Going Rogue ~ what does it mean?

What Does Going Rogue Mean?

By Carl R. ToersBijns

There appears to be many different definitions for this word “rogue” that is often thrown around in the media or the workplace during conversations regarding the actions or positions taken by another person. It seems when you look up the word in the dictionary, there is not one firm characterization provided for thus a word thus this must be a most misunderstood word thus it is time we look at how it fits in our world.

Going rogue can mean you are acting on your own and acting contrary to personal or professional expectations or the “normal” societal values within a certain political organization or persons. It can also mean you are pursuing your own interests and not of those you are or were associated with most of the time either in service or employment.

Whether you are going rogue or thinking about becoming a “rogue” person there are heavy consequences for taking such a stand depending what it is you are challenging, contradicting, speaking out against or the temperament of the culture you chose to antagonize or oppose. It has been recorded that some rogue leaders or persons have been killed for speaking out their mind and writing the things that may contradict the ideas, thoughts or laws of those that oppose such ways.

Going rogue carries with it no value or valor. It does not create heroes or martyrs as it is a non-popular position to be in. You are viewed as disgruntled person or employee, a whistleblower or worst, a snitch of the culture you oppose. Therefore, it carries with it sanctions that are politically and personally severe that includes banishment or expulsion from the group you belong to as well as character assassinations to defame or slander your credibility or reputation you may have worked decades for to establish.

It may mean you have chosen to stop following orders that requires silence on matters that may be criminal or at the very least unethical in nature and allows such misconduct to remain secret and hidden from the truth or the truth seekers. Going rogue poses a threat to some and enhances the opportunities for others. It depends on how the information provided aids or impacts the disposition of the matters discussed or deposed either to the media or inside a courtroom.

Going rogue does not mean you are a bad person or committing an act that is a sin. It does mean you [or a group that has departed together bound by common cause] are going against the politically correct flow and creating ripples in the water that is preferred by many to remain still and calm without someone stirring it up making muddy waters.

So whether you are walking alone or united for a common cause, going rogue means you are in a position that is creating conflict and sometimes, aggression against the very culture you are criticizing or a former member of but drifted from their same principles and ideas going instead the other way based on your own moral compass, ethics or ideas. 

December 26, 2012