I've always hated social labels and have never really cared for geek/nerd as a way of specifying who somebody is despite the fact that it carries some positive connotations these days. Labels/stereotypes exist for the sake of convenience (in social situations and to assist our brain) and have their uses. It's easy to consider people listed under the same label as a "group" and it only really fits the definition in the loosest sense. Being a stereotypical "geek" doesn't mean you are automatically buddies with every other "geek" on the planet. Same goes for any other label no matter how far down you drill (not every Brony is going to get along, etc.). I understand that a lot of people on the outside looking in will make this mistake as they lack insight.
What I don't get is how many people within the "group" don't get this. Things like "geek-cred" and quizzing are just... fucking irrelevant. Who the fuck cares how much of a "geek" someone is? That really has no bearing on how well you will get along with that person. Yeah, it's great to have common interests, but this is not a fucking competition. If they have a common interest, cool. You have something to talk about. If they lack a degree of understanding that you feel they should have to truly appreciate something... then fucking educate them. Don't shun them. Don't look down on them.
Kind of a round-about way of getting to this point but yeah (I apologize, my head is loopy today due to a cold and I sneezed snot all over my work keyboard earlier) ... I returned from my 3rd Dragon*Con last night and met a lot of interesting people, as is usually the case with such an event. Strangely, it wasn't until this weekend that I realized something: I really don't like most of the "geeks/nerds" I meet.
Like many people around here, much of my life has been structured around geeky endeavors. If I ever felt the need to establish "geek-cred" I could probably do so without lifting a finger. But what's the point? Most geeks/nerds are socially awkward, weird assholes. Such is the case with pretty much anygroup label of humanity. So why is it that so many people strive to gain acceptance from such an arbitrary "group"? A group of faceless, judgmental asshats?
Do me a favor. Next time someone tries to challenge your geekiness/nerdiness slap them in the face and tell them to suck your dick. In the event that you don't have a dick tell them to suck your strap-on.
Sorry if that was a bit ranty... it's just something that's been bothering me for a long time now. The gender threads have something to do with it I admit... but please, for the love of the gods don't turn this into a gender thread.
What I don't get is how many people within the "group" don't get this. Things like "geek-cred" and quizzing are just... fucking irrelevant. Who the fuck cares how much of a "geek" someone is? That really has no bearing on how well you will get along with that person. Yeah, it's great to have common interests, but this is not a fucking competition. If they have a common interest, cool. You have something to talk about. If they lack a degree of understanding that you feel they should have to truly appreciate something... then fucking educate them. Don't shun them. Don't look down on them.
Kind of a round-about way of getting to this point but yeah (I apologize, my head is loopy today due to a cold and I sneezed snot all over my work keyboard earlier) ... I returned from my 3rd Dragon*Con last night and met a lot of interesting people, as is usually the case with such an event. Strangely, it wasn't until this weekend that I realized something: I really don't like most of the "geeks/nerds" I meet.
Like many people around here, much of my life has been structured around geeky endeavors. If I ever felt the need to establish "geek-cred" I could probably do so without lifting a finger. But what's the point? Most geeks/nerds are socially awkward, weird assholes. Such is the case with pretty much any
Do me a favor. Next time someone tries to challenge your geekiness/nerdiness slap them in the face and tell them to suck your dick. In the event that you don't have a dick tell them to suck your strap-on.
Sorry if that was a bit ranty... it's just something that's been bothering me for a long time now. The gender threads have something to do with it I admit... but please, for the love of the gods don't turn this into a gender thread.