Defying convention

[pallas_athena]

I'm back in DC, having spent last weekend in Atlanta at DragonCon.

I still feel vestiges of Geek Shame saying that. But recently in London, a moment with two friends-of-a-friend altered my thinking on that matter. These were two New Yorkers, you know, Upper West Side types who think wearing a beaded top makes them bohemian? In the course of conversation I mentioned that I'd been to a medieval reenactment earlier in the summer, and I explained what that was...

"Oh. We thought it was like that thing they have in Sterling, you know, that fair..."
"Eeyuch! We wouldn't be caught dead there!"
"You couldn't pay us enough to go!"
"We've never been, of course. But we've heard about it."

Suddenly, it came to me: I loathe these women and all they stand for. Granted, Renaissance Fairs are nerd-intensive, but given the choice between nerds in tights and sneering trend-mavens, I will take the nerds every time. (Besides, what were these women doing if not cosplaying Sex and the City ?)

Then I went to Glyndebourne to see Love And Other Demons, the new opera by Peter Eötvös [pronounced "Erdversh."]
The opera was fascinating and the friend who'd invited me was lovely-- but also in the party was one of those loud public-school hoorah types who felt he had to sneer mordantly at everything, including at the mezzo when she was injured by part of the moving set ("Bloody stupid woman.") It was at that point that I let him know he was being a dick. The train journey back was... interesting.

So I've had it with sneerers and scoffers. They're dry-rot to anyone trying to create anything or do anything unusual. And I am done with shame. If you'd care to join me, I'll be hauling the Geek Flag up the pole and handing out free drinks to everyone who isn't boring. Cheers!

Comments

[shinysayyadina.livejournal.com]

"...given the choice between nerds in tights and sneering trend-mavens, I will take the nerds every time."

For me, I wish it was that simple. I have been in nerd social situations that have been infinitely more vicious and cruel than the trend-mavens:/ This really turned me off for a long time.

However, I'm very glad I do have nerddom now--and I have also seen acts of kindness, humanity and sweetness that have been utterly wonderful. Besides, I'm rather happy that nerdiness is more out of the closet now--I have friends who love SATC, Buffy and rpgs and fuse them to make amazing things. So, here's to more common ground...and here's a health to the company:)

(will you be at the Faire this weekend, perchance?:))

[nanashi-jones.livejournal.com]

I've had my flag high for years. Glad to have you in the fray! :)

[slightlyfoxed.livejournal.com]

(Besides, what were these women doing if not cosplaying Sex and the City ?)

Genius.

Nerds are good value company, they have amazing specialisms. And while some of those specialisms don't interest me, I'm happy to do an hour or so of discussing LARP and programming languages because other things which fascinate me will also usually turn up along the way.

[lindyhoppr.livejournal.com]

I actually really enjoyed the Sterling festival.

of the few festivals I've attended, it's my favorite.

It seemed to have the most shows.

[veridianeyes.livejournal.com]

Nerds tend to be less caught up on image, and usually more interesting and entertaining company!

I am proud to be a nerd, geek,etc.

*off to watch some SF, then some fantasy, while knitting*

[suetekh.livejournal.com]

my darling, you know I'm with you.

Too often in modern culture wit is seen as something that involves putting another person down, something about being cleverly snide and I too am sick of it. You're absolutely correct in that the snide-ist of all are those sneerers who create nothing themselves and only seek to demonstrate their cultural elitism being tearing down what others have tried to build.

I'll say it loud, and I'll say it proud - I'm a geek and I feel no shame!!!

[shinysayyadina.livejournal.com]

"Too often in modern culture wit is seen as something that involves putting another person down, something about being cleverly snide and I too am sick of it"

*applause*--Exactly, well said! I am so tired of petty cruelty in a guise of humor...come have tea with me anytime!

[laughingmagpie.livejournal.com]

*big hugs* Hand me a hearty drink to salute the Flag with!

I love your comment about them cosplaying Sex and the City!

It was smashing to see you! Thank you again for my red-haired fella - he has made it successfully home with me.

[velvetdahlia.livejournal.com]

It's interesting that everyone I know-- the good, the bad and the Faustian-- claims to be a nerd. When one considers the vast array of humanity that could surround me, well, I feel pretty lucky!

These people who eschew nerd-dom...who are they? I've heard about them. I've even spied them from a great distance. I probably work in an office next to them now but I'm happily oblivious.

I'm totally with you in everything you do! But, being contrary, I can't exactly say I'm a nerd! I'm deluded enough to still think I'm a freak instead of a geek.