Does American Society GLORIFY the "Extrovert"?

Question

It seems that its rather "unpopular" to be an "introvert" in America.

People claim that they "lack confidence" are "timid" and "shy". Still, you can twist that around and say that Extroverts are just uncomfortable with Introverts because they can't "read them".

ANYWAY..Do you think we glorify the extrovert in America? What do you think is the reason for this?

Answer 1

Of course America glorifies the extrovert while other cultures glorify the introvert. In places like China and Japan it is the most sensitive, quiet and gentle child that is conferred stature and respect by their peers. They are put at the top of the social totem pole as such.  In America everything is about the superficial devoid of content and about 'getting the job done', regardless of whether the person doing the job is the lowest scum on earth. If they have a loud personality they are competent and charming while an introvert is viewed a little bit as a loser.

Answer 2

Very much so.  There's a strong "if you ain't outgoing, you ain't $_!+" mentality in the U.S.

I believe one reason it's the case more than ever is the predominance of the service, sales, and retail industries in the modern job market.  Manufacturing and agricultural jobs are better suited to the less "talkative and in your face" types than the "sell, sell, sell, push product, welcome to WallofChina-Mart" jobs usually available.

The media, particularly MTV, E!, and reality shows, glorify the party lifestyle and the bling.  Introverts look all the more boring for the comparison.

In short, the introvert loses out in a style over substance culture.

Answer 3

Glorify? No. We love to hate the extrovert. We build them up to tear them down. Introverts don't give us enough drama going up or coming down.

Two Words: Terrell Owens.

Answer 4

Ooohhh, yes, it does.  I have always been very reserved, and I was always treated like it was a character flaw.  I can't tell you how many times total strangers have approached me and told me to "Smile!"  Like it's MY freakin' duty to wear an expression that makes THEM happy.

I don't know why it is, but I just moved to the UK, and it is such a relief.

Answer 5

Sadly, to an extent, yes. Extrovertedness has been linked to success, which, to an extent, is true.

Answer 6

Good point. I used to think that 'introvert' was an insult until I realised that lots of cool and very confident people are introverted. They just don't need a spotlight or applauding audiences to feel good.

Re the US:  Yes definitely. Many other cultures value modesty more highly.