Michelle Obama Breaks Down Her Famous Rule Of Advice, Explains What “Going High” Really Means

Michelle Obama’s gem of advice for tackling adversity, “When they go low, we go high” — has become synonymous with presenting yourself with class during times of frustration. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Obama herself recently sat down with Tracee Ellis Ross and The New York Times to promote her memoir, “Becoming,” where she explained what “going high” really means in times of hardship. 

“‘Going high’ doesn’t mean you don’t feel the hurt, or you’re not entitled to an emotion,” she said. “It means that your response has to reflect the solution. It shouldn’t come from a place of anger or vengefulness. Barack and I had to figure that out. Anger may feel good in the moment, but it’s not going to move the ball forward.”

the forever First Lady elaborated her message which holds adults accountable for behaving as role models. 

“For me, when you are a public figure in power, everything you do models what you want the country to do … Responding to a dog whistle with a dog whistle is the exact opposite of what you’d teach your child to do,” she added.

The interviewer then went a step further and asked Obama to give an example. He asked what if he sees on the news, “I’m so sick of these #MeToo women playing the victim card,” how does one ‘go high?’ 

Obama answered, “Me? I wouldn’t even respond. I say: Let’s just do the work. If you said that, I know I’m not going to change your mind in the moment. You’d just feel attacked. I’d have to understand why you feel that way. I’d have to be your friend and get into your pain and hurt  your fears. And that takes time. That’s the work that needs to happen around kitchen tables and in our communities. When I say “go high,” I’m not trying to win the argument. I’m trying to figure out how to understand you and how I can help you understand me.”

Obama also tackled Donald Trump’s birther comments in her memoir, insisting she will “never forgive” Trump for those hurtful words. She also got candid with readers, opening up about her marriage to Barack.