Join Alexandra Plakias, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Hamilton College and author of "Awkwardness: A Theory," as she dives into the complexities of awkwardness. She discusses how it intertwines with power and morality, and whether we truly live in especially awkward times. The conversation touches on societal norms, the evolution of awkward interactions through technology, and personal anecdotes that bring humor to uncomfortable moments. Are awkward people a myth? Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration!
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Awkward Situations, Not People
Alexandra Plakias argues there are no awkward people, only awkward situations.
This challenges the idea of inherent awkwardness as a personality trait.
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Awkwardness as a Defense
Calling oneself "awkward" can be a defense mechanism.
It deflects accountability, particularly among tech bros like Mark Zuckerberg.
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Cringe vs. Awkwardness
Cringe and awkwardness, though related to embarrassment, are distinct.
Cringe is hostile and judgmental, while awkwardness evokes empathy.
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In 'Awkwardness: A Theory', Alexandra Plakias discusses how awkwardness arises from situations rather than being a trait of individuals. The book explores how our aversion to awkwardness reflects our desire for social inclusion and how this aversion can inhibit critique and conversation, acting as an impediment to moral and social progress. Plakias argues that awkwardness can also highlight opportunities for moral and social improvement by revealing areas where social norms and scripts fail to meet our needs or have yet to adapt to changing social and moral realities[1][2][5].
Clogged toilets, odious jokes, difficult condolences… awkward moments are everywhere you look. In episode 113 of Overthink, Ellie and David invite philosopher Alexandra Plakias to talk through her research on awkwardness. They discuss everything from hasty clean-ups to snap decisions, from oversharing online to uncomfortable silences, as they explore the ways that awkwardness is bound up with power, morality, and the core scripts of our social expectations. Where does cringe end and awkwardness begin? Are we living through especially awkward times? Who gets to decide what is awkward? And, what if awkward people… don’t exist at all? Plus, in the bonus, they discuss The Office, weddings, weird eye contact, and more.
Works Discussed Sara Ahmed, The Promise of Happiness Adam Kotsko, Awkwardness Alexandra Plakias, Awkwardness: A Theory & “Awkward? We’d Better Own it” Thomas J. Spiegel, “Cringe” YouGov poll, "Awkwardness"
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