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Due to the word geek being used in its slang form I have to say this... I personally do not agree with you people about the way you use it. In my opinion Geek is not given to yourself by yourself. But given to you by society... You earn this badge of misfittery (yes that is a word I just made up for emphasis) through your troubles to be accepted by the norms.
What I find funny is the Words Nerd, Geek, and Loner have taken a turn to cool-town... It is weird... What I have noticed is that Nerd and others have been transitioned into the same category as the word Black... (Not trying to be racist... just using the best metaphor that a white boys eyes see.)
See when a white person walks into a room filled with blacks they automatically say, "Hey I have a black friend". But when they walk into a room of whites they don't even mention their black friend- who they have met only once.
Now when a non-nerd or non-geek walks into a internet room with Nerds they declare the obvious... "Hey, I own like 60 Tron collectibles...". But when they P.m. their non-nerdy friends one Facebook... Tron is never mentioned...
I am not saying anyone here is not a Nerd or Geek... I could never even judge it in the first place... But I have seen in person people take these words and use them as a badge of honor... The same group of people who created the words to hurt and categorize the misfits now use it to cultivate the the popular...
I was not old enough to remember this, but I have heard stories of people being beat up, picked on, and degraded for being called nerd... But now you see Rappers shop for the thick glasses, the pocket protectors, and the suspenders to act nerdy/geeky because its cool... Maybe it is because all the rich people in their day were the celebrities, and now it is the nerds who have the most money... Maybe its just the Popular chasing the want to own the world... So they dress to fit the biggest of the giant's.
My point being is that all these T.V. Shows and Gizmo's do not make you a nerd or geek... They only help the transition into one... Being a nerd or geek is much more then owning Star Wars Collectibles... But the nostalgia, memories, the ambition to create a star trek communicator (hence our cell phones), The days spent alone so that your best friend has became a inanimate object. This is what makes a nerd or geek...
Sorry for going on a tangent I just think its funny how the definition of the word has changed... And by no means is this directed towards anyone...
Any Dr. Who fans draw tally marks on a roommate or family member on the 23'rd?
What I find funny is the Words Nerd, Geek, and Loner have taken a turn to cool-town... It is weird... What I have noticed is that Nerd and others have been transitioned into the same category as the word Black... (Not trying to be racist... just using the best metaphor that a white boys eyes see.)
See when a white person walks into a room filled with blacks they automatically say, "Hey I have a black friend". But when they walk into a room of whites they don't even mention their black friend- who they have met only once.
Now when a non-nerd or non-geek walks into a internet room with Nerds they declare the obvious... "Hey, I own like 60 Tron collectibles...". But when they P.m. their non-nerdy friends one Facebook... Tron is never mentioned...
I am not saying anyone here is not a Nerd or Geek... I could never even judge it in the first place... But I have seen in person people take these words and use them as a badge of honor... The same group of people who created the words to hurt and categorize the misfits now use it to cultivate the the popular...
I was not old enough to remember this, but I have heard stories of people being beat up, picked on, and degraded for being called nerd... But now you see Rappers shop for the thick glasses, the pocket protectors, and the suspenders to act nerdy/geeky because its cool... Maybe it is because all the rich people in their day were the celebrities, and now it is the nerds who have the most money... Maybe its just the Popular chasing the want to own the world... So they dress to fit the biggest of the giant's.
My point being is that all these T.V. Shows and Gizmo's do not make you a nerd or geek... They only help the transition into one... Being a nerd or geek is much more then owning Star Wars Collectibles... But the nostalgia, memories, the ambition to create a star trek communicator (hence our cell phones), The days spent alone so that your best friend has became a inanimate object. This is what makes a nerd or geek...
Sorry for going on a tangent I just think its funny how the definition of the word has changed... And by no means is this directed towards anyone...
Any Dr. Who fans draw tally marks on a roommate or family member on the 23'rd?
