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.
Whitney Hess (@whitneyhess) is the ultimate optimist. Usually found smiling ear to ear in sunny San Diego, she puts humanity back into business as a user experience coach, writer, and speaker. She helps professionals “mindfully and compassionately design their products, their companies and themselves.”
Hess isn’t one to boost, so allow us to do a bit of bragging for her: Hess has worked with the likes of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Teach for America, Ralph Lauren, and Hearst Communications, just to name a few.
Hess is also the co-host of Designing Yourself, a podcast on self-care, self-awareness, empathy, emotional intelligence, inner work, inner peace, wisdom & harmony. Yes please. Sign us up for automatic updates ASAP.
So, check out Hess’ interview with Being Geek Chic!
Q: How did you discover your passion?
A: I couldn’t have been more than 3 years old when I noticed for the first time that blinking 12:00 on my parents’ VCR. Then I noticed it on my grandma’s VCR. And on my friends’ parents’ VCRs. That blinking 12:00 was everywhere. By the time I was 5, I had figured out how to set the VCR’s time. All of my relatives had me fixing their clocks every time we visited. I may have been young, but I still knew that it was insane they couldn’t figure it out for themselves — and it wasn’t their fault. I’ve been trying to answer the question of “why is this so hard to use?” ever since.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration in life?
A: Life is my inspiration. I am fueled by everything life has to offer, the pleasures and the pains. Watching the sunset every night, and how different it is each night. My feet in the sand and the rhythm of the waves, no two alike. The perennial flower that blooms and shares its beauty, and then wilts and goes dormant. I am in complete awe of this planet, and even more in awe of the fact that we don’t cease to exist when we fly off of it. There is inspiration everywhere, you just have to look around you. And inside of you.
Q: Proudest accomplishment thus far?
A: I could say that the biggest achievement of my career was when one of my designs was patented by American Express, or when I had the opportunity to interview Holocaust survivors about their hopes for the future. But reflecting on it more deeply, I think my proudest accomplishment is to be exactly where I am right now. And I hope that never changes.
Q: If you could take any fictional character out for a drink, whom would you choose and what would you drink?
A: Hermione Granger for butterbeer.
Q: What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
A: I love you.
Emma Bauer is a Being Geek Chic Contributor. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, history scholar, tea drinker, fashion devotee, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. Follow her on Twitter: @emmalynnbauer
I just finished watching the Special Features on the new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2 BluRay and I’m now obsessed with an extra behind the scenes feature called, “The Women of Harry Potter.”
Here are some of the best quotes:
What’s interesting about the wizarding world is when you take physical strength out of the equation a woman can fight just the same as a man can fight, a woman can do magic just as well as a man can do magic. - Jo Rowling
On the incredible character, Molly Weasley: It comes from her womb, that feeling of defense, defending her child, because she’s already lost one. So it’s the mother, the lion, the female lion defending her babies, so it’s unstoppable. … I doubt that would have taken place had it been a man writing it.- Julie Walters
Hermione is an exaggeration of me, she comes from a very deep place inside me. … I was a very insecure person for longer than I like to admit. And I think writing about the time in Hermione’s life that I write about, growing from childhood into womanhood literally, because when we finish the books she’s 18, I think it brought back me how very difficult it is, so much is expected of you as you become a woman and often yo are asked to sacrifice parts of yourself as a girl and Hermione doesn’t.- Jo Rowling
The key to Luna is that she actually has that unbelievably rare quality where she doesn’t give a damn what anybody thinks about her.- Jo Rowling
It’s sometimes very difficult as a woman to say well, actually this is who I am and I’m not going to pretend otherwise - but that’s the only way to be truly happy and that’s what I would say to girls particularly. - Jo Rowling
