With the passing of Leslie Neilson two days ago, it reminds of something that I always want to point out but seems inappropriate to mention. Whenever someone dies, it is still rather popular to use "R.I.P." in regards to them. I find that using an acronym when sending a condolence or honouring the one who has passed is kind of terrible. It says to me, "I can't be bothered to write out the full phrase. I have more important things to do."
It takes all the respect out of giving your respect. It trivializes the statement to the same level as "lol" and "ftw" and "fml". I guess some people still throw in the periods between the letters which takes a complicated two button press to execute (and you have to do it a full three times!).
It is even more pronounced when people use the "R.I.P." for comedic purposes. You know something like, "I just threw up in front of a pretty girl, R.I.P. My Dignity." I'm not against "R.I.P." used in that way, but it also highlights that we also used this terrible shorthand for something we try to honour.
Of course, some people might point out that "R.I.P." has been apart of society for a long time and they'd be correct. However, the use comes out from idea to save space on a tombstone or save money or both. Especially since "R.I.P." was originally from the Latin "Reqiescat in Pace" (which is still "Rest in Peace") and that takes way more space. However, we have no reason to shorten the phrase on our Facebook walls or Twitter posts (although I guess there is better argument for that last one).
If the Undertaker had ended his promos with "May you R...I...P..." it would not have the same gravitas.
Why does this matter to you? Two reasons. One, if you are sincere with wanting to honour the dead, it seems to me that typing out the full phrase much more respectful than putting it on the same level as a text message. Second, if I die and I find out that you have written "R.I.P. David Rae" I will forsake my place in heaven and come back to haunt you until the day you die and then when you enter the spiritual realm, I will kick you in the nuts.
P.S. I should point out that I realize that people are going to see this and this will be just like how I don't like puns. When people find that out, they go out of their way to tell me about the brilliant little pun on some roadside sign somewhere. So, when I die, it will be "R.I.P. David Rae" everywhere but they will regret that when I start tipping over their drinks into their Xbox 360s from beyond the grave.
3 comments:
Wow David, P.S.? I've never been so offended by two letters. Why can't you give PostScript the respect it deserves and write out the whole thing!
I think people on the internet are just familiar and ingrained with acronyms. They are EVERYWHERE online, and if you spend time reading online, eventually you will start writing them too, even in communicating situations that hold importance, like well-wishing someone who has passed away. It's not people trying to be rude, this is just how you communicate on the web. GL HF KTHXBI!!!!!11111oneoneoneone
That is true, Rylaan, that it is just how people communicate on the web, but at the same time, I would like to see some semblance of propriety every once in a while. I don't want to support the "eh, whatever" attitude in every aspect of life that the internet has promoted. I know people aren't trying to be rude, but I think in that finding short cuts to everything, including our sympathy, that is what it is.
I'm not opposed to "lol" and the others, but its like how at a funeral, I wouldn't go to the front and start the eulogy with a "What up?" unless that is somehow fitting to the person you are eulogizing.
R.I.P My respect for you.
But good rant, when I inevitably die for reasons that are probably just for the innocents of the world.
I want you to start my eulogy with "What up?" its going in my will dave, I and you are bonded now... forever.
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