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Shouryu
Guest
So, the fact that I called myself a nerd and a geek when I was in 7th grade, proudly, when it wasn't cool...when I knew more about the Bible and Star Trek at the time than anyone else at my junior high, I was doing it because I thought it would somehow raise my social standing?
I obviously did it to look awesome, because I kept doing it despite the fact that I got called gay and shoved into the lockers after P.E. Because that was obviously working for me, right? Like when the our basketball and baseball team's superstar player said he would try to snap my neck, and proceeded to try (showcasing his lack of anatomical structure). Or when one of my classmates said if he heard one more word about Quantum Leap or Star Trek, he would punch me in the face (this was in the classroom, with a teacher nearby not really paying attention). I replied, "Phasers!" And he right hooked me in the cheek.
Because that's hip. That's cool. That's why I OBVIOUSLY do it. Oh, wait, NO. I do it because it's who I am. I live in a blessed age now where it happens to be chic...right NOW. It wasn't before Big Bang Theory came along. I did it because I stay true to who I am, and your little analysis, while it has some merit in your age group's concept of nerdery, is a rather shallow conclusion to draw just because geekiness is en vogue. Some of us here HAVE paid for title of nerd, geek, or dork. Newsflash - I earned my title of nerd BEFORE YOU WERE BORN.
I know what the words were MEANT for. They were meant to hurt and to bully and to demean. And some of us WHO ACTUALLY GOT BULLIED for our unpopular pursuits solved the problem BY OWNING THE WORDS. You call me a dork? Instead of being hurt, I say, "Thank you," earnestly, happily. Boom! The power of your words just got wiped. That's how some of us dealt.
I know what a geek poseur is - I watch my students do it all the time, and I'm the first to educate them. They put on their punched-out 3Ds, and say (all the while forgetting that I wear corrective lenses), "Look, Mister! I'm a nerd!" And I tell them, "No, you're not. A pair of glasses doesn't make you a nerd, it just means you have lousy eyes." Nerd chic exists now, and you think people should blow it off? Some of us actually think, "FINALLY!" So the jocks and bullies decided to take the word and make it cool...AFTER I did that for myself? So...I should stop doing what I did first, because someone else is doing it now? No. I'm not giving them that victory now.
If you have a problem with the term, fine, don't use it. I use it on myself, because I embrace it, and I only use it for others if they embrace it. Words mean different things to different people, and if I choose to turn it from a derogatory remark to a badge of honor, then I will do so, just as I've done since the fifth grade.
Post Script:
I'm defending use of the term. I'm not interested in turning this thread into a who was bullied/who was a bully thing. I don't want or need any comments of reassurance about my childhood; it's over, it's behind me, I've moved on. My point is that WE DO KNOW WHAT THE WORDS MEAN. We've lived it. And some of us proudly own it, and for you to try and take that away just because you hate how it's currently fashionable seems just a little unreasonable.
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iTOREtheSKY
Guest
Never once did I try to take that away from the people who "earned" the the words. I also said I am not taking a stance on validation of anyone being a nerd/geek or not...
I was commenting on the fact (and I use that word loosely) that the same group that you thought were your enemies. The
. They use the term nerd as a chic.
Just like you indicated:
and my post
I personally can not see your stance on the subject... If you believe I have no right to talk about the subject because my age, Don't words and meanings last longer then a humans breath? hence why our culture can successfully describe and translate Shakespearean literature. If you think I can't talk about the subject due to I was not 'beat in' or degraded enough in the time of life I am still living... I ask you who are you to judge me... Just because I do not lay out my hardships does not mean I do not have them. And if you think I do not live in a time were people are just as evil? Do you think that now this time has come everything is O.K. for the "true Nerds"?(paraphrase) Because there are still "true nerds" born everyday. Because to me nerd is more then a generation but a type of character.
All I ask is that you take a step back, for I find we are of the same breed. You talk like your of the generation who can proudly call themselves a nerd... You talk as if my generation has no sense or meaning of the word... I ask you, What has changed people? I thought people have been the same since the dawn of time. I thought a evil person would do evil things and a good person would do good things... The word(s) "Nerd/Geek" are more then a word. But a description of a type of person.
