7-2 Project One: Critical Analysis Essay

Audie G. Custer
Department of English, Southern New Hampshire University
ENG-122-H7971 English Composition I 22EW1
Professor Autumn Darbrow, Adjunct English Faculty
October 16, 2022
 7-2 Project One: Critical Analysis Essay

In the article Caring for your introvert: the habits and needs of a little-understood group,

the author, Jonathan Rauch explains how the world is viewed through the eyes of an introvert. In

the article, the author’s main claim that our society values extroverts over introverts is well

argued because the author shares anecdotal evidence of his own experience as an introvert, facts

that support that extroverts dominate public and social life and outlines the difference between

extroverts and introverts.

In American culture, extroverts are considered the norm and a standard to achieve. On a

macro level, extroverts are overrepresented in all levels of government. Although the gifted

community has more introverts than a typical population, extroverts continue to be the ones

making policy. Extroverts are “overrepresented in politics” even though the personality of an

introvert is possibly more suited to the roles of a politician (Rauch, 2003). The reason for this is

that the dynamic that gets an individual elected lends itself better to the extrovert personality

(Rauch, 2003). When Americans go to the ballot box, they are swayed by the presentation that

candidates have presented. Extroverts are comfortable having a running out loud dialog of their

thoughts and beliefs (Rauch, 2003). This makes them more memorable to potential voters.

Introverts may very well have better ideas, but their reserved presentation allows many to

overlook those ideas.

 On a macro level, extroverts dominate social situations because they are more outgoing

and exert a sense of happiness, camaraderie, and confidence (Rauch, 2003). A person who is

quiet and introspective is more often viewed as a loner (Rauch, 2003). This makes introverts

seem like outsiders to many. When presented with a social setting, extroverts often come alive

and become even more outspoken and alive whereas an introvert will often sit and observe

(Rauch, 2003). The extrovert will inevitably be seen as a leader.

Extroverts often make it their mission to try to convert introverts to their side. The

consensus amongst extroverts is that introverts are shy and need to be pulled into the spotlight

(Rauch, 2003). The truth is that introverts are not often shy at all. They are not anxious in

social situations, they simply do not feel the desire to be the center of attention (Rauch, 2003). A

mainstay trait of introverts is that they do not like constant interaction with other people (Rauch,

2003). Often, introverts need time to be alone and recharge after group interaction (Rauch,

2003). Extroverts are exactly the opposite: they crave attention and feel lonely when alone

(Rauch, 2003). Extroverts have a hard time being empathetic to introverts and often transfer

their needs onto introverts.

Extroverts cause introverts much pain, even if they are well intentioned (Rauch, 2003).

Even when introverts share with extroverts that they have a different set of needs, extroverts

often ignore them (Rauch, 2003). Rauch shares anecdotes about the amount of small talk

extroverts have tried to engage him in and the disbelief when he tells them he wants to be alone

(Rauch, 2003). The most distressing part of trying to explain to extroverts, according to the

author, is that they often change the subject back to themselves without really internalizing the

message Rauch is trying to convey leaving the introvert to feel like their role is never going to be

valued (Rauch, 2003).

 Jonathan Rauch presents a care manual for introverts in his article, Caring for your

introvert. Although he uses a humorous tone, Rauch does explain thoroughly that introverts are

often put in uncomfortable situations because they do not meet the social standards in the same

way that extroverts do. In our society, being seen as quiet is often misunderstood as being

passive, weak, or depressed. Rauch shares his own feelings and experiences to help the reader

understand that he was born with a different set of needs than extroverts.
 Reference

Rauch, J. (2003, 03). Caring for your introvert. The Atlantic Monthly, 291, 133-134.
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