by Patrick Marchildon

Created on: June 03, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

For some reason, we live in a world where characters such as Bill O'reilly rule supreme and all those who oppose are left silent and unheard. Our culture tends to portray the introverted as socially awkward and shy. We are supposed to be social beings, feeding off one another to fulfill our inter-relational needs. While extroverts network their way through the room instigating skin deep conversations regarding the weather and some local sports team, introverts are usually left in the corner amongst two or three close friends. Who would you rather be? Do we not value quality over quantity anymore?

The truth behind the fear of introverts and introversion for that matter, lies at the core of human socialization. As human beings, we are in constant need of reassurance and seek approval through inclusion. Some extroverts foolishly attempt to sway their audience with grandiose stories with far fetched yet plausible details. For some odd reason, we tend to value that character much more than the introvert engaging one or two people in a crowd in intellectual debate. Bill O'reilly is a perfect example of how we value a loud voice over a strong argument. In a world where freedom of speech is made reference to as a right to spew egotistical jargon into the atmosphere, we often forget one important factor. You're right to speak in an incoherent and obnoxious tone does not override my right to ignore your voice.

How can an introvert survive in this loud, extrovert's world? The answer is simple and yet difficult to master. As an introvert of this world, you are an observant and perceptive being. Perhaps you have not finely tuned your abilities to anticipate an extrovert's usually predictable argument. You may not have many moments to express yourself when in a one-sided discussion with a person who enjoys the sound of his or her voice. Remain patient and await your moment to shine as one moment is a lifetime if used wisely. I am not advising you to insert some form of personal attack when the moment strikes. I am merely encouraging you to be heard every now and then. Someone who speaks often when arguing will likely win over the audience. However, a person of few words can leave a longer lasting impression by choosing words wisely. The only way an introvert can survive in this world is by becoming an opportunist, allow for intuitive abilities to manifest themselves, and to abide by the rules that quantity does not necessarily mean quality.

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