So if your insinuating that I have tried to take away your word; that is ludicrous.
My post was about the same things that you describe and defend...
It too me seems that you can not accept the fact that there are still nerds out there. It seems that you wish to keep the word nerd as a safe haven for your nostalgia...
(Please feel free to retort, and this time I made bold the words that keep my post from describing your personal opinions of which I do not know.)
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I've numbered the points I'd like to make because it's easier and logic is our friend.
1) You're right. You're not old enough to remember this. But that doesn't mean bullying and beatings don't still happen. I was mocked and put down so often that I changed my personality to survive my childhood. Don't take someone else's inventory. However, you make a point about recent trendiness, but that will be discussed in the next line.
2) Those people are called Hipsters. Now don't argue with me over this. That's what they are. The original movement was to be "ironic" because they were making all the nerdy things "cool". The marketplace stepped in and that's how we have faux nerds.
3) Those TV shows, movies, collectable items, quotes, cosplay, etc is what makes you a nerd/geek/dork. If that wasn't true, then no one would be called nerdy, etc. I'm 32 years old, I go to school 20 hours a week. I'm STILL made fun of (by people YOUR AGE) in class because I'm the nerdy girl who knows all the answers. Some people clamour to be in my study group(s) because they know they'll pass if they're with me. But are those people around after the quarter is over? A few. But VERY few. However, I'm a brilliant chick. I know my stuff, and I'm proud of that! Me being able to say that I wasn't fond of Data until the second season earns me cred. It's tally marks in the geek category.
4) I was a loner as a kid. For many reasons, but primarily out of safety. My best friend was a nerd too, so sometimes we hung out, but not so often. Currently, my female best friend isn't as nerdy as she used to be, and my male best friend is a total nerd. I love them both dearly! Each person brings something wonderful to my life. Don't generalize about nerds and geeks not having friends. Am I part of the cool crowd? Hell no! And I'm great with that.
5) The word hasn't changed. Nerds, geeks, dorks are still that. You're thinking of hipsters. Those people are VERY different and they don't know what they're talking about.
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Catlynn
Guest
Me too, my friend. Me too.
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OceanGrl
Guest
I'm kind of geeky/nerdy, but not everyone knows that unless I let it shine. I guess it helps to have a brother who is a geek, that's how I get my geeky info. lol
I tend to like geeky shows and movies and get excited for Superhero movies... I guess that qualifies me for that title.
I tend to like geeky shows and movies and get excited for Superhero movies... I guess that qualifies me for that title.
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iTOREtheSKY
Guest
heeheeheeheeeeee I knew you were a big geek when I saw that crazy watch....lol You rock Ocean!
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OceanGrl
Guest
heeheeheeheeeeee I knew you were a big geek when I saw that crazy watch....lol You rock Ocean!
Haha, you rock too iTORE.
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Tintin
Guest
What makes me a geek? Many things. For example: I am obsessed with LOST. While the series was on, I theorized and researched everything that was happening. I have 12 books about LOST and still theorize about elements of the show, long after it's finished. I've read some of the books featured in the series (there were a lot of them) and plan to read them all.
My Lost Collection and I:
Lost Encyclopedia - Tara Bennett and Paul Terry
Finding Lost: The Unofficial Guides (Seasons 1-6) - Nikki Stafford
The Ultimate Lost and Philosophy - ed. Sharon Kaye
Lost Humanity - Pearson Moore
Lost Identity - Pearson Moore
Lost Thought - ed. Pearson Moore
Things You Never Noticed About Lost - Vozzek
Lost's Buried Treasures 3rd edition - Lynette Porter & David Lavery
Swan station necklace - Olga Ganoudis
Lost T-shirt
Lost: The Complete Collection (US DVD Release)
My Lost Collection and I:
Lost Encyclopedia - Tara Bennett and Paul Terry
Finding Lost: The Unofficial Guides (Seasons 1-6) - Nikki Stafford
The Ultimate Lost and Philosophy - ed. Sharon Kaye
Lost Humanity - Pearson Moore
Lost Identity - Pearson Moore
Lost Thought - ed. Pearson Moore
Things You Never Noticed About Lost - Vozzek
Lost's Buried Treasures 3rd edition - Lynette Porter & David Lavery
Swan station necklace - Olga Ganoudis
Lost T-shirt
Lost: The Complete Collection (US DVD Release)
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Shouryu
Guest
How'd I miss this post earlier? Oh, I know. I went into pointless soapbox mode (no worries, T_Lau, you and me are all good, bro).
