It is More Preferable to be an Extrovert Than an Introvert in Modern Western Society

Sorry for any errors. The end of this was a little rushed. There are a couple things I want to get out of the way before I begin, not because my opponent committed these errors, but because introversion and extroversion are often misunderstood. One of the most common myths is that shy people are introverts. Any extrovert can be shy and often are. The kid who sits in the back of class with his shoulders hunched and never speaks up, could easily be an extrovert. Introverts are not anti-social, isolated or awkward individuals and extroverts are not well spoken, likeable, natural leaders. Those attributes could apply to either extroverts or introverts. Introversion in other countries We cannot realistically have a debate about introversion vs. extroversion in society and only look at a few choice parts of society. The United States is one of the highest extrovert nations in the world[1] so I'm sure it suites pro fine to focus mainly on western countries. However, the balance of extroverts to introverts is not so heavily tipped in other nations and since we are speaking of society as a whole, that is very important. For example, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Japan, Latvia, Sweden, Switzerland are 11 introverted nations according to one article. [2] Extroversion is much more the standard in western countries than in Eastern ones. In the west, extroversion is praised. However, in Asia silence is esteemed. "Chinese high school students prefer friends who are humble, altruistic and honest, Cain writes of one study, while American high school students seek out the cheerful, enthusiastic and sociable." [4] I need not only mention introverted countries but also introvert friendly countries. It is easier to be an introvert in some countries over others even if those countries are extroverted. Pro's focus has been too narrow centered so that he frequently generalizes. Social factors and roles Extroverts are generally more social than introverts but introverts still have the upper hand on a few social factors. First, while extroverts like to talk, this does not mean they are good communicators. Introverts have the advantage of being able to process information more deeply and more per second. This allows them to judge social situations and give reasoned responses. In societies where talkers are the majority, introverts make very good listeners and make valuable points, when they do talk, due to their ability to think deeply and general higher level of knowledge. It is not as if extroverts value only other extroverts. Introverts make the perfect companion sometimes because they complement each other. Many times a relationship involves one member dominating the talking while the other listens most of the time. At a party, the extrovert is usually more at ease than the introvert. In times of isolation the introvert is usually more content than the extrovert. This is quite advantages for introverts. It is easier for them to find situations that content them. A small group of friends is enough. An evening reading a book or a walk through the forest can be some of their favorite things to do. On the other hand, extroverts have to do more to appease their needs. Introverts can fill in roles usually thought to extrovert dominated. Television hosts for example. "Johnny Carson, former Tonight Show, host Jane Clayson, host of CBS Morning Show, Matt Lauer, co-host on the Today Show and David Letterman, host of the David Letterman Show".[5] My opponents own source shows that Johnny Depp is an introvert and Abraham Lincoln was as well. This is not entirely important. I just wanted to note that, while extroverts are better fitted for some positions, some of the most famous people in those positions are introverts. Introverts can succeed in those areas. It does not take an extrovert to do well in them. In terms of achieving higher positions in society, introverts are actually often the more successful. Introverts tend to be smarter, more thoughtful and more practical. The role of a leader tends to be dominated more by extroverts, but that role is hardly the only kind in society. Extroverts and introverts lead in different ways. Extroverts are good at motivating and leading but introverts are good at listening to the group and getting their opinions. Introverts think before talking, exhibit calm and value depth. Written or typed communication is especially suited to them. The ideal selfExtroverts and introverts both have different ideals. In an at least western society dominated by extroverts, both in number and social voice, it is no surprise that the ideal self set forth by this society is an that of an extroverted person. In other countries, as I have noted, introversion is valued more highly. This is highly problematic, however. The ideal self varies from individual to individual. The risk-taking, competitive, fast-paced individual that pro mentioned probably wouldn't appeal to introverts. Preferences differ from one person to the next. For example, a happy, good-natured, well-spoken person who is comfortable in the spotlight could be an introvert and that is not very different to the ideal self pro set forward. Moreover, introverts do not care as much about how others think of them, so if they don't fit in with society's standards, it makes no matter. In fact many people who are different enjoy being different. Remember, introverts seek contentment from within. Extroverts need social approval. It is enough for an introvert to approve of himself by his own standards. This has advantages as they are not pressured as much to conform to society's standards whereas extroverts need always be worried that they are in the norm. The needs of the introvert are actually quite basic and less complicated than extroverts, making it easier for them to gain contentment. They only need a few friends and not a high amount of social activity. Humans spend much of their time alone whether they want social interaction or not. Introverts are good at finding ways to content themselves in such situations. It is hard to avoid times of social isolation, whereas it is not hard to avoid social situations usually. A shy introvert is more comfortable than a shy extrovert because introverts are already comfortable with their own thoughts. I highly doubt many introverts share the ideal pro asserts. In extroverted societies, it's no surprise that the ideals shared most by extroverts would be more standard. Even if it is the most common ideal, introverts are the minority and try to conform to different ideals. Perhaps ideals that are acceptable to extroverts yet are still introverted. If anyone actually believes that everyone should live under the extrovert ideal, as pro states, than these people are quite simply ignorant and probably unintelligent. It is highly unreasonable to make one single ideal that everyone should conform to and also unreasonable to push change on others whose personality is the way it is and can't change to such large degrees. Power roles The only way this could be relevant is if this significantly hinders introvert's wants. Are politics and media, positions which introverts really want and can't get? Perhaps some of time but that is the case for most people. The main point is that power roles are not significantly sought after by introverts because those roles are tedious to them and not best suited to their own preferences. It does not set them at any preferential disadvantage because it's more of an extrovert want, not an introvert. Introverts are highly valuable to a society and thus can always find a place. Introvert's skill sets are different than extroverts and they are often more comfortable under certain environments that extroverts are not. For example, introverts make good market research analysts, computer programmers, accountants, or a paralegal career[6]. Also 40% of executives describe themselves as introverts.[3][1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com...[2] http://lonerwolf.com... [3] http://www.forbes.com...[4]http://www.reuters.com...[5] http://hiddengiftsoftheintrovertedchild.com...[6] http://education.yahoo.net...