Introduction
Jonathan Rauch has published his article Caring for your introvert in The Atlantic. The author claims that introverts are a widespread group of the population and one of the most misjudged and dissatisfied community members. Rauch considers himself an introvert and describes the experiences of these individuals through his lens. The article explains that being alone with one’s thoughts is therapeutic and nutritious for introverts.
Discussion
However, extroverts have little understanding of these needs, believing that everyone needs company and to be talkative people. Moreover, according to Rauch (2018), extroverts are disproportionately represented in politics, a field where only the boisterous feel at ease. Introverts are not regarded as desirable and fitting in politics, with the notable exception being Ronald Reagan. It is also highlighted that being extroverted is deemed healthy in the extrovert world. Whereas extroverts are seen as generous, energetic, and sensitive, labels like “restrained” and “misanthrope” describe introverts. Finally, the author denotes that introverts are more intellectual, thoughtful, autonomous, sophisticated, and empathetic than extroverts. Hence, the article is concerned primarily with the comparison of extroverts and introverts and the author’s insight into the struggles of the latter.
Yet, the article could not be considered scientific or aimed at providing help for introverts. Instead, it seems to be written for the entertainment of the readers and to achieve some comical effect through irony. The author does not mention any reputable journals to make it academic or socially valuable. Next, he uses wording that is not supposed to be employed for psychological characteristics of people, namely, “come out” as an introvert or underrepresentation of these groups, as though they were genders or races.
Conclusion
Finally, the author’s claims about the supremacy of introverts are intentionally exaggerated. Hence, the thesis would be: the article’s main claim of introverts being suppressed and needing care is not serious because he does not prove his claims, uses ironically inappropriate terminology, and intentionally exaggerates his concerns.
Reference
Rauch, J. (2018). Caring for your introvert. The Atlantic.