Independence Day is a popular holiday here in the U.S. (from whence I write). In fact, it’s our national day. For some Americans, the Fourth of July is about history, but for many others, it’s more like an excuse for a backyard summer party. Does personality type relate to how Americans celebrate this holiday? Let’s check out some of the responses from our “Independence Day” survey to find out.
One thing that sticks out to me is the difference between the personality types who are most or least likely to agree with various questions. I can’t help picturing those groups as people (because they are) and imagining what they might say about how they celebrate Independence Day. Just for fun, I took a few guesses along the way (and you can add your take in the comments below).
Yea or Nay?
At about 67% average agreement, it looks like a majority of respondents celebrate this holiday, and the biggest difference is between Extraverted (77%) and Introverted (64%) personality types. That may relate more to the nature of celebrations than to the holiday itself. Independence Day observances tend to be group affairs, anything from large, organized public gatherings and parades to private backyard parties. Group-based social activity tends to appeal to Extraverts a bit more than it does to Introverts.
Executives (ESTJs) and Consuls (ESFJs) are on top of the chart, here. I can imagine them saying, “It’s community! What could be better than getting together with friends and family as an annual tradition? The more the merrier – I love bringing people together.”
Meanwhile, the lukewarm Architects (INTJs) and Virtuosos (ISTPs) are like, “What could be better, you ask? How about not getting sunburned and damaging your hearing with fireworks? Wait, there’ll be mountains of free food? Okay, I’ll come… But I won’t play any silly lawn games.”
To Host, Attend, or Both?
A 16% overall agreement rate is very low, and even Consuls, the personality type mostly likely to agree, are essentially neutral. Yet the relative differences between types are notable, and there’s a point of logic that I think makes relativity important here: for every person who hosts a party, there are many more who attend it. Logically, hosts are always the minority.
Accordingly, agreement rates to this question are likely to be in the minority, and in light of that, the fact that Consuls aren’t is significant. Likewise, the agreement rate of Entrepreneurs (ESTPs) is relatively meaningful, and overall, it’s notable that Extraverts are more likely to say they host Independence Day parties.
All the personality types look around: “Okay, who’s going to host this year’s Independence Day barbecue?” Everyone’s gaze falls on the Consul, who smiles in resignation but also gets a little thrill from being the center of attention – and at the chance to plan a party. (Plus, they know the Entrepreneur has their back.)
“Thank goodness they didn’t ask us!” the Mediator (INFP) and Adventurer (ISFP) say quietly to themselves.
With a 23 percentage point difference between them, it seems that Extraverts and Introverts are divided when it comes to attending Independence Day events. Extraverts are more likely to jump into someone else’s shindig or take in a public spectacle. The Introverts least likely to agree are Virtuosos, Logicians (INTPs), and Architects. Yet despite some notable relative differences, even the personality type most likely to agree, Executives, only agree in a modest majority.
“Sure,” the Executive says, looking around at the moderate nodding among the other Extraverts. “A parade might be fun, but we have to be at the Consul’s party by three o’clock.” Meanwhile, the Virtuoso and Logician are looking at each other with wide eyes, trying to think of excuses not to attend. “A parade…?” they groan to each other.
“Actually, I won’t be at the parade because I’ve set that time aside to buy snacks for the Consul’s party,” interjects the Architect.
“Oh, don’t worry about that,” replies the Consul. “We’ve got plenty of – ”
“I insist,” interrupts the Architect, with narrowed eyes. “And I need some Virtuoso and Logician help, as well.”
The number of people at a typical Independence Day party might depend on many factors, but it appears that Introverts are more likely to celebrate with a smaller group, while Extraverts prefer to celebrate with more people. Whether by conscious design or for other reasons, both types probably gravitate toward whatever is more enjoyable for them.
For example, even though Introverts might not have direct control over how many people are at an Independence Day function that they attend, their friend group itself may be smaller, making large events less likely in their personal social realm. They may also get along better with people who have relatively subdued social habits – which could mean other Introverts. Extraverts, on the other hand, might circulate more broadly among larger groups and those who enjoy them.
“Our parties always seem so big, but then again, we know a lot of people,” say the Extraverts.
“Huh… Well, we usually see everyone we’re close to, and it’s not that big a group,” the Introverts reply.
“Weird,” muse the Extraverts.
“Yeah, weird,” say the Introverts.
To each their own, perhaps?
But the Important Question Is…
Okay, maybe not an important question – but a fun one. Overall, the biggest difference here is between Extraverts (56%) and Introverts (38%), but there’s also a 10 percentage point gap between Feeling and Thinking types, with the former being more likely to agree. Yet in real terms, the only personality types likely to bedeck themselves in patriotic colors for this holiday are Consuls and Executives.
“Our party has a red, white, and blue theme this year!” the Consul announces on social media.
“Oh no,” the Virtuoso and Logician mutter. “They don’t expect us to wear those colors, do they?”
“Nah,” says the Protagonist. “It probably just means that the paper napkins will have stars and stripes, and maybe there’ll be some other decorations.”
“Flag or color-themed dress encouraged!” says the Consul in a follow-up post.
“I stand corrected,” says the Protagonist, dryly.
The final question that we’ll look at here has some response variances, but the vast majority agree that they’d prefer a private party to a major public show. Even the personality types most likely to favor going out to a big event seem to like the idea of a backyard party better, overall. Of course, each personality type might have different reasons for such preferences.
For some Introverts, the reason may just be an aversion to noisy crowds. Even for many Extraverts, the chance to connect with friends and family may be more appealing than a public entertainment show. Celebration itself can be an important part of any culture, regardless of what’s being celebrated. For many people, the acquaintances that form the social structure that they’re part of may feel like a valuable priority.
“Every year, we have this backyard party, and it’s always fun,” say the Extraverts with some satisfaction.
“And every year, we’re glad that we skipped the parade and the big fireworks show,” say the Introverts with relief.
“Don’t worry,” say the Entrepreneur and Entertainer (ESFP) excitedly. “We brought plenty of fireworks to set off right here in the backyard!”
“In…my backyard?” asks the Consul host, looking a little worried.
Personality Independence
Not all personality types like the same thing when it comes to Independence Day celebrations (or anything else), and that’s okay. Those Extraverts who are more tradition-minded may enjoy the cultural ritual of a Fourth of July party more than most, while many Introverts are less attracted to celebrating this holiday for their own reasons. We didn’t examine every single item in our “Independence Day” survey here, but you can see the full results – and how your answers compare – by taking it yourself. And if you do celebrate this holiday, may it be safe, fun, and joyful!