I remember back in high school (which has been just over 10 years ago) it was common for me to be labeled as a geek or nerd. It’s funny how the times have changed. I don’t know if kids today are still being labeled as geeks but what is funny is that really, we’re all geeks.
← Granted we all don’t look like this guy, but that’s because this is the stereotype that use to represent a geek. I personally believe that it is no longer derogatory to be a geek and I think you will find there are many that agree. I’m sure you have even heard of a few popular geeks.
I often associate being a geek with passion. Whenever we invest ourselves physically, emotionally, intellectually, what have you, I think that passion is what makes us geeks. It use to be that only the smart people were considered geeks. I have also seen it where if someone is really excited about some new piece of technology or computer equipment that they are labeled as a geek. So its easier to make the logical assumption that the passion and excitement is what compels someone to call someone a geek.
The thing is, we all get excited and passionate about something. You can be extremely passionate about sports, cars, tools, movies, anything! If you find that you really enjoy something then that is what makes you a geek and you should be proud of it. There are just some who embrace it more then others, and some are popular.
I’m not talking about scientists like Stephen Hawking, but actors, like Nathan Fillion (the actor that plays Richard Castle in NBC’s Castle). You should check out his twitter feeds and you will see just how big of a geek he is.
Check out this quote from actor Simon Pegg (who played Scotty in the new Star Trek, or you might recognize him from Sean of the Dead or Run, Fatboy, Run). If you often check my blog then you have probably seen this before:
“Being a geek is all about being honest about what you enjoy
and not being afraid to demonstrate that affection.
It means never having to play it cool about how much
you like something.
It’s basically a license to proudly emote on a somewhat
childish level rather that behave like a supposed adult.
Being a geek is extremely liberating.”
I would also like to share the following video from a gaming conference in 2011. The speaker in the video, Chris Metzen, has probably provided the best explanation about what “Geek Is”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKsfncW2Fc8&[/youtube]
Cheers!