Being Geek Chic is a blog for stylish geeks, sophisticated nerds and people who enjoy the musings of a complete dork. Join us as we dream of driving the TARDIS, cuddle with our eBooks and test out an iPad sleeve. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi and a team of brilliant lady nerds. Meet the team.
Last week I had the distinct pleasure of talking with a reporter about women who embrace their geekiness. And while you and I both know that we aren’t really a trend or temporary fad, the world does seem to be taking notice of our existence recently, both in good and bad ways. One of the totally innocent, but fascinating questions this reporter asked was: do you ever feel ashamed of your geekdom?
And the truth is, No. I never, ever have. And perhaps it’s because I’ve been very fortunate. Sure, I was made fun of in Middle School, because I was the Hermione Granger of the class before I knew that I was. I was smart. I was vocal. And I was excited about learning. From a young age, I so resented the idea that I was somehow a weirdo for being engaged in what I was supposed to be engaged in. Perhaps I’ve taken a lot of that with me as I’ve grown up. Just as it wouldn’t have crossed my mind as a 14 year old girl to be ashamed of my intellectual pursuits, it wouldn’t strike me now to feel any amount of embarrassment about my lifestyle as an adult nerd.
Are we born nerds? Or do we learn it? Are we pre-disposed to our geekdom? I’m essentially proposing the nature vs. nurture of geek DNA questions right now. Either way, there is no reason to feel shame.
Everything about life is an evolution. Whether it’s how we perceive ourselves or how others see us, we aren’t born as geeks straight out of the womb. I have yet to hear of a single news report of a baby’s first words being: Live Long and Prosper. (Although, if that does happen, people, you need to let me know!)
The truth is that we start to take on our passions over our lifetimes through the influence of our family, friends, media and culture. All of our being, and specifically our interests, are made up of a perfect equation: time plus influence.
Neither of my parents would categorize themselves as geeks. My mom is the outdoorsy type with a love of news, healthy eating and old western movies. My dad is a perfect confluence of Italian-American stereotypes: fully devoted to his football team and his church, with a dash of passion for his pets too. Despite this, whether or not my parents realize it, they probably contributed more than anyone to my formation as a geek. My mom made us spend at least one afternoon every week at the library, which meant both my brother and I read voraciously. My dad’s parents introduced him to the Nintendo, which in turn meant we had to get a Nintendo. And of course, who could forget the fact that my dad spent a hefty portion of my childhood recreating my favorite movies in parade float format. One of my dad’s girlfriends insisted on getting a computer in the mid-90s and so, well, INTERNET! Throw in a few years of bullying and well, you’re almost certain to become a full-blown nerd.
So no, I’m not ashamed that I became this. In fact, I’m quite proud. Because as I told the reporter: there’s not a single part of my life that hasn’t been improved because I decided to embrace my nerdy tendencies.
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