The labels
"introvert" and "extravert" are tossed around so easily
today - and in just that way, as labels,
not as the two ends of a continuum as they would be better known. Recently
society has come under critcism for being too extravert-oriented. While conversation -
exchanging and exploring new ideas and perspectives - is a good thing, it is never a simple thing to 'categorize'
people. In this article, the author achieves her purpose of encouraging
introverts to develop their strengths (as opposed to focusing too strongly on
weaknesses, as society tends to do), but at a cost of semi-untactfulness. It is
cringe-worthy at moments when she seems to imply that extraverts are not good
at listening or observing. Despite these occasional slips, I do believe in her
main ideas and the concept of the "Quiet Revolution."
Retter presents her main argument through the idea that she is a good journalist not in spite of her introversion, but as a result of it. Traits such as being observant, a good listener, and empathetic would look good on anyone. Retter writes, "Introverts are listeners… I pay attention.
I read people well. That’s how I find stories." This is something that I
connect very strongly with. I remember reading a book when I was younger in which the main character
was very quiet but an amazing listener - that immediately became my goal. I was
undeniably shy as a child and dreaded interacting with people beyond my family
and best friends, and this identity as a "listener" was the perfect
excuse. Now I still identify as much of an introvert, but I believe it has benefitted me to grow up in a culture where extraversion is prized
because it has forced me to be more confident in my thoughts and words (in other words, it has helped me to shed that sometimes-impeding shyness while still allowing me to build on my strengths as an introvert).
Another idea in the
article is that "my introversion helps me read beneath the surface and
tailor my approach." My personality as an introvert inspires me to actively find the things left unsaid by others. Adding to this idea of
being actively observant is the original blog's main concept: "Ninja
journalism... powers include stealth (knowing when to shut your
mouth)... invisibility (staying the heck out of the way), super vision (looking past the
obvious to see the real story/picture)…" Compared to some others, I would like think I have a decent handle on when not to talk or intrude. It's amazing how much
simply listening and observing can impact one's perception of society.
"No matter what
any professor, friend, boss, or colleague tells you about the pitfalls of
introverts in public image careers, know that introverts carry their own set of
worthy skills that can add to any field. I’ve found that my unique skill set—my
listening, my flexibility, and my empathy—has made my reporting process special
in its own way and has led me to stories I never would have found if I’d had a
more gregarious personality type."
At first I was a bit
put off by the implication that those with "more gregarious
personality [types]" would not be able to be good listeners, flexible, or
empathetic. (Consider these quotes: "An extrovert’s charm is no match for a tragedy, a death, or anything that involves talking to someone upset... Introverts are listeners. When I’m in a conversation, I’m not caught up in trying to get my point of view in or draw attention to myself." I am not sure how this can not offend extraverts.) But after further consideration, it's clear that Retter simply
means to encourage introverts to discover and develop their own strengths,
unique from the social comfortableness and charm of extraverts. She was not perfect in communicating this, but it is definitely an idea that applies to all people - if it seems society praises a 'type' of person that simply isn't you, realize it probably goes deeper than you think, and there are so many ways for you to find your role.
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