You went and bought yourself a manny-tranny just to learn? Now THAT'S dedication. Now the important question: whadjabuywhadjabuywhadjabuy? ^_^
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iTOREtheSKY
Guest
Ok,TinTin...that's all fine & dandy,but I'm still confused..maybe you can clarify...do you even in the slightest like the TV show LOST and is there even a sliver of hope that Miss Lily could have your babies?
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Catlynn
Guest
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Catlynn
Guest
My best friend and I used to go around singing every song from Once More With Feeling. Her sister had the ripped demo version that was sung by different people at first. I'm pretty sure I can sing every song, part and harmony...
you can shun me now. I'd understand.
you can shun me now. I'd understand.
Nope! I do the same thing. My bestie (the female one, my male bestie doesn't like BTVS) and I have driven around in her car and sang along.
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SeatBelt
Guest
The fact that I originated typing in white on a white background. Stop Blaming Miss Cris, lol
The fact that after the first year of working in the seat belt industry, I have a better knowledge base on seat belts than anyone else in the two seat belt companies that are located under our roof... the almost exception is I do not know FMVSS by heart. I know who to ask those questions to, though, and in exchange I teach him some of the "black arts" behind what I do - I fix things that were never meant to break. Oh and I've now worked there for over two years, so that ups that geak factor with an additional year of knowledge.
and there there is the fact that my IQ is in the top 2% of those who take IQ tests but that I stopped paying my Mensa dues b/c I'd rather use that $ on stuff like chainsaws and meat smokers, or used car parts and wrenches, or....
How about the fact that I tried watching Big Bang Theory once and turned it off because I found it to be somewhat patronizing, slightly exploitative, and a smidge insipid.
There I've said it.
I don't care for that show.
The fact that after the first year of working in the seat belt industry, I have a better knowledge base on seat belts than anyone else in the two seat belt companies that are located under our roof... the almost exception is I do not know FMVSS by heart. I know who to ask those questions to, though, and in exchange I teach him some of the "black arts" behind what I do - I fix things that were never meant to break. Oh and I've now worked there for over two years, so that ups that geak factor with an additional year of knowledge.
and there there is the fact that my IQ is in the top 2% of those who take IQ tests but that I stopped paying my Mensa dues b/c I'd rather use that $ on stuff like chainsaws and meat smokers, or used car parts and wrenches, or....
How about the fact that I tried watching Big Bang Theory once and turned it off because I found it to be somewhat patronizing, slightly exploitative, and a smidge insipid.
There I've said it.
I don't care for that show.
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Tintin
Guest
Yes, I love LOST and Evangeline Lily is beautiful, intelligent and very funny but I think she's a little unbalanced and scary (based on her interviews with Craig Ferguson). Also, she doesn't dress modestly.
Okay, here's another one. As a kid, I recorded myself reading Star Wars novels aloud using a tape recorder.
and Evangeline Lily is beautiful, intelligent and very funny but I think she's a little unbalanced and scary (based on her interviews with Craig Ferguson). Also, she doesn't dress modestly. Okay, here's another one. As a kid, I recorded myself reading Star Wars novels aloud using a tape recorder.
Yes, I love LOST
Okay, here's another one. As a kid, I recorded myself reading Star Wars novels aloud using a tape recorder.
That's awesome! Do you still have the recordings?
