Over the course of these few months, I have documented a voyage through my home. I donned an invisibility cloak to quietly sneak through the dragon's cave, trying to find treasures in the world of gender and nerd culture. And as I stand on the brink of the ending of my long, unexpected journey, I find myself changed and my views shifted.
When I first started posting, I was biased. There is truly no other way to describe it. I was an angry nerd girl who wanted to blow the whistle on the "unforgivable crimes of inequality and misogyny" in the "still a boy's club" nerd culture. Anything that could've been taken the wrong way, I took it that way. And although I was willing to listen to the other side of the argument, I found myself nodding my head and rolling my eyes.
However, through these months, I find myself changed. Through my research, I have found that the changes that I brutally cried for have started to -- and, in some instances, have already -- come. Gender inequality has started to shift out of the dynamic and morals of nerd culture. Once an area filled with surprise boss fights now has leveled out. Sure, the changes are slow, but they have happened. And my shouts have now turned to calm conversation.
While donning this persona, I have grown in my views and voice. Yet, I believe that if I were to grow even more, I would have to create a new persona. It would be a metamorphosis. I would grown and change from this person of protest into the person that I have now become. And through that change I would have to take upon a new persona.
I do think that my perspectives of writing in general and writing online have definitely changed. Being an artist, I have always dreaded writing. I always had troubles articulating the ideas and themes that I had in my head onto the page through words. The only way I found myself liking writing was through creative writing. But now it's different. I now find enjoyment in writing. I enjoy looking up sources and writing everything out. I love connecting the dots and proving points. And the books I have read have helped me better articulate the thoughts that float around my head.
My opinions of online writing have also changed. Writing online was always viewed as a personal action. Blog posts or Tweets always seemed to be personal bits of my stream of consciousness. They weren't anything more or less than just someone's thoughts put directly onto the page. But now I see them for the valid piece of modern writing that they are. Blog posts don't have to be the rant about a new movie or the day you had. They can change minds and contribute to the conversation. Tweets aren't confined to the world of status updates and mindless conversation. They can be used to reach the world in so many words.
Moving forward, I definitely will find myself using what I have learned in my professional, personal, and academic futures. Writing online is a pinnacle aspect of my career. As someone who wants to work in communications, it's imperative to have a good grasp of online writing skills and a good online voice. Through what I have learned here, I will be applying the newly acquired voice and skills to my jobs. My academic work will also benefit. My new knowledge of social media writing will make my future academic work easier. It will help push forward the learning process in all aspects of the Communications field. And my personal future will benefit as well. In a way, it already has. My discussions with my friends have become more concise. I'm able to better understand the necessity behind social media platforms and how to use them to the fullest.
My journey has lead me through many worlds. Some of those worlds were foreign to me while some were familiar stomping grounds. I gone places and met people that I never thought I would meet. I have see all sides of the multi-faced polygon and listened to their stories. I know that my journey isn't truly over even as the semester comes to the end. There are more worlds to see and more people to meet. And I can't wait to start down the path....once I figure out how to read this damn map.
Until next time...Stay Nerdy My Friends.
The Undercover Hipster
Monday, May 4, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
#NerdsUnite Social Media Campaign
Nerd culture is one of many different branches and sub-sects. And even within those sub-communities, there are divides between all different flavor of nerd that you could imagine. We put ourselves into tinier and tinier boxes that the labels on these boxes end up being longer than the boxes themselves.
Well, I say no more. It's time for nerd culture to unite. For us to cast aside those stupid labels we've put on ourselves in order to fit into our nice, neat categories and to come together as one big, awesome culture.
The #NerdsUnite campaign is a Twitter and YouTube campaign that is meant to create a stronger bond as a subculture of nerdy individuals. The hopeful outcome of the campaign is to break down the dividing walls between the sub-sects and their segregated populations.
#NerdsUnite applies to anyone in any community in nerd culture. You can be a gamer, a cosplayer, a comic book nerd, or just your run of the mill average nerd. Your race, gender identity, sexuality, etc doesn't matter.
