Rant on pseudo-geekery.

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I understand where you're coming from. A lot of cool kids now self-identify with geeks/nerds, despite not exhibiting the most tell-tale sign of a nerd: social awkwardness. If you're not socially awkward, then you most likely have a large peer network, and can thus be considered "cool". Geeks are not considered "cool" because we lack social skills and have interests that are very different from the norm. So for "cool" people to be identifying themselves as "geeks" would be a contradiction in itself.

However, this doesn't bother me one bit. If the cool kids want to be "geeks" then let them try and be geeks. They're not bothering me. I'm satisfied in my own self-concept so I could care less what other people want to do. The true "geeks" will be able to prove themselves in their careers or vocations. Geekiness is culture/trend. Geekiness is for people who want to look smart and creative. "Geek" is what normal people have labeled hard-working individuals who are devoted and passionate about their special interests. what the subject matter of this post is referring to is a set of traits that characterize people who are devoted and perseverant in their interests. it is a lifestyle and philosophy. The true "geeks" live their lives according to their own principles, which have come to be recognized being "geeky", such as a single-minded pursuit of an obscure subject. True geeks/nerds will be able to prove themselves when they have contributed something to humanity, be it efficiency at doing a specific job, being a good mathematician, scientist, doctor, etc. True geeks live for their special interests, and they don't consciously intend to express themselves specifically as "geeks". People like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, etc, they lived their lives for their special interests. They could care less whether they were recognized as "geeks" in their social circle. I don't live my life trying to be a geek and trying to protect my own geeky trend. I live my life according to my special interests, and it just so happens that I have the social awkwardness that characterizes "geeks". So whether other people consider me a "geek" is entirely up to them. I don't wake up every morning and try to figure out what clothes to wear that would make me look geeky. I wear what is comfortable to me, even if it doesn't match. Yes, I wear eye-glasses - myopia is actually quite a common eye condition. Doesn't mean people have to label me as a "geek" because I have an eye-condition. When I wake up in the morning, I'm thinking about my coffee and cigarette, and what time I should start working on my special interests, and whether I need to go to the library or not.

So, honestly, who gives a hoot if cool kids want to look like geeks. They've distorted the geek stereotype so much now that they make themselves look like Picasso was their tailor. It doesn't matter to me, I don't lose any bit of sleep over it. Let them make fools of themselves. What really matters is what they have to show for it. If all they have is stupid clothing and a pair of glasses, you can't get very far in life with those items. If you have a brain and the intelligence to succeed at whatever you do, and you devote yourself and consider yourself passionate about your career or special interest, then that is what matters.

So wanting to be someone else and not express any real individuality is considered "sane" and "normal"? WE are weird for not conforming? We're seriously living in Wonderland...

"In my world nothing would be what it is,
because everything would be what it isn't;
and contrary-wise, what it is it wouldn't be,
and what it wouldn't be it would, you see?"

so basically, "geek" or "nerd" is a state of mind, not a uniform you put on.

Precisely!

well, there's another t-shirt I need for my collection, then.

Some people got geeky interests without lack of social skills, or a least not with problem to understanding them (They could still considered weird because of their interests though.)
Just saying...

You're right. I forgot to mention those who have geeky interests but who don't lack social skills. But they still could be outcasted because of their unusual interests.

Since I started college I have found that I inadvertently start trends. I've worn cat ears since high school but now there are girls all over campus wearing them. I made a couple of poodle skirts a few months ago and now I keep seeing more and more of them.

Too many pseudo nerds. Aspies are the true nerds. I know someone who claimed to be a nerd because he liked one video game. His love of that video game is nothing compared the the obsession I used to have over Star Wars. Science was my favorite class in third grade. I thought that Bill Nye the Science guy and The Magic School Bus used to be my favorite shows. I still have no clue how to get a girlfriend. I can tell you about the economic aspects of the 20's and the great depression. I'm a true nerd.

that's awesome. now I want to wear cat ears. I been obsessing about magical catwomen lately. I should become one.

I don't know if this counts as nerdy, but I started talking to an ACLU volunteer who was on a membership drive. since he mentioned the group is keep an eye on same sex marriage issues, I launched into a dissertation about the problem with our state laws regarding domestic partnerships and the federal SSA policies that lock same sex partners and older women out of benefits. I didn't notice if his eyes glazed over or not, but I figured if he cared, he should get the bigger picture.

I guess people hate it when I start talking about that subject, but it along with family law are particular interests of mine that apparently most people don't share and make me kind of a downer at parties.

I should add, make me a downer no matter how I dress.

I had thought that a "geek" was a "nerd with social skills." Or is there really no difference?

Werd.

I wonder if anyone else feels the same: namely, that if all people were Aspie the advertisers would all go out of business. I mean I NEVER buy something because of an ad (advert), I only buy what I was going to buy anyway whenever I ran out!! !

Fashion? What's that! I set my own fashion.

I see your point. Back in the '80s and '90s the same thing happened with black culture. At that point white kids started listening to rap and dressing like gang bangers. You'd hear middle class white kids from Berrrrrwyyyyyn, saying things like "you don't know where I've been, or who I am, I'll pop a cap in yo ass". I was like wtf!! ! Give me a break. When did it become cool to be opressed?

There is question as to the difference between a geek and nerd. Some people view geeks more as someone with a specialization. Examples would include comic book geeks, computer geeks, science geeks, ect. The idea that a geek is a nerd with social skills is popular.