Nerdiness: show it loud and proud!

On Thursday I attended the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story midnight screening. It's very appropriate that many franchises have those now, as a way of rewarding fans. But going deeper, they're very appropriate because of one very 21st-century trend: nerd chic.

For much of the last century, once "pop culture" became what it is now, anything esoteric or intellectual was largely kept on society's fringes, albeit with fierce devotion from its followers. But then, after milestones like Star Wars/Trek, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and online gaming, nerds acquired quite a different cultural image.


Now, yes, some of the nerd stereotypes are still true: we can be either very skinny (like me) or overweight, we can have asthma, many allergies or be autistic (which I am), we may champion the Big Bang Theory (the TV show or the actual theory ;) ); or we may be in our 30s and still living with our parents. But plenty of us tick none of those boxes.

I'm a nerd and I love it. I love science fiction and fantasy, anime, Asian action movies, history, writing and reading. But obviously that's just me, and come to think of it, this year I've also done cosplay quite often, which is great fun. It's a global community where there's almost no judgment or mocking (although there must be personal conflicts sometimes but you get those everywhere), and so many nerd culture items have now permeated themselves into the general vernacular. They're instantly recognizable to even the "hip" crowd. Doesn't that just speak volumes?

I think it was Bill Gates who once said something like, "Don't make fun of nerds. You'll end up working for one one day." And that is spot on. (But don't quote me on that attribution.) Just consider the types who run for political office, aim to be a company's CEO, direct all Hollywood blockbusters or write the biggest bestsellers: most are nerds to the core.


That's also a pleasant reality because of the social limitations many of us (and not just nerds ;) ) face. They can inspire us, show us how we, too, can succeed, and they can use their fame to help whatever cause.


Nerd chic is a beautiful thing to me. And I'm so fucking proud to be a nerd. Not simply because of the success of everything related, but because the whole subculture has achieved a strong, beautiful voice and every member a sense of camaraderie and solidarity. If you try to play with us, what will it be for you? Game over!