I realized recently that I understand the bitterness that gay people feel about how it's "cute" to be lesbian these days. I see the same thing occurring with nerds. Everyone loves to say how much they love nerds these days, or how they're a big nerd, but I suspect very few of them would really enjoy sitting in on a Linux install or helping to calculate 100 digits of π with pencil and paper for the fun of it. I think this recent infatuation with nerds is similar to the same way that I like cows or Japanese like Americans: They like the concept, but the actuality is less glamorous and a lot more Cheez-Doodle-encrusted.
I love geeks, from my feet up to my cheeks
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Posted by Bryan
I agree. I enjoy programming, physics, and the theories behind encryption, etc. but I've never considered myself a nerd. There have been occasions when other people have called me a nerd when discussing one of those topics but I assume (wishfully?) that they're joking. Although, I suppose if you go by definition:
1. A foolish, inept, or unattractive person.
2. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
I suppose that I'm not single-minded in scientific or technical persuits; I do love to be creative in non-technical ways. I think that the term is used today in the same way that the term hacker is used. Those who have some of the positive aspects of the term (technical prowess) use it to label themselves. While others may use it to describe the negative aspects of a person or group. The big difference here is that the term nerds was coined by people describing negative aspects, while the term hacker was used by people to describe themselves. In bother cases, I think the majority usage of each of the phrases has been reversed. Isn't it interesting how society works? :) I think if people actually understood the definition of the word nerd, they wouldn't use it to refer to themselves :)
Fine print:
I do realize that the term hacker is derived from the term hack which goes way back into history but the current iteration I'm refering to is the early 80's. I'm hoping that I can trust in context for the sake of this descussion :)
Posted by Dan
That's a good point, about the way that the primary usage for both terms has gotten reversed. I happily accept the term, and take joy in my nerdiness. But you're right, I'm taking joy in my ability with computers, not in my foolish ineptness :)
Posted by c-a g
I personally take joy in your foolish ineptness. :)
Posted by c-a g
I love nerds, from my head down to my turds. HAH!
Posted by Dan
Hehe damn. Good call. I couldn't think of a good one for nerds. :)
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Posted by Antonio 1 hour, 9 minutes later
Well, I never liked being a nerd. I always considered myself a geek, and proud of it!