What bugs me about people who rely too heavily on MBTI

[NormannTheDoorman]

I have noticed on the forums that people claim to have done action so and so and justify it with their MBTI type.

I never viewed any type as the superior. Although each type has its strength, they all have their weaknesses.

It also seems that some people must act their type. And that the popular careers for that type are a must do for the person with the type.

http://intjcentral.com/the-compleat-idiots-guide-to-the-intj/


I was never a touchy-feely type of person, and this was before I heard of MBTI.
I do not like sugarcoating but when I do give a critique is usually warn the person.

I would type more but it's two AM and I am on the iPad.

 

[NormannTheDoorman]

Let me see what I can fix.


"When someone asks me for their opinion I am usually and almost always honest about it. When I give a critique I usually warn the person about asking me that. I don't sugarcoat"

 

[snafupants]

I never viewed any type as the superior. Although each type has its strength, they all have their weaknesses.

That's true but sometimes the strengths and weaknesses align with culturally prized traits. For instance, being a homemaker (~ISFJ) might be less esteemed than running a company (~ENTJ) or being an inventor (~stereotype ENTP). In many ways, though, the homemaker created the company in that without the early financial, emotional, etc. support of, say, mama Zuckerberg or mama Gates, Facebook and Microsoft wouldn't look like they do. As Neil Young puts it, man needs a maid.

 

[Duxwing]

That's true but sometimes the strengths and weaknesses align with culturally prized traits. For instance, being a homemaker (~ISFJ) might be less esteemed than running a company (~ENTJ) or being an inventor (~stereotype ENTP). In many ways, though, the homemaker created the company in that without the early financial, emotional, etc. support of, say, mama Zuckerberg or mama Gates, Facebook and Microsoft wouldn't look like they do. As Neil Young puts it, man needs a maid.

ISFJ's also often fight as soldiers or serve as police officers, both of which are socially esteemed activities. Each type has something to give.

-Duxwing

 

[snafupants]

ISFJ's also often fight as soldiers or serve as police officers, both of which are socially esteemed activities. Each type has something to give.

-Duxwing

I'm not sure "soldier" is the ISFJ's stereotype.

 

[Duxwing]

I'm not sure "soldier" is the ISFJ's stereotype.

It's not their stereotype, but I'd be surprised if ISFJ's didn't often feel "the call of duty": Si is their dominant function.

-Duxwing

 

[awshum]

I don't think your post fully captured what you were hoping it would. People starting to act like the stereotype of their type once they discover their type is a very real thing. . .

I agree that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and that type does not correlate with intelligence.

I don't think it's right to use type as an excuse for your actions. You should own what you do, and take responsibility for you're actions.

 

[Mysty]

I have noticed on the forums that people claim to have done action so and so and justify it with their MBTI type.

I never viewed any type as the superior. Although each type has its strength, they all have their weaknesses.

It also seems that some people must act their type. And that the popular careers for that type are a must do for the person with the type.

http://intjcentral.com/the-compleat-idiots-guide-to-the-intj/


I was never a touchy-feely type of person, and this was before I heard of MBTI.
I do not like sugarcoating but when I do give a critique is usually warn the person.

I would type more but it's two AM and I am on the iPad.

Why did you put this link in your post? Was it to demonstrate that this piece was an example of people "acting their type" and using it as an excuse and expecting others to treat them in ascertain way because of their type?

Just so you know, I am almost sure I read about the making of this "guide" somewhere else on that site, and it was in fact meant to be a somewhat humorous tongue in cheek style of thing! It is not meant to be taken actually seriously. Meanwhile of course, by laughing at some of it as you recognise someone you know, it makes you think - maybe that is why they are so anal about that goddam bookcase, or whatever it is.

 

[Solitaire U.]

I have noticed on the forums that people claim to have done action so and so and justify it with their MBTI type.

I never viewed any type as the superior. Although each type has its strength, they all have their weaknesses.

It also seems that some people must act their type. And that the popular careers for that type are a must do for the person with the type.

It seems like a lot of MBTI 'enthusiasts' treat Typology as Astrology enthusiasts treat Astrology. I think it stems from people wanting to have an explanation (or excuse, often) for everything they do, every reaction they experience, etc.

