As someone who is an introvert, I’ve seen various stereotypes and generalizations about it that are present throughout different media. Depending on the introvert you ask, these interpretations can be realistic, over the top, or even a little bit of both. Merriam-Webster defines the word Introvert as, “a person whose personality is characterized by introversion: a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone.”
Common stereotypes about introverts are that introverts don’t like to be around other people (are anti-social), are innately shy, have negative personalities, and are lazy, or unhappy. The stereotype that I think has the most potential for harm is that introverts are depressed and/or deal with mental illness. Many media depictions of introverts are usually poking fun in a humorous way that is usually meant to be relatable, but some go over the top. I don’t mind being around and interacting with others. But as an introvert, I’m happiest when I can have my quiet alone time. I don’t think of myself as lazy or unhappy.
Below is a piece of media that conveys a lot of stereotypes and generalizations about introverts. This is a satirical video from Funny or Die on YouTube. It is a satirical commercial for a perfume that is specifically for introverts. The ad describes how this is a perfume for when you decide not to go to a party and instead sit on your couch with your dog watching TV, wearing the same dirty sweatshirt you wear every night. It features imagery such as a girl in her unkempt bedroom bingeing on junk food.
I find this specific media construction to be accurate and relatable in some ways. Most of the time, I would rather watch TV on the couch with my dog instead of going to a party. Using NAMLE’s KEY Questions, specifically, “What information/biases/etc. are overt? Implied?” The satirical video implies that introverts don’t take care of themselves. An introverted person is seen wearing the same dirty sweatshirt every day while they eat junk food in their messy bedroom. I think this aspect of the video is harmful because introversion and the inability to care for oneself are not synonymous. Being an introvert doesn’t make a person lazy, dirty, or unhealthy.
Even though this is a satirical video and meant to be funny and over the top, it’s missing the perspective of introverts who take care of themselves. Extroverted people could benefit from this media construction as they are the opposite of introverts. Based on this video, extroverts can be seen as happy, the life of the party, and have a better ability to care for themselves than introverts do.
Another media construction that perpetuates these stereotypes is the character Squidward on SpongeBob SquarePants. Squidward represents an introvert, while SpongeBob is the stereotypical extrovert, he’s boisterous and happy. SpongeBob is often the foil to Squidward just wanting peace, quiet, and solitude. Squidward is generally depicted as grumpy, self-pitying, and generally unhappy. Below is a collection of some of Squidward’s scenes which is a good representation of his personality throughout most of the show. The first scene in the video has a dark reference to suicide.
Using NAMLE’s, “Is someone’s perspective or story missing?” We’re missing the perspective of a happy introvert. We’re also missing context as to Squidward’s character and motivations. Does his unhappiness stem from being an introvert or something else? The information implied is that introversion is synonymous with depression and/or mental health struggles. This is harmful because it is entirely possible for an introvert to be happy and to like who they are. This could send a negative message to children (the target audience of the show) that wanting solitude, peace, and quiet, must mean that someone is inherently unhappy. I don’t think anyone benefits from that construction.
I believe that media should include an array of perspectives from different introverts. Not every introvert has the same personality and outlook on life. Mykola Bilokonsky described the slogan, “Nothing About Us Without Us.” I think this statement can be applied here because the media should consider many introverts and not just stereotypes and generalizations. Being an introvert doesn’t automatically make a person unhappy, depressed, or lazy. Introverts can have multifaceted lives and personalities.