Armchair Sociology Question: Does American Society Tend to Favor Wealthy Extroverts?

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Warning – a few gross oversimplifications here and there, but cut me some slack…:o

From the point of view of one who is neither extroverted nor wealthy. I was just thinking how this cuts across party lines and even ideological and religious ones.

What got me thinking – and I know there are exceptions – but as a generally introverted person, phobic of public speaking, travel, management-level responsibility and such things, it occurred to me that people like me probably are few and far between at the levels of government and business and other spheres of influence that set the laws, expectations, trends, and assumptions that we live by.

In other words, “leadership qualities” are usually associated with extroverts, no? The traits of extroversion, self-confidence, and poise would tend to be hereditary both genetically and socially in a child’s upbringing. Then, if success breeds success, money follows. And money talks – and opens doors.

Whereas the shy, private, sometimes easily overwhelmed introvert may have a harder time. Though the gap may be being narrowed with computers and the Internet. I mean, it’s cool now to be a geek, for one thing. It wasn’t when I was growing up.:rolleyes:

And I’m outspoken on this forum sometimes – because it’s safe. But you wouldn’t catch me trying to climb the corporate ladder or running for dogcatcher even. So I wonder if introverted people who aren’t wealthy and comfortable with power have much voice in our society. And what the implications are.

What do others think?:confused:
 
3DOCTORS said:
Warning – a few gross oversimplifications here and there, but cut me some slack…:o

From the point of view of one who is neither extroverted nor wealthy. I was just thinking how this cuts across party lines and even ideological and religious ones.

What got me thinking – and I know there are exceptions – but as a generally introverted person, phobic of public speaking, travel, management-level responsibility and such things, it occurred to me that people like me probably are few and far between at the levels of government and business and other spheres of influence that set the laws, expectations, trends, and assumptions that we live by.

In other words, “leadership qualities” are usually associated with extroverts, no? The traits of extroversion, self-confidence, and poise would tend to be hereditary both genetically and socially in a child’s upbringing. Then, if success breeds success, money follows. And money talks – and opens doors.

Whereas the shy, private, sometimes easily overwhelmed introvert may have a harder time. Though the gap may be being narrowed with computers and the Internet. I mean, it’s cool now to be a geek, for one thing. It wasn’t when I was growing up.:rolleyes:

And I’m outspoken on this forum sometimes – because it’s safe. But you wouldn’t catch me trying to climb the corporate ladder or running for dogcatcher even. So I wonder if introverted people who aren’t wealthy and comfortable with power have much voice in our society. And what the implications are.

What do others think?:confused:
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I think American society rewards fearlessness . And that is counterintuitive because American society also encourages conformity.

Notice in your post there isn’t a lack of confidence in your ideas, but a fear that they won’t be accepted because of the perception that the source of the ideas may not be well accepted. But who is actually judging that ?

Compare the miracles of Jesus to those of Moses, Mo was a showman and had the Red Sea boiling and swallowing up the Egyptians , Jesus sublimely walked upon the waters.

Don’t be afraid of getting wet.

Peace
 
3DOCTORS said:
Warning – a few gross oversimplifications here and there, but cut me some slack…:o

From the point of view of one who is neither extroverted nor wealthy. I was just thinking how this cuts across party lines and even ideological and religious ones.

What got me thinking – and I know there are exceptions – but as a generally introverted person, phobic of public speaking, travel, management-level responsibility and such things, it occurred to me that people like me probably are few and far between at the levels of government and business and other spheres of influence that set the laws, expectations, trends, and assumptions that we live by.

In other words, “leadership qualities” are usually associated with extroverts, no? The traits of extroversion, self-confidence, and poise would tend to be hereditary both genetically and socially in a child’s upbringing. Then, if success breeds success, money follows. And money talks – and opens doors.

Whereas the shy, private, sometimes easily overwhelmed introvert may have a harder time. Though the gap may be being narrowed with computers and the Internet. I mean, it’s cool now to be a geek, for one thing. It wasn’t when I was growing up.:rolleyes:

And I’m outspoken on this forum sometimes – because it’s safe. But you wouldn’t catch me trying to climb the corporate ladder or running for dogcatcher even. So I wonder if introverted people who aren’t wealthy and comfortable with power have much voice in our society. And what the implications are.

What do others think?:confused:
Click to expand...
I think it depends on what you mean my “introvert” and “extrovert.” If you are using the definitions for those terms as they’re used in the Myers-Briggs Inventory, you probably mean something different than the popular usage of those terms. Quite clearly, in MBTI parlance, and “I” is not less likely a leader than an “E.”

For example, I’m an INTJ - along with about 3% of the population - and I’m in good company amongst leaders.

If by “introvert” you mean “shy” - well, I suppose it seems likely that shy people will tend to be followers whilst gregarious people might tend to be leaders.

Pax,
OA
 
portarica said:
I think American society rewards fearlessness . And that is counterintuitive because American society also encourages conformity.

Notice in your post there isn’t a lack of confidence in your ideas, but a fear that they won’t be accepted because of the perception that the source of the ideas may not be well accepted. But who is actually judging that ?

Compare the miracles of Jesus to those of Moses, Mo was a showman and had the Red Sea boiling and swallowing up the Egyptians , Jesus sublimely walked upon the waters.

Don’t be afraid of getting wet.

Peace
Click to expand...
Right on about the paradox – fearless vs. conformity – thing:thumbsup: at least in the realm of ideas.

For me personally it isn’t as much caring what people think of me as it is literally being unable to “swim with the sharks” in their own waters.

I’m like Peter when it comes to attempting to WALK on water .:eek: . . to trust the Lord saying “come” is difficult…😊

OA - that’s interesting - I think my type is INTJ - that was the first time I took the test; I’ve taken it 3 times and gotten 3 different answers, the most recent one was totally off, because I was grieving the loss of my mother so I picked words that were about connecting which made me sound like a huge extrovert…I don’t put a lot of stock in those tests:shrug:
 
3DOCTORS said:
Right on about the paradox – fearless vs. conformity – thing:thumbsup: at least in the realm of ideas.

For me personally it isn’t as much caring what people think of me as it is literally being unable to “swim with the sharks” in their own waters.

I’m like Peter when it comes to attempting to WALK on water .:eek: . . to trust the Lord saying “come” is difficult…😊

OA - that’s interesting - I think my type is INTJ - that was the first time I took the test; I’ve taken it 3 times and gotten 3 different answers, the most recent one was totally off, because I was grieving the loss of my mother so I picked words that were about connecting which made me sound like a huge extrovert…I don’t put a lot of stock in those tests:shrug:
Click to expand...
Check out fearlessstories.com/ for info about swimming with the sharks.

Peace
 
I doubt it is just an American culture thing.

Do you think the courts of monarchies recruited shy thinkers? No, you got into and moved into the court with sharp elbows at the very least.

Communism? Please. Connections and schmoozing were EVERYTHING in determining pecking order in communist regimes.

Fascism? See communism. Same effect. Kiss up to the big man.

Methinks it is a manifestation of something fallen about man.
 
Like the Pharisees who love to take the places of honor at banquets, is that kind of what you’re getting at?

I should mention that I’m not out to pick on wealthy people per se; many do great things for the world and are very humble people. Rather I’m just saying it’s sure frustrating when you have the ideas and want to contribute (and yes, better your own financial situation to a reasonable degree) but you just feel out of your depth in the world.

So, this is a personal thing I’ve faced, but I thought it’d be interesting to get a range of feedback on it.:thankyou:

Oh, and thanks for the link to the Fearless Stories, portarica:thumbsup: - I will enjoy that and share it!:coffeeread:
 
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