Language Rant!

NEW and startling evidence has emerged in the Russell Crowe phone-throwing fiasco that sheds some light on the stage that is this star's life. In fact, it illuminates the stage on which we all act out our lives. For each of us has been involved in a related – if less publicised – drama.Hot off the New York Post presses is the news that the flashpoint of the Crowe phone-throwing incident was sparked by one word. A tired and emotional Russ was holed up in his room at the Mercer Hotel rumoured to cost 2000, 4000 or, "Buddy, if you have to ask the price you can't afford it" dollars a night.
He tried, unsuccessfully, to place a call to his wife, Danielle, in Australia. He then rang to complain to the hotel clerk or concierge at $2000 a night or personal servant at $4000 a night or shoe-licking groveller at rates exceeding the aforementioned. The said clerk failed to be of assistance or even care.
A frustrated Russ told the hotel clerk he would come down to the foyer and, a, whoop/kick his ass, b, punch his lights out, c, rip his bloody arms off or, d, all of the above. The desk clerk then uttered the response that triggered the Crowe phone outrage. He said: "Whatever."
Has there ever been a more annoying word on this planet? "Whatever" doesn't throb with passion. It just sits there bored and listless. It's a verbal yawn of disinterest in your face. And while I cannot condone Russ's violent missile-launching response to the word, I have a confession to make. I am one with his spirit. That word triggers violent thoughts in my head.
Have you ever asked a family member "What do you want for dinner? Pasta, pizza or salad?" to be greeted with the response "Whatever"? I feel like yelling back: "No. Not WHATEVER! Take an interest in this question or I might just get it in my head to cook up a feast of rancid squid, salmonella pudding and stir-fry politician's liver (they'd be tough).
"Whatever" is a non-answer to any question. And "whatever" is the it-word of this era used so often because so many are not interested, not committed and really couldn't be bothered anyway.
How about this restaurant? Should we eat here? Whatever. Wanna go to the footy this weekend? Whatever. Should we go to a movie? Whatever. How about sex tonight? Whatever. How about sex on the restaurant table with the entire West Coast footy team while watching a movie?
Has the world evolved into two distinct races of human, as predicted by H.G. Wells's other sci-fi novel The Time Machine? Have we evolved into a race of passionate people including actors and a race of passionless zombies who watch them? I hope not.
But, I guess, it is up to each of us to make the choice in our own lives. What do you want? Passion or whatever?
Ok so whilst i hate the "Whatever", something else happened to me today that sparked another fire within. Swearing in public places. I don't mean.."bloody"......"shit"........"bugger"........"dickhead", i mean "FUCK". Is it only recently that teenagers and those in their early 20s have taken aboard poetic licence to use language like this out loud in shopping centres? Hey, i am no prude, i use the word myself, but no way would i contemplate using in front of people i don't know, especailly little kids and the elderly............in the middle of a shopping centre......at a checkout of a supermarket..............in donut king! My god, if they only knew how it sounded.
I was flipping through a magazine in KMart, a young girl of around 17 was also looking at one, she had a friend with her...."check this Fu***** out"!! she said to her friend. I ignored them and thanked god "A" wasn't with me. Then i was at the checkout and 3 teenage boys walked past, one yelled out to his mate who was further ahead "Hey you F****** Bas***, wait for us"! I was thinking ..."WTF" is it with young ones today? I would never have spoken like that and still don't in public places......................what is this world coming to???
till next time, Michelle.