‘Nerd’ and ‘Geek’ Should Be Banned? No Way!
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Dec 30 2009, 4:12 PM
Cross Posted on Geek Girls Network™
On December 21st, the NY Times interviewed David Anderegg, a professor of psychology at Bennington College , who stated that terms like nerd and geek serve to perpetuate the stereotype and should be banished.
Excerpt:
And math, science and computer science, Dr. Anderegg said, are courses that young people too often associate with nerds and geeks. As a result, he added, “they sabotage themselves in these fields, and the nation’s work force is suffering.”
“The best way to combat this,” he said, “is put it to bed,” banishing “nerd” and “geek” to the linguistic dustbin.
I felt compelled to respond to this article, not only as a proud geek, but also as a reminder that these labels are not the issue.
In grade school I never seemed to fit in. I was interested in science and monsters; I liked to draw complex pictures; I enjoyed spending my time dissecting problems and solving puzzles. Since I was different for many obvious reasons, my classmates made it a point to reestablish my societal role as often as possible. I was intentionally left out of group activities, chosen last in gym, hit and slapped, made fun of, and called names. The name calling ranged from weirdo and dork, to curse words and worse. But I was never called a geek. We didn’t know what that really meant at the time, and therefore, the term was not useful as a weapon. Historically, children are cruel and injurious, regardless of the extent of their vocabulary arsenal.
Looking back now, despite all the hurtful name-calling and physical abuse, my true personality never faltered. I like what I like and that hasn’t changed. In fact, I don’t believe I have ever met anyone who has chosen a path or profession against their own nature due to the unintentional assignment of a perceived negative label. The poor treatment I received from my peers seemed to have minimal affect on my interests and career pursuits. Although detrimental to my self confidence and some early social development, the name-calling in general has never been a factor in choosing a profession.
As an adult, I find that the “geek” community is as strong and supportive as ever. Instead of this title reminding us of a wounded past, it binds us together.
This label is responsible for the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con selling out 9 months in advance. This label is responsible for a variety of shows hosted on the G4 Network highlighting geek culture and entertainment. This label is responsible for the abundance of sci-fi and fantasy movies recently released from Hollywood . There is also an increase of mainstream role models like John Hodgman, Amber Mac, Tina Fey, Alton Brown, and the MythBusters Adam and Jamie, just to name a few.
If there is a decline in this industry’s workforce, I am certain it has nothing to do with the term geek or nerd.
In an earlier NY Times article, Steven Lohr investigates how educators are utilizing new methods to introduce science into the classrooms.
Excerpt:
Some schools in Los Angeles County are experimenting with the introductory course, called “Exploring Computer Science,” including South East High School in South Gate , Calif. Last year, 35 students were in a pilot program, and this year the course is being taken by 130 students.
“And the idea is not to have most or all of them go into computer science, but to give kids a chance to try things out. The course is designed to give kids a sense of computational thinking no matter what they do after this.”
Kids are growing up with technology seamlessly integrated into their everyday life. If afforded the opportunity to explore how these things work, I’m confident there would be a notable increase in those pursuing a career in the sciences. Instead of banishing terms, more focus should be given to developing the appeal of these industries. In any case, I believe the term geek is here to stay and it is the geeks themselves who have positively changed the culture and definition.
Wave your geek flag high this New Year!
The Geeks Shall Inherit The Earth.
Cross Posted on Geek Girls Network™
On December 21st, the NY Times interviewed David Anderegg, a professor of psychology at Bennington College , who stated that terms like nerd and geek serve to perpetuate the stereotype and should be banished.
Excerpt:
And math, science and computer science, Dr. Anderegg said, are courses that young people too often associate with nerds and geeks. As a result, he added, “they sabotage themselves in these fields, and the nation’s work force is suffering.”
“The best way to combat this,” he said, “is put it to bed,” banishing “nerd” and “geek” to the linguistic dustbin.
I felt compelled to respond to this article, not only as a proud geek, but also as a reminder that these labels are not the issue.
In grade school I never seemed to fit in. I was interested in science and monsters; I liked to draw complex pictures; I enjoyed spending my time dissecting problems and solving puzzles. Since I was different for many obvious reasons, my classmates made it a point to reestablish my societal role as often as possible. I was intentionally left out of group activities, chosen last in gym, hit and slapped, made fun of, and called names. The name calling ranged from weirdo and dork, to curse words and worse. But I was never called a geek. We didn’t know what that really meant at the time, and therefore, the term was not useful as a weapon. Historically, children are cruel and injurious, regardless of the extent of their vocabulary arsenal.
Looking back now, despite all the hurtful name-calling and physical abuse, my true personality never faltered. I like what I like and that hasn’t changed. In fact, I don’t believe I have ever met anyone who has chosen a path or profession against their own nature due to the unintentional assignment of a perceived negative label. The poor treatment I received from my peers seemed to have minimal affect on my interests and career pursuits. Although detrimental to my self confidence and some early social development, the name-calling in general has never been a factor in choosing a profession.
As an adult, I find that the “geek” community is as strong and supportive as ever. Instead of this title reminding us of a wounded past, it binds us together.
This label is responsible for the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con selling out 9 months in advance. This label is responsible for a variety of shows hosted on the G4 Network highlighting geek culture and entertainment. This label is responsible for the abundance of sci-fi and fantasy movies recently released from Hollywood . There is also an increase of mainstream role models like John Hodgman, Amber Mac, Tina Fey, Alton Brown, and the MythBusters Adam and Jamie, just to name a few.
If there is a decline in this industry’s workforce, I am certain it has nothing to do with the term geek or nerd.
In an earlier NY Times article, Steven Lohr investigates how educators are utilizing new methods to introduce science into the classrooms.
Excerpt:
Some schools in Los Angeles County are experimenting with the introductory course, called “Exploring Computer Science,” including South East High School in South Gate , Calif. Last year, 35 students were in a pilot program, and this year the course is being taken by 130 students.
“And the idea is not to have most or all of them go into computer science, but to give kids a chance to try things out. The course is designed to give kids a sense of computational thinking no matter what they do after this.”
Kids are growing up with technology seamlessly integrated into their everyday life. If afforded the opportunity to explore how these things work, I’m confident there would be a notable increase in those pursuing a career in the sciences. Instead of banishing terms, more focus should be given to developing the appeal of these industries. In any case, I believe the term geek is here to stay and it is the geeks themselves who have positively changed the culture and definition.
Wave your geek flag high this New Year!
The Geeks Shall Inherit The Earth.
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