The campaign will start on Twitter, but will eventually have a dual presence on YouTube. Videos concerning stories, tweets, or anything else concerning the campaign will be welcomed on the site. Hopefully, spreading like wildfire across the internet.
Give us a tweet using #NerdsUnite. Tell us why you're a nerd, what it means for you to be a nerd, or just give us a shout out! Let's come together and show the world that our final form is truly nerdtastic.
Well, I say no more. It's time for nerd culture to unite. For us to cast aside those stupid labels we've put on ourselves in order to fit into our nice, neat categories and to come together as one big, awesome culture.
The #NerdsUnite campaign is a Twitter and YouTube campaign that is meant to create a stronger bond as a subculture of nerdy individuals. The hopeful outcome of the campaign is to break down the dividing walls between the sub-sects and their segregated populations.
#NerdsUnite applies to anyone in any community in nerd culture. You can be a gamer, a cosplayer, a comic book nerd, or just your run of the mill average nerd. Your race, gender identity, sexuality, etc doesn't matter.
The campaign will start on Twitter, but will eventually have a dual presence on YouTube. Videos concerning stories, tweets, or anything else concerning the campaign will be welcomed on the site. Hopefully, spreading like wildfire across the internet.
Give us a tweet using #NerdsUnite. Tell us why you're a nerd, what it means for you to be a nerd, or just give us a shout out! Let's come together and show the world that our final form is truly nerdtastic.
Social Media Campaign Critique: Always's #LikeAGirl Campaign
Feminine care product companies aren't historically known for being..."forward thinking" with their commercials. More often than not, the ads are riddled with stereotypical heteronormative feminine tropes. And to this day, I still cannot comprehend how having a tampon that isn't the size of a piece of gum will deter me from having fun at a party.
Yet, earlier this year, the company Always took one big step in the right direction with their #LikeAGirl Campaign. The campaign started with a YouTube video ad where girls and boys of different ages are asked what it means to do something and do an action "like a girl." And what comes next caused a shockwave throughout the world. The video and campaign gained so much attention that it made the top 5 of YouTube's Most Popular Ads list.
The campaign took to Twitter where people of all sexes and genders came together to support the campaign and its message. People shared memorable stories about strong women who inspired them. They posted tweets about how they "___ #LikeAGirl" and that was, not just okay, but badass. The tweets all showed the world that, not only do girls do it harder and stronger, but also with absolutely no care that we're doing it "like a girl".
What I loved so much about this campaign was the extreme amount of positivity that was put into it as well as came out of it. It was infectious. You would read a handful of tweets and feel this prideful glow about you either about yourself or the strong women in your life. You would read stories and feel inspired to work harder, to go stronger.
It was the first time in, at least my lifetime, that it was good to do things like a girl. And what was even better, was that this pride didn't even apply solely to females. I know plenty of males who were inspired by the campaign.
The negative critique that I would have about the campaign was the company's lack of continuing on the idea in their later adverts. After the #LikeAGirl campaign, Always went back to producing stereotypical heteronormative feminine care product commercials. Butterflies, bright colors, and "girly" designs still make their mark in all of their current commercials. And while that tactic sells the product, it is counterintuitive to all the hard work that they put into this feminine strength campaign.
You can watch the #LikeAGirl Campaign advert video here. And remember, nothing is wrong with doing something #LikeAGirl.
Yet, earlier this year, the company Always took one big step in the right direction with their #LikeAGirl Campaign. The campaign started with a YouTube video ad where girls and boys of different ages are asked what it means to do something and do an action "like a girl." And what comes next caused a shockwave throughout the world. The video and campaign gained so much attention that it made the top 5 of YouTube's Most Popular Ads list.
The campaign took to Twitter where people of all sexes and genders came together to support the campaign and its message. People shared memorable stories about strong women who inspired them. They posted tweets about how they "___ #LikeAGirl" and that was, not just okay, but badass. The tweets all showed the world that, not only do girls do it harder and stronger, but also with absolutely no care that we're doing it "like a girl".
