De-mystifying Geek Culture

We live in some really, and I mean REALLY, strange times. There are a cavalcade of reasons I can list why this is, but my main concern right now is this

The sterotypes we deal with. (From cdn.blog)

sensationalized geek culture. It seems like now anybody who watches The Big Bang Theory and slightly understands some jokes begins chanting ‘BAZINGA’ and calling themselves a geek. I don’t much care for the show, but that’s not the problem. The problem is that the show kind of misconstrues what it means to be geeky. It’s popularized and mainstream so people think it’s cool and it’s almost something the be proud of. This was recently brought to my attention the being a geek is ‘trendy’ was when I was dragged into a women’s fashion shop and saw the geek branded on multiple pieces of clothing. If you want to label yourself a geek that’s fine, but please know what you’re signing up for. This will in no way be a definitive list of geek traits, but here are 3 some main points.1) Being a part of a Fandom (and knowing what that means)

Yes, fandoms. The most easily identifiable trait because it’s a group trait that many share. You can be a part of multiple fandoms or just really passionate about one. It doesn’t matter you are a part of that niche. Now, there are non-geek fandoms, but nobody calls those fandoms. So, what is a geek fandom then? Think along the lines of people who obsessively like Doctor Who or animes (which there’s tons, but if you’re a geek you know there’s not enough time for that). How are you a part of that fandom? By participating in it duh. Some quick reasons why I’m part of the Doctor Who fandom let’s say: I have a favorite doctor (David Tennant shut up if you’re different because you’re wrong), I participate in some in-jokes and such like the Silence, and I own my own sonic screwdriver, of course the one modeled after the Tenths. Now, I don’t know all the ins and outs of the show, but that shouldn’t be required. If you’re one who excludes someone

because they don’t remember what Rory said at minute 3:24 of episode 22 of season 3 then you’re a terrible person. Simply put if you really enjoy the show or game or whatever and have merchandise and make jokes based on it…welcome to the fandom.

Oh Benedict you sexy man…I mean what? (from bp.blogspot)

2) We’re weird, you’re weird. Get Used to it.

If you’re a geek, you’re most likely some kind of awkward or weird. Most of my friends are geeks and I can confirm this conclusion. But none of us care because we know that’s also part of being a person. I know we seem weirder than others because we like things not made in America a lot. I mean who would do that? America is #1 in like everything. We get excited over things like Naruto being on Toonami….or the fact that Toonami is back. Can we just take a minute to celebrate that? …You don’t know what Toonami is? You can just leave then…But you get my point here? Sure, it seems weird to talk about all the animes and video games we like but look at the flipside. If you were to travel to another country and talk about all the stuff you like from America and now you’re the weirdo.

He’s famous on the internet.

3) Conventions.Ah, the glory of conventions. I went to my first one this year, KitsuneKon, and it was awesome. Conventions are basically little anime and geek hubs. If you want to try and do a geek safari then go to a con and be amazed at our awesomeness. Sure, we might seem like freaks dressing up in the middle of March but let’s face it. You’re just jealous. I cosplayed at my first con and it was worth. I plan on doing it at my next con too. Cons are great because we finally have a place toavoid the negativity that surrounds true nerds. It really is an amazing place. There are things for all types too, video game rooms, board games, card games, anime, pornographic material if you’re into that…sicko. Look, I don’t mind if people call themselves geeks. My issue is always with misrepresentation. You can be attractive and a geek, that’s not the issue. You cannot, however; put on a pair of 3D theater glasses with the lenses popped out and sensually bite a controller cord and call yourself a geek. Honestly…no gamer geek would ever harm their gear like that. These fandoms and hobbies don’t control your life like some people think either, these are just the things we love and enjoy. You like sports, I like Naruto….I also like sports, but that’s beside the point. Geeks are people too, just better people because we are who we are without hiding it. If you have something mean or derogatory to say about geeks then please grow up. You’re most likely an adult or at least old enough to know you’re a certain kind of bag. As always, if you have something nice to say or your own definition of being a geek that I missed comment below.

Adult Version of Me.