things to others in such a form as though the listener can change them, which is probably that speaker's subconscious wish... "Man, can you believe how crappy the Dodgers' attendance has been?" begets an, "It is what it is." Perhaps a more evocative question would be, "Do you think if the Dodgers can get their murky ownership situation under control, they can ever regain some, or all of their past glory?" The first question has the speaker wishing for better attendance and the team wasn't in turmoil, which is something the responder has no control over regardless of their opinion. The second question, also in part, has the speaker wishing for better attendance, but opens up many other avenues of conversation to discuss possible solutions that include increased attendance, and also encouraging the responder to share their feelings about the overall situation.
As to hal's statement that "the phrase" is overused in sports vernacular, while I agree, it is what it is.
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The "phrase", I believe, readily connotes the speaker's inability to effect change. Often people present things to others in such a form as though the listener can change them, which is probably that speaker's subconscious wish... "Man, can you believe how crappy the Dodgers' attendance has been?" begets an, "It is what it is." Perhaps a more evocative question would be, "Do you think if the Dodgers can get their murky ownership situation under control, they can ever regain some, or all of their past glory?" The first question has the speaker wishing for better attendance and the team wasn't in turmoil, which is something the responder has no control over regardless of their opinion. The second question, also in part, has the speaker wishing for better attendance, but opens up many other avenues of conversation to discuss possible solutions that include increased attendance, and also encouraging the responder to share their feelings about the overall situation.
As to hal's statement that "the phrase" is overused in sports vernacular, while I agree, it is what it is.
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