A FRIEND had once advised a particular course of action, to take out (like a Swiss knife) whenever I was faced with a choice of what to do or when I was in the midst of an argument.
All this, in the context that admittedly, I was poor at argumentation, much less debating. What’s worse, I was equally poor in my choice of words and often opened up like a loose cannon, without first thinking about whatever frog came out of my mouth.
Incidentally, during those times, what had always been in the back of my head was, is this girl ashamed of being my friend or what? Anyway, classmates that we were in college back then (and constant seatmates even), I think she saw through me well enough to profile me as always wanting to jar and “shock” people with what I say.
But enough already of those good old days. As I once again recalled that honest advice from long ago, (which is actually the title of this piece), I looked it up in Google’s and Wikipedia’s Library of Congress to verify what I had thought of it in the day. Also for accuracy.
However, the first thing I read seemed a bit lofty. The idiomatic expression, “taking the high road” meant “exhibiting moral excellence or dignified behavior, particularly when confronting a challenging situation or a disagreement with someone.” Was it really this righteous? I thought.
The term likewise means to employ a more complex (don’t know what that meant) or honorable course of action rather than to choose the easier or the more convenient one.
“Taking the high road means being respectful, honest, and fair and not stooping to the level of those who misbehave.”
At this, I’m immediately thinking, the ideal mindset for social media these days! I wonder if trolls know this, or is there honor among trolls, if at all?
While being medieval-like as I might be in certain situations, I do not profess to be like a knight, with honor and all, so the high road has less appeal for me.
What appeals often is the brash, “medyo bastos” air of contrabidas. I sometimes imagine what it’s like to be a troll. So, at the very least, taking the high road might be an option but it’s not the only tool in my kit.
Call it playing with words if you like, but oftentimes, what’s more appealing is taking the roads less traveled. High or low, for me it’s less traffic with a more scenic view.
I know, it smells of choosing to act independently, free of conformity but going back to that girl-friend of long ago, she’s not anymore surprised of whatever my choices are.
