I’m an introverted activist
I’ve taken the MBTI assessment a handful of times throughout my 40 years here on earth and each time, I get the very same results: INFJ through and through and I’m a 10-for-10 introvert.
My therapist even commented one time that there isn’t a hint of extroversion in my assessment – ha! But the kicker? My personality type also makes it seem like I am an extrovert.
I can put on a good show, but if I don’t get my allotted recharge time, I’m not functioning. Like at all. Leave me be in my blanket nest. I think many of the seriously nerdy can relate (one of the many reasons I love the nerdy community).
As a society, we have put a value system on introverts/extroverts. We promote the extroverts because they are the most vocal and most visible. Introverts are often told “to get out of their comfort zone. Speak up more. Be more social.” Extroverts rarely are told to “be quieter. Listen more”. Introversion is, frankly, less valued. Now, I could go on about the unfairness of it all; however, we don’t have time to address that right now. We have a country to save.
An introvert’s role in political activism
So, with our current political situation, how do introverts help save humanity? We’re going to have to work with what we got – we got dealt this hand and have these tools, so let’s use them.
Team up with the extroverts, divide up tasks by strengths, and we’ll be unstoppable. We the People will kick some ass.
After a conversation with Dani, we agreed that introverts could really make a difference as a prep/support team. We could be the resistance’s Albert (to Batman), Q (to James Bond), Obi-wan (to Luke Skywalker), Lanny/Wayne (to Santa Clause). Side note: You have to watch “Prep and Landing” if you haven’t. It is one of the cleverest animated films and a pretty accurate illustration of what I’m envisioning for this introverted resistance support squad.
So what can we do to help?
We can help with prep. For marches or protests, we get kits ready for the marchers. Pack water bottles, masks, etc. Work as the check-in team. Be the designated location for watching over valuables, phones, etc. for marchers or protesters.
We can write our representatives. There are plenty of resources online for how to write or even fax our Congressional Reps. Or we can help by writing scripts for others to use when they reach out to elected officials. Notice I say “write” intentionally - because calling is an option, but it can be anxiety inducing! I was so angry recently that I did end up calling both my senator and my House rep. It took about 3 months off my life because of the anxiety – I was shaking the whole time! So, it’s not that we can’t take an extroverted role when the situation calls for it. However, it is vital to remember that we’re in a marathon, not a sprint. So, if we all burn out quickly, it will do no good for more lasting change efforts.
We can give our talents to efforts we believe in. Several grassroots organizations are either popping up or gaining more traction, especially when it is becoming increasingly more obvious that the Democratic Party isn’t coming to save us. There are so many support, organizational or logistical roles needed — and introverts can thrive in those functions. Building community will be critical for us going forward, but each community can only thrive when everyone plays their role. We need diversity!
So if you need me, I’ll be looking for ways to put my introverted skill sets to use. Action counteracts anxiety. And boy, my anxiety is raging.
Let’s fight back, even if we need to do so from our blanket nests!
This is not Emily leading an introverted resistance. This is Emily crushed into the backseat of a rideshare, because introverts always volunteer for the backseat. We just liked her enthusiasm!
