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

Introduction It would seem that my opponent seems to misunderstand my arguments. To clarify, I am arguing that it is generally more advantageous to be an extrovert in modern western society. This statement would be logical seeing that it is only reasonable to believe that an extrovert will be able to thrive better in an extroverted world than an introvert would. The reason pointing many of my opponent’s seemingly contradictory argumentative statements are because they directly support my case, even if my opponent didn’t realize this. My opponent states that extroversion is praised in western society, that the ideal self in an extroverted society mimics the mindset of an extrovert, and that introverts are a minority that must conform to different ideals. My opponent tries to save himself by claiming that because some western countries are introverted, it therefore isn’t a big deal even though western society as a whole is has a general consensus of being largely extroverted. This would mean that even by chance, it would be better to be an extrovert since you are more likely to be born into an extroverted country than an introvert country in the western world. Introverted Countries in the Western World My opponent was correct that I assumed the countries he listed were all Eastern countries. This would be due to my opponent’s confusing statement saying, “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.” The way he words it makes it seem as though he is talking about eastern countries, which I incorrectly assumed. Although even so, my opponent’s argument isn’t particularly relevant considering that introverted countries are a minority in the western world. “Western society openly favors extraversion. Hills and Argyle (2001) write that in “modern western society […] extraversion, the personality traits that is commonly associated with [the enjoyment of friendship and happiness] is seen to be socially desirable.” Happiness is a close friend of sociability and outgoingness, which is in turn a sign of confidence and high self-esteem, the mark of a properly-adjusted and successful individual as determined and stressed by parents, peers, schoolteachers, colleagues and book-selling “experts” ad infinitum.”[1] It is only logical to believe that since extroversion is more favorable in western society, it would therefore be better to be an extrovert. It doesn’t matter if introverts can also thrive in some circumstances, because the fact is that western society is built for the extrovert. It isn’t that my “scope is narrow,” it’s simply that I am correctly generalizing the western world as extroverted. Socialization among Introverts and Extroverts The reason it is relevant that extroverts enjoy socializing and social atmospheres, is because much of western society is one big social atmosphere. From the moment you into the classroom and the work place you are put into an inherently social setting, where those who enjoy such a setting thrive. Extroverts actually enjoy seeking social approval and that acts as a fuel for them to better themselves with other individuals. I could hardly see this as the disadvantage my opponent is trying to make it look like to be. Extroverts and introverts have different interests. We must both agree on this. Extroverts like socialization, seeking social approval, stimulating environments, ect. Introverts like reading, watching movies and other solo activities perhaps along with a few close friends. The reality is western society generally caters to what makes extroverts thrives more than introverts. Introverts may be able to appease themselves on their own, but society hands the desires of the extrovert to them on a silver platter. Both extroverts and introverts obviously enjoy appeasing their own needs, which is why it is irrelevant how hard it is to achieve those desires. Society though, can allow extroverts to thrive extremely well since the societal environment is directly suited for the extroverted mindset. Western society’s bias towards extroverts is absolutely huge! In western society, people generally like outgoing, fast-paced, people who take action quickly and speak their minds. The education system is set-up for kids to be put into a highly stimulating environment where extroverts thrive. Societal power is given to those who possess these traits. This is because western society is a fast-paced social environment, which caters to those who posses complementary traits to the nature of society. Societal Roles and Positions It is very difficult to argue against my opponent since extroverts and introverts have different desires. When I state that politicians are a power role suited for the extrovert he responds that it is irrelevant since introverts wouldn’t want a role like that any way. Let me be clear, the whole point of the argument isn’t that certain roles are suited for extroverts over introverts, but that society allows extroverts to thrive more than introverts in the sort of options that they offer. By arguing that being politicians is a power role directly suited for the extrovert, the point I am trying to make is that extroverts have the option to pursue their interests to a higher degree than introverts in western society. To put this in nerdy game terms: You are playing an RPG. You have a sword and an axe. You can upgrade the axe to level three, but you can upgrade the sword to level 5. Even though the axe and the sword are different weapons perhaps used to slay different monsters, the sword ultimately has more opportunity to be of more use since the game caters to the sword by allowing it to reach a higher level than the axe. This being said, even though both extroverts and introverts may pursue different societal roles, societal roles generally cater towards extroverts more than introverts. Both introverts and extroverts can be looked up to as leaders, that as is obvious. However, since western society has bias toward people with extroverted traits, extroverts generally have more of an opportunity to pursue and land a leadership type role. [3] The Ideal Self The reason that the ideal values of the introvert are irrelevant is because introverts don’t make up the generally mass of the people in western society, and therefore don’t get to set the ideal which society dictates. The reason the majority ideal is important is because it sets a social norm, which many individuals feel compelled to succeed in. This sets pressure against introverts to either conform to the extroverted mindset, or be themselves but deny the social norm and therefore be “socially rejected” (although I think that term may be a bit harsh.) This is what I mean when I say introverts are looked over. This is because the majority doesn’t pay attention to nor recognize that an introvert ideal exists and that people want to fulfill it. This is the reason that the majority ideal being that of an extroverted mindset is relevant to the topic. There is no one sole ideal. There are multiple ideals; however the one dominant ideal is the one that caters to the extroverted personality. [2] Conclusion I have shown that western society has a huge bias towards extroversion, which my opponent has done very little to contend to. I have shown that much of what my opponent has argued actually works against him. I have shown that extroverts have more of an opportunity to thrive in western society and that they fit the ideal self set by society. Introversion has a place in society, but it is surely overrun by extrovert ideology. Introverts are the minority and where one thing is dominant, that thing thrives. In this case, that thing is extroversion. It is therefore more preferable to be an extrovert in modern western society than to be an introvert. Thank you for this debate Phantom. It has been my pleasure. VOTE PRO [1]https://www.google.com... [2] http://sites.psu.edu... [3] http://gmwilliams.hubpages.com...