thank you for this article. Yes, I did read and enjoy Susan Cain's "Quiet: ...", appreciative of her acknowledgement to us who close our bedrooms doors against the rage of the world. I feel another Dad story coming on because of your post today. Dad was so shy, his teacher kept him after class to find out why he never raised his hand. After he answered all her questions about subjects discussed, she realized how shy he was and let it be. Dad's bishop, however, thought he could change Dad's shy ways, but it backfired. Dad walked out of the church and never went back. You know, people's perceptions of shy people is quiet destructive. Articles like yours and books like Cain's hopefully will change the world's views about people with "social anxiety dysfunction."
You're welcome, Sol. From what I understand, public schools, any school really, actually has that mission of pulling diverse people into some level of conformity. It was to create a more unified culture, especially in places where immigrants gathered from lots of different places. The U.S. is one of those places, with people coming from all over the world to reinvent themselves and their lives. In the early days, public schools tried to "make Americans" of everyone. What exactly that means is still a mystery to me, but it was an attempt to help newcomers speak a common language, understand the workings of a new governmental system, and to unify the elements of culture. We all had our enclaves and still do. People huddle together in safe havens of their former cultures. It's exhausting to speak that new language all the time that we fall back on the mother tongue when we get back home. So, conformity does have its place, but I rankle at how far educators come to stamping out individual personality traits in the process of unifying our societies.
Shyness has been made into a learning disability or dysfunction. My father's teacher understood his shyness would not disappear through any intervention of hers; while the bishop had this need to force Dad into performing the expected public speaking requirements of the Church. As an adult, Dad exercised his self-determination and walked away from a situation he refused to master. He followed his own heart and worked within his personal traits and talents.
These days, schools and other institutions expect, even require people to be outgoing, assertive, and "empowered." Shyness or being an introvert is now considered a handicap (social anxiety) that must be dealt with through drug treatment or special education. It's a form of reprogramming and is abusive as far as I'm concerned. It tells the child and the parents that something is not okay with this child and it must be corrected. It's as though we all need to be alike in order to function in society ... little stamped out drones. Shy, reclusive people have been known to be brilliant, creative, intuitive, and productive people. They're not dysfunctional at all.
Wow, well stated. Appreciate the detailed comment. You've highlighted an important issue about how society often misunderstands and mislabels shyness and introversion.
I find your father's experience a powerful example of self-determination and embracing one's true nature. It's concerning how schools and institutions push for conformity, sometimes at the expense of individuality.
Everyone should be encouraged to thrive in their own way, without being forced to fit a particular mold. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful perspective and insightful discussion, Sue!
"Must speak up more in class" was a regular feature of my school reports. I never did either. I always liked to listen, observe and only if I reeeeaaaaalllly felt the need, would I say something. Lovely post.
I may be an extrovert, but your post and comics got me all smiles! A fantastic story, and thank goodness you see your introvert in a more positive light now.
I love this post, I love your work, and, if memory serves correctly, which these days it often does not, I think I was the one who suggested you for QUIET POWER! Anyway - please keep going!
Ha, great to know that, Susan! I met Greg at an ALA conference some years back and I think he took credit for the connection as well. 🙂 Grateful to be a part of that book and I appreciate the message!
I loved “Even a lifelong introvert can be outspoken in the right environment.” I’ve also always identified as an introvert but found myself loud and even annoying in certain situations. When we’re comfortable, we can seem pretty extroverted! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your beautiful art!
very resonant and important: "As a quiet teenager, I often felt awkward and out of place in social situations. Only later did I realize that everyone else, introvert or not, often feels the same way."
When I return to the classroom, I will make sure that I have multiple copies for the students to read during Library Time. I love your comics, “Quiet,” and being an introvert. Thank you.
Please do!! I wish I have known 50 years ago. My gosh. Young people need to know. The other test that’s good that explains a lot is the 16 elephants test. Really helps understand. I wish I had a teacher who understood me. They sure didn’t.
Your comics always speak to me. As a shy introvert, I definitely grew up thinking there was something wrong with me. Your comics help me feel understood and less alone. Listening, observing and deep thinking are introvert superpowers. Thank you.
I resonate with these comics so much especially "Class Participation for Introverts"!!!
I wished I can borrow Harry Potter's invisible cloak so teachers won't call on me when I was small. Thank you so much for all these lovely artworks and articles! I really enjoy them.
thank you for this article. Yes, I did read and enjoy Susan Cain's "Quiet: ...", appreciative of her acknowledgement to us who close our bedrooms doors against the rage of the world. I feel another Dad story coming on because of your post today. Dad was so shy, his teacher kept him after class to find out why he never raised his hand. After he answered all her questions about subjects discussed, she realized how shy he was and let it be. Dad's bishop, however, thought he could change Dad's shy ways, but it backfired. Dad walked out of the church and never went back. You know, people's perceptions of shy people is quiet destructive. Articles like yours and books like Cain's hopefully will change the world's views about people with "social anxiety dysfunction."