Also, I think a lot of 'enthusiasts' latch onto MBTI theory because it helps them determine a course of action when they sincerely don't know what they should do or how they should react in a given situation. In other words, it's a conformity issue.

Finally, everyone wants to experience a sense of belonging. 'INTP' is like an exclusive club, 'ENTJ' another, and so on.

I view The Great INTPiquity (and all MBTI-iquities) as a sham, which is not to say that I don't believe MBTI has its merits. I just think it's better to apply typology to one's life as way to forge routes to personal growth, ie: venture beyond your default type rather than follow it as a linear path. Just my 2 cents though. Many here will disagree.

 

[Nick]

Also, I think a lot of 'enthusiasts' latch onto MBTI theory because it helps them determine a course of action when they sincerely don't know what they should do or how they should react in a given situation. In other words, it's a conformity issue.

I can see this, more so for people who haven't really found 'themselves' yet in life and were looking for a more solid explanation of not just their personality but of others. One of the things that the MBTI opened my eyes to was the diversity of people and their corresponding traits, gets you out of the mindset that not everyone thinks/feel the same as you, and also understanding why you don't mesh with other people sometimes.

Finally, everyone wants to experience a sense of belonging. 'INTP' is like an exclusive club, 'ENTJ' another, and so on.

This is true, from clans to kin and everything in between, we all want something to associate with, it doesn't make you better or worse in my eyes.

I view The Great INTPiquity (and all MBTI-iquities) as a sham, which is not to say that I don't believe MBTI has its merits. I just think it's better to apply typology to one's life as way to forge routes to personal growth, ie: venture beyond your default type rather than follow it as a linear path. Just my 2 cents though. Many here will disagree.

@Solitaire U. You said it pretty good here. I can say if it wasn't for the MBTI, learning the positive aspects of my type and negative aspects, I wouldn't be able to really focus on what points I need to expand in my personality, also what I can use for my benefits. Half the time I wonder if being a INTP is a blessing or a curse, but you have to take everything you're given and go from there.

Now,

and knowledge is power, so use it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3rhQc666Sg

 

[redbaron]

It seems like a lot of MBTI 'enthusiasts' treat Typology as Astrology enthusiasts treat Astrology. I think it stems from people wanting to have an explanation (or excuse, often) for everything they do, every reaction they experience, etc.

Also, I think a lot of 'enthusiasts' latch onto MBTI theory because it helps them determine a course of action when they sincerely don't know what they should do or how they should react in a given situation. In other words, it's a conformity issue.

Finally, everyone wants to experience a sense of belonging. 'INTP' is like an exclusive club, 'ENTJ' another, and so on.

I view The Great INTPiquity (and all MBTI-iquities) as a sham, which is not to say that I don't believe MBTI has its merits. I just think it's better to apply typology to one's life as way to forge routes to personal growth, ie: venture beyond your default type rather than follow it as a linear path. Just my 2 cents though. Many here will disagree.

Agreed.

I roll my eyes every time I hear, 'I do *behaviour* because I'm an INTP'. I find it pretty pathetic to say the least.

I tend to relate more to posts by older people in general as well. Seems as though they have their own identity, irrespective of what they've learnt about MBTI.

What they learn about MBTI might give them some insight, but it doesn't shape their behaviour or thinking about people.

 

[QuickTwist]

Talk to an INTJ about the validity of the MBTI and you'll probably get a totally different outlook.

 

[Architect]

I'll take the contrary opinion to many here. As I've matured I continue to be amazed at how profound a persons type manifests itself in their behavior. Part of this is being a parent and seeing children (my own, friends and nieces & nephews) be born a type and do nothing but grow 'into' that type.

The reason is simple and can be explained a variety of means. One way to look at it is that type is an orientation of a persons energy. Orientation means that some skills/behaviors will strengthened to the detriment to others. Compare my INTP son and my ESFP nephew. They were their type from in the womb. My nephew was active and rambunctious, while my INTP was quiet and almost contemplative. Within days of being born their behavior was apparent with the ESFP being outgoing and expressive (people orientation) while the INTP was busy exploring and learning (natural world and system explorer). I've got a lifetime of other examples.

I also notice that younger folks (16-30) don't like to feel boxed in by type, where older folks have learned how much we are programmed.

I agree with you that it comes off as lame when somebody justifies or explains their behavior on their type, no matter how true it might be.