Geek
Slang. –noun
2. a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)
-from the Random House Unabridged Dictionary
When pop culture began to emerge as an American national icon (c. 1980s), a countercurrent of anti-popularism emerged with it. Some people just didn't care about being popular in school, instead choosing to fit into their secluded groups where a common interest fed friendships more than an actual relationship between people..
How did the "in" crowd view such dissenters? Geeks. They were weirdos who did not fit the social models. They fantasized about the "wrong" things, spent endless hours on "kid games," and talked "nonsense" to other people.
Of course, Geeks is a broad label, ranging from computer geeks to fantasy and sci-fi geeks to just plain ol' weirdo geeks. Star Trek, Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars, Commodore computers, and comic books. These were the tools of Geekdom. Things had a purpose of no purpose. Hygeine and social niceties were forgotten while far out prizes were sought with a vengence. These realms of fantasy were lived to the max...
...and then the Geek changed. Geekiness slowly became ingrafted into the evil monstrosity by which it was hated. Suddenly, the Geek could have a girlfriend (and later a wife and even kids!). He (mostly he, but a few she's) could be cool in school, even if it was only for a day. He could live in a world that didn't care about the geekiness. In fact, he could even branch out into art, music, sports, and drama. The Geek was normal again. No one cared if you were a level 19 Human Wizard at the dinner table, as long as you didn't talk to them about it.
The Geek grew in wisdom and stature. Closet geekiness was something that every boy had, but none openly shared in front of the group. Pop culture helped by giving us video games (Pokémon, Final Fantasy, Fable), TV shows (Yu-Gi-Oh!), and movies (The Matrix, Star Wars prequels, Lord of the Rings). The version 2.0 of the Geek is a well-rounded person who has an interest in some aspect of the Geekdom, but is willing to set it aside for the sake of the masses. The Geek is athletic, smart, often times funny, and in the end, always gets the girl. They no longer wore trench coats with greasy hair, but looked average (or normal if there is such a thing).
Sure there are extreme geeks, just as sure as there are popular people who still incessantly tease them. But the major trend in the last decade is to include the Geek. Heck, there is even a well-known company, a Squad of Geeks, to help customers with technology issues.
All in all, the Geek, for better or worse, has changed. Gone are the days of white and black Geekiness.
Welcome the gray that is the Geek of today. ~ET86
Slang. –noun
2. a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)
-from the Random House Unabridged Dictionary
When pop culture began to emerge as an American national icon (c. 1980s), a countercurrent of anti-popularism emerged with it. Some people just didn't care about being popular in school, instead choosing to fit into their secluded groups where a common interest fed friendships more than an actual relationship between people..
How did the "in" crowd view such dissenters? Geeks. They were weirdos who did not fit the social models. They fantasized about the "wrong" things, spent endless hours on "kid games," and talked "nonsense" to other people.
Of course, Geeks is a broad label, ranging from computer geeks to fantasy and sci-fi geeks to just plain ol' weirdo geeks. Star Trek, Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars, Commodore computers, and comic books. These were the tools of Geekdom. Things had a purpose of no purpose. Hygeine and social niceties were forgotten while far out prizes were sought with a vengence. These realms of fantasy were lived to the max...
...and then the Geek changed. Geekiness slowly became ingrafted into the evil monstrosity by which it was hated. Suddenly, the Geek could have a girlfriend (and later a wife and even kids!). He (mostly he, but a few she's) could be cool in school, even if it was only for a day. He could live in a world that didn't care about the geekiness. In fact, he could even branch out into art, music, sports, and drama. The Geek was normal again. No one cared if you were a level 19 Human Wizard at the dinner table, as long as you didn't talk to them about it.
The Geek grew in wisdom and stature. Closet geekiness was something that every boy had, but none openly shared in front of the group. Pop culture helped by giving us video games (Pokémon, Final Fantasy, Fable), TV shows (Yu-Gi-Oh!), and movies (The Matrix, Star Wars prequels, Lord of the Rings). The version 2.0 of the Geek is a well-rounded person who has an interest in some aspect of the Geekdom, but is willing to set it aside for the sake of the masses. The Geek is athletic, smart, often times funny, and in the end, always gets the girl. They no longer wore trench coats with greasy hair, but looked average (or normal if there is such a thing).
Sure there are extreme geeks, just as sure as there are popular people who still incessantly tease them. But the major trend in the last decade is to include the Geek. Heck, there is even a well-known company, a Squad of Geeks, to help customers with technology issues.
All in all, the Geek, for better or worse, has changed. Gone are the days of white and black Geekiness.
Welcome the gray that is the Geek of today. ~ET86
