A Riff on RIP
Monday, December 6, 2010 at 10:19PM The abbreviation RIP stands for “rest in peace.” It’s a lovely thought, I suppose, and I don’t doubt the sincerity of those who express the wish. But for me, the abbreviated form conjures Halloween imagery – skeletons dangling from trees, little piles of femurs with a skull thrown in for good measure, and grey tombstones decorated with “RIP” in a spidery, gothic font.
And here’s the thing. If I pop off tonight – and I’d really rather not – I don’t want my friends and family to post “RIP Jinnean” in their Facebook status, or via their Twitter feed. I know many of the social mores and manners my parents tried to instill in me are laughable and/or irrelevant today because I have, ahem, “friends,” who poke fun at my more amusing manner holdovers, but seriously, “RIP” just isn’t the right thing to write in a public forum when someone dies.
So how do you respectfully comment on someone’s death? Mark Dailey, a Toronto journalist and TV personality, died today of cancer. I saw some RIPs out in the Twitterverse, but I also read these – different, but equally compelling and heartfelt – posts:
Very sad to hear Mark Dailey’s passing – the voice of Toronto succumbed to fight with cancer. @SeanMoffitt
Mark Dailey. Well, shit. I’m sorry. @ivortossell
Saddened to hear the news of Mark Daileys passing. Professional, warm, generous; he was always there for Toronto. He is missed. @iamdavidmiller
There you go. That’s how it’s done. And for those interested in where death is headed digitally, check out 1000memories.com/
Reader Comments (5)
I agree that a little originality is due, but it's always difficult to know what to say. By the way, Hunter S. Thompson preferred the original "requiescat in pace" but that doesn't change your point, I suppose.
Thanks for your comment, Scott. I think what I'm trying to say is that RIP is too much of a shorthand.
I read your post a few days late and coincidentally on the anniversary of John Lennon's assassination. It's hard to imagine he's resting in peace, but maybe, as it is HIM, he is. Let's hope so. The dream of peace lives on.
How's that?
Nicely put and agreed. Mark was one of the few I respect in TO. k
If I outlive you I will take the time to write something very nice and thoughtful on whatever form of digital memorial exists by then. I may also take credit for some of your best work. Why not?
Every day at around 3PM, I wish I could put a sign on the door.
John is resting in peace.
Come back in an hour.