By: Maggie Delaney ’14
I call my sister, my friends, and myself a nerd. I use it sarcastically and as a term of endearment. For me it has lost almost all of its derogatory connotation. What I’m really saying, in the words of vlogger John Green, “You liked stuff”.
Which is not a good insult at all. It’s like saying “You are too enthusiastic about the miracle of human consciousness.”
America is becoming accepting of nerd culture. ComicCon and cosplaying is becoming more and more popular. Television has played a role in this as well. Shows that would classically be categorized as “nerdy” (Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, and The Big Bang Theory and more) are gaining popularity and acceptance within popular culture. We are now living in a world where tech savvy-ness and programming is no longer considered a nerd’s pastime and is instead an essential component of everyday life. Because of this shift in understanding the reclusive nerd and their habits, America has begun to celebrate the interests and passions of the nerd. The word nerd has lost a lot of its former meaning. Instead of being a derogatory insult meant to mock the introverted, glasses wearing, computer addict, it has come to have connotations more akin to those of “hipster” that it does to its old companion “geek.”
Is it wrong for me to call someone a nerd when I believe that the word contains good connotations? When does a word that has traditionally been used as a way to tear people down become acceptable to uset? The evolution of words can be tricky to deal with, especially when said word is changing from good to bad. Who can keep track of slang words constantly changing? One day everyone is saying “low key” and then it evolves into “T-God.” Not only is it impossible to keep ahead of the wave of new vernacular, it is difficult to maintain a comprehensive grasp on the old and changing words.
Being a nerd is no longer something to be ashamed of. I’m proud of my extensive Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings knowledge. I openly admit to my obsessions with TV shows and bands. I’m hopelessly enthusiastic about learning new things about space and the universe. I am a nerd and if someone called me a nerd, it would make me happy. This is my public invitation for anyone and everyone to call me a nerd. Because it’s not a bad thing. And hopefully most people could be called a nerd about something. A reading nerd. A music nerd. A football nerd. Boys (and girls) who know every starting member of every NFL team are nerds. Huge nerds. People who spend their free time playing COD, Skyrim, or any video game are also nerds. Kids who have seen every episode of Breaking Bad or Downton Abbey are nerds. If you don’t consider yourself a nerd of some kind, you need to find a hobby.
I’m glad “nerds” are no longer as stigmatized as they used to be. I think it indicates a more open public mind and a more accepting culture. Nerds are people and people are nerds. Now, I have to finish this article because I need to buy my ticket to see the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who in theaters. Later nerds.
