Hello readers. It's been awhile (again). Finally got a job after graduating and picking up the pace in the merciless capitalistic world we live in. Aside from that, I have a very important concern about how the media has programmed us to think that by being an extrovert (sociable people concerned with external reality and interested in others) and by having a shit tonne of friends, we've reached the peak of our lives. They have even condemned introverts (people who tend to shy away from social contact and become preoccupied with their own thoughts). ps: one does not simply choose to become introverted or extroverted overnight, it is part of our personality affected since birth and shaped through life's events.
I can recall Jason Derulo (don't really care about the spelling, he has a short celebrity shelf life anyway like the Jonas Brothers, Jordan Sparks and *insert new mainstream artist's name here*) saying ,"Go out, spend time with your friends and family. Talk. A simple console or video game can't give you that". Don't get me wrong, talking to friends and family is essential for anyone but why condemn a particular hobby (which eventually turns into a really good skill- I'll explain this in another post) ?
Here's a video of Jimmy Kimmel patronizing Mila Kunis because she plays World of Warcraft:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI8WT3lVe80
Movie after movie, series after series we can clearly see that the "nerds" and "geeks" being perceived as the losers and outcasts. Let me tell you why the media has done this and it's simple: Money.
Extroverts hang out way more than introverts at a very high cost. Bars and clubs (pay attention to today's "Music", it's all about clubbing) are their playgrounds, well more like overpriced theme parks, donating a huge amount to the alcohol industry. Even at the mamak (late night hawker stores for those who aren't Malaysian), the amount of cigarettes they smoke is a huge donation to the tobacco industry. It doesn't stop there, richer extroverts are more material savvy, spending money on clothes, the latest designer handbags, watches, Apple products, etc, etc to either show off or compete which people who have a similar level of ego.
Introverts in comparison, engage themselves in hobbies which are more indoor-like, which doesn't cost as much as going out. They have "boring" hobbies like reading, gaming, engaging in forums, practicing on an instrument, playing card games and etc. They spend way less and hence, are judged by the media as unacceptable, awkward people.
For those who are quick to judge, I'm somewhere around the middle of the spectrum, leaning a little bit to the introverted side these days. I've lived both lives: I used to play WoW 14 hours a days, finish single-player games within a day or two but I also used to club 3 times a week, hang out and get wasted with friends (good old college days). I'll try to stay in the middle as long as I can to get the best of both worlds as I'm a cynical bastard who's suffering from minor ADHD (would be great material for me if I ever decide to be a comedian).
I have talked (negatively) about two groups. The first group: Extroverts, the alcohol industry, the fashion industry and the tobacco industry. Don't get me wrong, I love this group. Then, there's Apple. Back to the first group, if you're an extrovert, I'm happy for you. Have fun, hang out do your thang.... but remember not to condemn the people on the other end of the same spectrum you're on. As for the tobacco industry and alcohol industry, I don't hate them either. I just used them for an example in comparison to the spendings of an introvert. I'd like to also thank them for being patient with our shitty government when taxes are being raised occasionally. Thanks for staying through the storm =)
As for Apple, fuck you. Fuck you for selling your gadgets at half the performance at double the price.
As for introverts, don't envy the extroverts. You've got advantages which the media didn't tell you about. Introverts have very high internal stimuli hence they do not have a void they need to fill unlike extroverts. This void is filled by talking to many people, alcohol, drugs and etc. Introverts are more likely to engage in hobbies and/or views that are of their own interest (not to please their friends or conform to a certain set of believes within a group of friends).
However, I would advice you to also do extroverted things like clubbing and talking to strangers and see if this lifestyle suits you more or not. There is no wrong choice on this spectrum so do whatever makes you happy as long as you're not hurting someone else or imposing your values (wink wink fundamentalists).
"Go out, hang out with your friends and family. Talk, Chill. A videogame or console can't give you that"
-This coming from a man who's debut song was a cover of Imogen Heap, the same man who butchered Harry Belafonte's Day-o (now sadly known as Don't Wanna Go Home) with lyrics like Standing on the bar, no matter day or night, bitch I'm a star (inspirational lyrics, Shakespeare would be so proud) and EVERY time he sings, he sounds like he's getting ramped in the ass with that mechanical giant dildo from Euro Trip....
and I'm supposed to take life lessons from him? Fuck you and good night.
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