You're welcome, Sol. From what I understand, public schools, any school really, actually has that mission of pulling diverse people into some level of conformity. It was to create a more unified culture, especially in places where immigrants gathered from lots of different places. The U.S. is one of those places, with people coming from all over the world to reinvent themselves and their lives. In the early days, public schools tried to "make Americans" of everyone. What exactly that means is still a mystery to me, but it was an attempt to help newcomers speak a common language, understand the workings of a new governmental system, and to unify the elements of culture. We all had our enclaves and still do. People huddle together in safe havens of their former cultures. It's exhausting to speak that new language all the time that we fall back on the mother tongue when we get back home. So, conformity does have its place, but I rankle at how far educators come to stamping out individual personality traits in the process of unifying our societies.
“You know, people's perceptions of shy people is quiet destructive.”
Sue, can you tell us more?
Shyness has been made into a learning disability or dysfunction. My father's teacher understood his shyness would not disappear through any intervention of hers; while the bishop had this need to force Dad into performing the expected public speaking requirements of the Church. As an adult, Dad exercised his self-determination and walked away from a situation he refused to master. He followed his own heart and worked within his personal traits and talents.
These days, schools and other institutions expect, even require people to be outgoing, assertive, and "empowered." Shyness or being an introvert is now considered a handicap (social anxiety) that must be dealt with through drug treatment or special education. It's a form of reprogramming and is abusive as far as I'm concerned. It tells the child and the parents that something is not okay with this child and it must be corrected. It's as though we all need to be alike in order to function in society ... little stamped out drones. Shy, reclusive people have been known to be brilliant, creative, intuitive, and productive people. They're not dysfunctional at all.
Wow, well stated. Appreciate the detailed comment. You've highlighted an important issue about how society often misunderstands and mislabels shyness and introversion.
I find your father's experience a powerful example of self-determination and embracing one's true nature. It's concerning how schools and institutions push for conformity, sometimes at the expense of individuality.
Everyone should be encouraged to thrive in their own way, without being forced to fit a particular mold. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful perspective and insightful discussion, Sue!
"Must speak up more in class" was a regular feature of my school reports. I never did either. I always liked to listen, observe and only if I reeeeaaaaalllly felt the need, would I say something. Lovely post.
The world needs more listeners and observers!
I so identify with the figure in “mind over matter”. I’m constantly praying no one picks on me to answer — or ask — questions!
I may be an extrovert, but your post and comics got me all smiles! A fantastic story, and thank goodness you see your introvert in a more positive light now.
Thank you, Martin!
Love your work and your style. Don't forget to keep putting your ID on work... so ppl know it's you regardless what corner it lands in.
You see me! So loved reading all these other great ideas of where to hide out!
Dear Grant,
I love this post, I love your work, and, if memory serves correctly, which these days it often does not, I think I was the one who suggested you for QUIET POWER! Anyway - please keep going!
Ha, great to know that, Susan! I met Greg at an ALA conference some years back and I think he took credit for the connection as well. 🙂 Grateful to be a part of that book and I appreciate the message!
I could be totally wrong... I just know for sure that I've loved your work from the moment I saw it. :)
That's a great compliment, and the feeling is mutual :)
Greg is always trying to take credit for things. Really annoying.
I loved “Even a lifelong introvert can be outspoken in the right environment.” I’ve also always identified as an introvert but found myself loud and even annoying in certain situations. When we’re comfortable, we can seem pretty extroverted! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your beautiful art!
Exactly! I’m a star in very specific situations.
Yes people don’t believe in an introvert at all because of those traits.
Introverts unite...
dear grant,
always appreciate your words and pictures!
very resonant and important: "As a quiet teenager, I often felt awkward and out of place in social situations. Only later did I realize that everyone else, introvert or not, often feels the same way."
thank you for sharing as always!
love
myq
Thank you, Myq! As Rod Stewart sang, "I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger." Then again, what fun would that be?
Great question! Great lyric!
I hope to know what I'll know later NOW!
And now I do!
wonderful! Reading your comics is always a refreshing and inspiring experience.
When I return to the classroom, I will make sure that I have multiple copies for the students to read during Library Time. I love your comics, “Quiet,” and being an introvert. Thank you.
Please do!! I wish I have known 50 years ago. My gosh. Young people need to know. The other test that’s good that explains a lot is the 16 elephants test. Really helps understand. I wish I had a teacher who understood me. They sure didn’t.
This is just amazing , dear Grant!
I'll make sure to look for your book in our local bookstore here in Pakistan.
Much love, Keep doing what you enjoy.
Your comics always speak to me. As a shy introvert, I definitely grew up thinking there was something wrong with me. Your comics help me feel understood and less alone. Listening, observing and deep thinking are introvert superpowers. Thank you.
I resonate with these comics so much especially "Class Participation for Introverts"!!!
I wished I can borrow Harry Potter's invisible cloak so teachers won't call on me when I was small. Thank you so much for all these lovely artworks and articles! I really enjoy them.
you get me!
love the illustration