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Journal tomhudson's Journal: New Years resolution #2 - Celebrate the death of "Geek Chic" 15

Journal by tomhudson

I was asked recently if I would consider myself a "geek." My answer was "no." "Geek" is an insult. It has been for 2 centuries, despite attempts to "rehabilitate" the term in certain contexts.

Some people still want to pretend that we're living in the dot-com boom times, but "Geek Chic" has come and gone.

Everyone has computers, they're commodity items. Everyone knows the basics. Everyone knows someone who is not a "geek" who can help them if needed. And if they need help, they don't want some "immature geek" helping them. Because that's what "tech geeks" are seen as - immature, childish, preoccupied with their toys, unable to navigate social situations.

So it's about time to return the term "geek" back to it's normative usage: a peculiar person, often disgusting, a freak, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geek

Yes, there are still going to be some who want to continue the "we're geeks, we're special" meme, but being that type of "special person" has often been a way to cover up or "explain away" a lack of social skills.

Lets face it - "Geek Squad" is not something you'd want on your job resume if you're in I.T. Better to say you were doing 3 months for possession, or that you took the time off to get a sex change. The term is quickly reverting to its original usage - better to realize it, and get ahead of the trend.

Just because you're in I.T. doesn't mean you're doomed to geekdom. Just because you're "good with computers" doesn't mean that you have to conform to the stereotype - which is ancient history anyways, and was never all that accurate for many.

And for those who are afraid that, bereft of the "geek" label, they have nothing to offer the world, relax - if you're reading this, you're a more interesting person than you give yourself credit for. Don't let tech define who you are. Only a geek would do that.

And Happy New Year!

-- Barbie

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New Years resolution #2 - Celebrate the death of "Geek Chic" More

New Years resolution #2 - Celebrate the death of "Geek Chic"

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  • But i like being socially awkward and socially unacceptable for knowing how to navigate a command line interface. Although i agree that we shouldn't be called geeks its lost its true meaning i still want to be awkward as thats what i have grown to love.
    • Experience something others don't have doesn't make you a geek, unless it's biting the heads off of live chickens or stuff like that :-)

      A doctor knows how to sew people back together - but that doesn't make her a geek. So where did this "tech angle" come from? From my observations, I think the majority are from two sources:

      1. those people who let themselves be so drawn into the technical aspects that they lost outside perspective;
      2. those people who were already social misfits, and withdrew into tech to e

  • Better to say you were doing 3 months for possession, or that you took the time off to get a sex change.

    I can't help myself ;) I thought it was hilarious ;)

  • I preferred "Nerd" anyway.

  • I've actually become less geeky over time, as I have drifted over from coding / tech to graphic design. I can still do command line stuff and hackery if I have to, but it is harder work now. On the other hand, I guess I'm now even more of a geek when it comes to music, art, photography, culture and politics.

    -MT.

    • That's one way to look at it, but I'm looking at the "core" - the whole "it's cool to be (just) a geek" thing. It never was, but for a period of time, enough people bought into it to give it credence via the echo chamber.

      What the public sees as a geek is someone who is glued to first-person shooters on gaming consoles, updating hardware and drivers or re-installing Windows when all else fails, questionable hygiene and an inability to hold a conversation on anything not computer-related. "Feelings? Forge

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by Ruzty ( 46204 )

        I don't see you as the high functioning Aspy type so it's harder to understand. See, the lack of social responsiveness sometimes has a genetic factor. It's not something you can learn or re-learn as you stated above, the mental wiring just isn't there to make it possible.

        "Feelings? Forget it - they can't talk abut feelings - they're geeks!"

        Seriously, other than strong/raw feelings like rage and sorrow, the subtle ones are generally un-felt.

        Sure, those of us with this deficit learn to adapt and proffer behaviors which make the appearance of fitting in and properly responding

        • My apologies. I *could* have explained it better. Oh well, it gives me a chance to formulate it a different way.

          If we start by separating "geek chic" from the things you mention (aspy-type personalities), perhaps it will be clearer. Many humans pick up their behaviour by mimicking, others by simply "going with the flow".

          For those, "geekdom" is just a justification for staying in a rut. Example - people who are glued to the TV set when they're not doing anything else. Give them a PVR and you won't e

          • Re: (Score:2)

            by Ruzty ( 46204 )

            Thanks for the clarification. I actively work on coping behaviors that mask the negatives of my geek traits. Like consciously smashing my lips together to avoid talking over people or interrupting them even though the urge to correct or contradict something they've said is overwhelming. So, I can understand your disdain for false geekery and using it as an excuse to put those negatives forth as barriers instead of working towards removing them. "I can't help it." just isn't a good excuse for acting like

  • I love Geek Chic as both a style and a cultural phenomenon. It looks awesome and makes buying nerdy t-shirts easier. In addition it encourages geeks to take pride in who they are and in their hobbies and passions.

    If football fans and bikers and body builders and everyone else can take pride in their hobbies and reflect their enjoyments in their style of clothes, why can't geeks?

    • People can take pride in their profession without the baggage that the geek label has.

      Think of it - which would you rather be known as - an I.T. pro, or Geek Squad?

      I certainly take pride in my work, but that doesn't mean I have to look like a "geek." Sure, some days I go into work dressed casually - a pair of jeans, runners, and a top. But other days, it's a nice skirt or pants, matching sweater and shoes or boots, purse, jacket, etc.

      Is it "geek chic?" No. It's just me.

      I'm not saying you can't b

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