Digging Down Deep
So far this semester I have enjoyed learning about what it is like to be an introvert. I had never given it much thought before this class, I had always thought that being more quiet and preferring to have personal time was something I should try to change. No one should every look at being introverted as a negative, So many great people that make a difference everyday that are introverts, but being confident in who you makes a big difference.
In Winter's Bone Ree is the main character that show's such strength in horrible situations. Ree isn't a social butterfly or extroverted, instead she is very much an introvert. I feel that because she is an introvert it could have been very easy for her to retreat and listen to everyone that told her to leave her father's matters alone. Sometimes when I think of a hero in a story I imagine a great leader that is outspoken more like an extrovert, maybe I think that because that's what some people push us to be like. But, Ree shows us that to be a strong leader you don't have to be extroverted. Other than Ree's family the recruiter for the Army sees how brave Ree is. Signing up for the Army is a huge commitment to make, and many people in her situation can use that to escape and start a better life, It took so much more guts to stick home where she is really needed than to leave so she could provide money, Ree's presence was more valuable to her siblings and mother.
What I took away from Winter's Bone and learning about introverts and extroverts is whether or we are one or the other or even both, we don't have to settle with the cards we are dealt in life. Be passionate about something and fight for it like Ree did for her family, because she loved them so much it gave her strength.
The point that you make about a typical superhero being an extrovert is a very good point, They typically are out there. But as you stated in the case with Ree she is an introvert and that is what she is proud of. She goes day by day with her family trying to get by and when something that threatens the well being of her family pops up she is able to go into action and save their home. She is able to do this by the courage and determination that she has. I also liked your last paragraph about the cards that we are dealt with in life. We are not stuck with those cards go out there and be who you want to be or be the change you want to see or even stick to the cards that you were dealt.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that you say that most people imagine a great leader to be outspoken and extroverted. I too, also seemed to think that this was almost a 'prerequisite' for leaders. Now that I think about it, sometimes silence is more powerful than any word could ever be. Leaders aren't always going to be extroverted and outgoing, sometimes they are the quiet individuals that are observing what is happening. I think that this is a common misconception, a stereotype that is most certainly not always true. Great point!
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