If you self-identify as an introvert, I applaud you. You often times have stigma working against you in the professional world, as well as in the social world. I remember one incident that I personally experienced in 10th grade that pointed to a dangerous stereotype of introversion. It took place in my driver's education class, which was full of kids that I was not friends with, nor that I had any semblance of desire to be friends with. Consequently, my usual extraversion didn't show its face--for most group projects or assignments I worked alone. I specifically remember one girl indirectly calling me creepy. After I reacted apathetically, she started saying things like "Don't freak out!" and "You aren't going to shoot up the school now, are you?". Apparently, at least to her, every quiet person is a ticking time-bomb of violence and psychopathy.
While I am not even an introvert myself, I have experienced some of the stigma first-hand. While hopefully most introverts aren't being accused of wanting to carry out a school shooting, there is a sizable amount of discrimination toward them, be it in school, the workplace, or in social circles. In this TED talk, Susan Cain talks about how a teacher's image of "the perfect student" would be a child who works well in groups and reaches out to other students. This is contrary to the fact that introverts get better grades AND score better on standardized tests. She also cites the fact that introverts are often passed up for leadership positions, even though they are (usually) more focused, more detail-oriented, and less likely to take ill-advised risks.
One thing that I thought was interesting was when she brought up the time frame of the rise of extraversion. In an agricultural society, we worked with the same set of people our entire lives: family, close friends, and neighbors. In this setting, one had no need to be extraverted, and in fact, might benefit from introversion, since large parties and gatherings were almost non-existent. Extraversion did not really become a quality until people started moving to the city, in turn coming into contact with hundreds of people a day. When this became the norm, people who could navigate social settings and converse relatively easily were in higher demand.
In closing, I would like to say that many of my closest friends are introverts. I've always liked them because, unlike me, they think things through before they do them. My one introverted friend always points out the logical inconsistencies in the remarks I make--inconsistencies that I surely would have filtered out had I just shut up and thought for a second or two. I think that it is a shame that they are still the subject of bias in today's society. In my experience, introverts are some of the most adept and interesting people in the world.
While I am not even an introvert myself, I have experienced some of the stigma first-hand. While hopefully most introverts aren't being accused of wanting to carry out a school shooting, there is a sizable amount of discrimination toward them, be it in school, the workplace, or in social circles. In this TED talk, Susan Cain talks about how a teacher's image of "the perfect student" would be a child who works well in groups and reaches out to other students. This is contrary to the fact that introverts get better grades AND score better on standardized tests. She also cites the fact that introverts are often passed up for leadership positions, even though they are (usually) more focused, more detail-oriented, and less likely to take ill-advised risks.
One thing that I thought was interesting was when she brought up the time frame of the rise of extraversion. In an agricultural society, we worked with the same set of people our entire lives: family, close friends, and neighbors. In this setting, one had no need to be extraverted, and in fact, might benefit from introversion, since large parties and gatherings were almost non-existent. Extraversion did not really become a quality until people started moving to the city, in turn coming into contact with hundreds of people a day. When this became the norm, people who could navigate social settings and converse relatively easily were in higher demand.
In closing, I would like to say that many of my closest friends are introverts. I've always liked them because, unlike me, they think things through before they do them. My one introverted friend always points out the logical inconsistencies in the remarks I make--inconsistencies that I surely would have filtered out had I just shut up and thought for a second or two. I think that it is a shame that they are still the subject of bias in today's society. In my experience, introverts are some of the most adept and interesting people in the world.
I agree. There is sort of a negative connotation that people associate with the word introvert or even if someone identifies as quiet or reserved. Not everybody finds it easy to be social and outgoing with strangers. Introverts often treasure the close relationships that they have with people since making friends can sometimes be difficult.
ReplyDeleteWhen I took the personality test after reading your first blog post, I was identified as an extravert, but my psychology teacher made her own version where I was identified as an introvert. I'm really on the edge, so I like to think that I have the best of both worlds. I like to work alone a lot of the time, but when it is time it is easier for me to step into leadership roles because I am still slightly extroverted.
ReplyDeleteI agreee. I am taintilized with excitement. tahnk you forever. I love life and MBTI. pseudo science is a fav of mine
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