Nerding Is Now Sexy and That Is Not Okay

Summary

The article "Nerding Is Now Sexy and That Is Not Okay" discusses the cultural shift where being a nerd has become fashionable and is now embraced by celebrities and the general public, which the author finds problematic.

Abstract

The article expresses a sentiment of discontent with the contemporary perception of "nerd" culture. The author, reminiscing about a time when being a nerd was socially stigmatizing, points out that nowadays, celebrities proudly claim the title, often without the historical context of what it meant to be a nerd. This mainstream adoption has turned nerdiness into a trend, with fashion and social media influencers participating in what was once a marginalized subculture. The author argues that this dilutes the authenticity of nerd culture, which was born out of genuine passion and often social ostracism. The piece reflects on the personal experiences of the author, who faced bullying and humiliation for being a nerd in the past, contrasting it with the current celebratory attitude towards nerd-related interests.

Opinions

The author believes that the true essence of nerd culture is being lost as it becomes a popular trend.
There is skepticism about celebrities and attractive individuals who claim to be nerds, suggesting that their engagement with nerd culture is superficial and for social capital.
The article implies that the commercialization of nerd culture has led to a disconnect between the original, often marginalized experience of being a nerd and the current mainstream appeal.
The author has a personal vendetta against the appropriation of nerd culture, stemming from genuine and formative experiences associated with being a nerd.
There is a call to distinguish between genuine enthusiasts of nerd culture and those who adopt it merely as a fashion statement.
The author is critical of the portrayal of nerds in '80s films, which often reinforced stereotypes and contributed to the stigmatization of nerds.
The piece suggests that the true spirit of nerd culture involves a deep and often socially unrecognized commitment to niche interests, which is not reflected in its contemporary, trendy image.

Time to take back the nerd

When I was a kid, nerd was an insult and being a nerd was kind of dangerous. Now it’s a badge of honor. Famous people tell us they are nerds, not with shame but with pride. Celebrities flaunting their specs appeal has gotten out of hand. It’s time to take nerdom back.

I recently watched an interview with a beautiful actress promoting her new film. At one point she unveiled her Hollywood smile, her eyes gently closed, then she gave the host a demure look, “I’m such a nerd.”

I groaned but continued watching as she confessed she reads books and enjoys Avengers films. I changed the channel, grumbling, “So, she’s literate and watches blockbusters. Total nerd.”

A few days later, another actor, a beautiful man, claimed to be a nerd on Twitter. He likes Tolkien and board games. Nerd alert!

It’s not just beautiful, famous people raising the nerd banner. Nerd is everywhere. Nerd became cool and lost its nerdiness. I view the sexy woman in a Tusken Raider t-shirt discussing geek culture with the same level of misgiving I imagine Che Guevara would have for seeing his face on a hipster’s coffee mug.

My unease with nerd couture comes from my youth, when my Clash of the Titans lunchbox was ripped from my little hand and peed on by a classmate. Because I was a nerd. Before you ‘okay, boomer’ me, know that my nerdy suffering stoked my Gen-X rage, and I’ll come back at you with enough sardonic jiu-jitsu to knock the Stone Temple off your Pilots.

I know why the caged nerd weeps

1985 was the worst year of my life. I was ten years old and didn’t have many friends so my mother called several of my classmates’ mothers asking if they would talk to their sons about being my friend. The entire school found out. That level of humiliation scars a kid. I would have preferred more urine on Perseus and Pegasus.

I was an annoying child, obsessed with good grades, sci-fi, Greek mythology, choose-your-own-adventure books, and I wanted my teachers to like me. My report card sported more A’s than all of Oakland. My hand was always raised in class. I knew the answers and had zero chill.

I’ve been stone-cold nerd since the seventies, rocking C3PO sneakers and an R2D2 alarm clock. My wristwatch had a joystick. My bedroom looked like George Lucas’s brain threw up in it and my wardrobe openly invited people to shove me. I was FML long before there was an internet.

Nerding meant birthday parties with lots of leftover cake because half the invited kids declined. What kid passes up free cake ? The kind who hates nerds. Why did they hate nerds? Have you seen a movie from the ‘80s?

Revenge of the Nerds: nerds are outcasts and no one wants them around

Weird Science: weird nerds are lonely so they build an AGI girlfriend

Can’t Buy me Love: loner nerd pays a girl to pretend to be his girlfriend

The Breakfast Club: Brian the nerd is so uncool he’s suicidal

These films taught us that nerds are social pariahs to be mocked, ostracized, beaten up and, most importantly, under no circumstances are nerds ever to get laid. Yes, the movies often showed it working out for the nerds in the end but I don’t think the kids at school saw those parts. Nerdin’ ain’t easy. Or at least it wasn’t until now.

Nerds on parade

It’s 2020 and nerds are hot. Morgan Webb is a famous gamer and sex symbol. When I was hardcore nerdcore, Ms. Pacman was the only female who acknowledged me and I had to pay her to do it.

Sherlock Holmes is a brooding sexpot in cinemas and TV. Women share fantasies online about Elon Musk and Brian Cox, the physicist not the actor. Brainy people doing nerdy things are so sexy even non-brainy people want in on the action. You think you have nerd cred? Show me your piss-soaked lunchbox then we can talk.

Fine, nerds are sexy now. We can proudly wave our sonic screwdrivers in the air. However, we can also see the pretenders. The handsome guy on Instagram wearing a clever t-shirt from the movie Splice? The Twitter gal with thousands of followers who professes her love for D&D? We’re watching you. We can argue Trekker versus Trekkie until we look like Andorians and then do the Kessel Run in under twelve parsecs. Be warned, if you are nerding just for show, now is a good time to walk away because we don’t suffer fools lightly and we are taking back the nerd.