So you’re not out of the closet yet? Still afraid of what people might say? That’s natural. It takes courage to reveal to the world your inner “nerd,” “geek,” “dork,” or some other over-exhausted terms people use to describe fanaticism. Considering the dictionary definitions of these names (with “geek” meaning a performer who bites off the head of a chicken) I’m not overly fond of the words themselves. Yet, I’ve become proud of what they stand for in retrospect.
In middle school, being called a dork causes humiliation. In high school, calling someone “dork” means degradation in the social circle. In college, being named a “dork” is a good thing? Yes. Yes, because we are all dorks in some way or another.
Hold up. I’m not trying to insult you, dear collegiettes. Let me do a little re-defining here. Webster’s definition–:1a. to fiddle or tinker with in an experimental and sometimes haphazard manner. 1b. to tweak or adjust in configuration or programmed behavior—is actually something rather cool.We collegiettes fiddle with our images or tinker with our personalities all the time. We are constantly re-defining ourselves, finding new ways of expression, and even hazarding change with the status quo. And that’s exactly why I want us to out our inner dorks and embrace the freedom that follows.
So you have a penchant for programming code and spend your spare time smoking your friends in Mario Cart or Super Smash? Or perhaps you can name all the Justice League heroes from DC comics from the 60’s satellite years to the 2011 “Flashpoint” relaunch, including all of the spinoffs? Hell to the yeah—that’s outta sight. (Okay, you caught me. My dork habit has me using 70’s lingo.) But, seriously, having a passion for something “nerdy” is just about the coolest thing on campus, because it represents a part of you, like maybe your inner child or your sense of adventure, or something you’ve shared with a loved one. And no one can discount your value because of it. So go ahead, and find a way of incorporating your nerdish tendencies into the real world.
Star Wars fan? Trekkie? Nintendo fiend? Don’t hide it. This is how empires are built (you’d be surprised at how these things have gained almost a cult-statues because some people weren’t afraid to hide their passions.) And if you think these things are only for guys, think again. I seriously doubt the Game of Thrones franchise would have become as popular as it has without the help of some confident collegiettes to indulge in it. The best part about outing the dork? You will find community in unexpected places.
If you’re still unsure about putting yourself out there, at least take inspiration from your Dork Side. My favorite thing about my obsessions is the confidence of the characters. You think Kirk would have become captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise and save Earth if he took Spock’s power-tripping to heart? You think Wolverine cares if Cyclops and the other X-men throw insults his way? Nope. They follow their own instincts, and invariably save the day (hint, hint.)
And who wouldn’t want to rock the nerd style? Uhura’s space ponytail and winged liner in the new Star trek series? Futuristic genius. The leather leggings and rustic hair of Arya in the Eragon dragon rider series? Fabulous. And the kick-butt swagger of these ladies? Why, that’s the best inspiration of all.
I hope you have gained an appreciation of your Dork Side, dear collegiettes. At the very least, I hope you have thought about embodying your favorite characters, or chanced to think upon your lovely passions that in no way need to be hidden from view. Be bold, be brave, be you.
Live long and prosper.
Photo credits:
http://thevitaminbee.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/darth-vader-yoga.jpg<--darth vader
http://blindie.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/zoe-saldana-as-uhura-star-trek.jpg<-uhura
http://nd02.jxs.cz/631/450/198c7c413a_54263557_o2.jpg<-arya