Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not anti-social. In fact, introverts are usually very empathetic and understanding. Nevertheless, in corporate America, the outlook of the introvert is one that comes only with stigma and contempt. Why is that so?

To answer that question, we must first take a look at many aspects of our ever day lives. In the interest of discussing relatable topics, let’s take a look at college classes. In many college classes, it is not surprising to find that you will get graded on participation, sometimes more rigorous than others. For the introvert, this is something that is very difficult. On the other hand, participating comes almost like second nature to the extrovert.

Participation is not necessarily because the introvert is shy, although many people usually equate these two words because introverts are over thinkers; as a result, introverts will hold out for an answer until they reach a conclusion that satisfies them. While many people might find their relentless quest for truth appealing, this behavior is not encouraged in class.

This is only one of the many cases where the introvert is affected in the modern day college setting. In many colleges today, it is taught that leaders are usually outspoken and unreserved. People are also likely to believe that the most outspoken individuals are the most intelligent ones. According to these perspectives, introverts can neither be leaders or innovators. This idea could not be farther away from the truth. Throughout history, we can see that many of the most influential people have been introverts, from Da Vinci, Newton, Einstein, Gandhi, and Bill Gates. These people have not only been innovators but leaders in their respective fields.

So, why are introverts stigmatized? It is because introverts tend to be too lost in their thoughts rather than lost in a conversation. While the introvert is probably listening in on the discussion, they will probably hold on to their opinion until much later, or maybe they will never say anything at all. It may come off as rude to the extrovert, but it does not mean that they were not listening, but because they were thinking. This same example can get applied to many other instances in an introvert’s lifestyle, and in almost all of these cases, the introvert will come off as rude; hence, the correlation between the words introvert and anti-social.

If you’re an introvert, however, fret not. You are not alone. Surveys, such as those performed by the Myers-Briggs Test Indicator Manual, show that one-third to upwards of one-half of the USA population is composed of introverts. How can that be possible, you ask yourself? Well, many people may find that they are trying to act as if they were extroverts to conform to societal standards. I can say that I have been a victim of this in the past as well. Recently I have become more comfortable with myself, and if you are an introvert as well, you should try too as well. Now, all that is left to get done is raise awareness of the introvert’s plight, and only then will society be able to accept the introvert.