What I loved so much about this campaign was the extreme amount of positivity that was put into it as well as came out of it. It was infectious. You would read a handful of tweets and feel this prideful glow about you either about yourself or the strong women in your life. You would read stories and feel inspired to work harder, to go stronger.
It was the first time in, at least my lifetime, that it was good to do things like a girl. And what was even better, was that this pride didn't even apply solely to females. I know plenty of males who were inspired by the campaign.
The negative critique that I would have about the campaign was the company's lack of continuing on the idea in their later adverts. After the #LikeAGirl campaign, Always went back to producing stereotypical heteronormative feminine care product commercials. Butterflies, bright colors, and "girly" designs still make their mark in all of their current commercials. And while that tactic sells the product, it is counterintuitive to all the hard work that they put into this feminine strength campaign.
You can watch the #LikeAGirl Campaign advert video here. And remember, nothing is wrong with doing something #LikeAGirl.
Monday, April 13, 2015
The Royalty in the Other Castles • Issue #2 • "Cosplay Conundrum"
Page 1 (16 Panels)
Panel 1 - LONG PANEL - INT. WIDE SHOT - The living room is more organized. The suitcases and clothing has been removed and the furniture is set up in a more homey fashion. Posters from well-known television shows, movies, and comic books cover the walls. Small blue lights are hung along the top of the walls along the molding. We can see three doors that line the walls. Each of the doors has a small sign on it, but we cannot see the writing on them.
Panel 1 - LONG PANEL - INT. WIDE SHOT - The living room is more organized. The suitcases and clothing has been removed and the furniture is set up in a more homey fashion. Posters from well-known television shows, movies, and comic books cover the walls. Small blue lights are hung along the top of the walls along the molding. We can see three doors that line the walls. Each of the doors has a small sign on it, but we cannot see the writing on them.
MORRIGAN CAREY (OFF)
(BURST)
Absolutely NOT!
Panel 2 - MED. PANEL - BUST SHOT - Morrigan looks irritated and angry. Her arms are crossed along her chest. She is glaring at someone off panel. She is dressed as though she is ready to go: her black leather jacket on top of her League of Legends team shirt. Her hair is up and her backpack on.
MORRIGAN CAREY
I absolutely refuse to allow my younger sister to go to a gaming tournament looking like that!
Panel 3 - SM. PANEL - CLOSE UP - Anne's head is tilted to the side and her hand is up. She looks confused as she matches her sister's gaze that is off panel. She is wearing a red, long curly wig and a large, pirate-style tricorn hat. It's apparent that she is in cosplay for something.
ANNE CAREY
Why? It's a damn accurate cosplay of your favorite character?! I mean --
Panel 4 - TALL PANEL - FULL BODY - Anne is dressed up as the character Miss Fortune from the game League of Legends (Source). One of her hands is on her hip, holding a prop gun, while the other is down. Her expression is one of confusion and irritation.
ANNE CAREY (CONT'D)
-- What's wrong with it?!
Panel 5 - SM. PANEL - BUST SHOT - Morrigan closes her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose. Her head is tilted down.
SFX: Sigh
Panel 6 - MED. PANEL - BUST SHOT - Morrigan brings down her arm back so it's crossed across her chest and looks up at Anne. Her face has shifted from irritated to concerned.
Panel 7 - MED. PANEL - MED. SHOT - Anne rolls her eyes in frustration. Her arms down at her side in fists, as though she were a child stamping to get attention.
SFX: Sighs
Panel 8 - SM. PANEL - CLOSE UP - Morrigan's hand is brought to her chin as though she is thinking. She is looking up and biting her lip. Her expression is pensive as she thinks of a way to fix the situation in the allotted time.
Panel 9 - SM. PANEL - CLOSE UP - Morrigan has a devilish look on her face. One of her eyebrows is cocked and her head is tilted to the side. A small lightbulb pops up next to her head. She's snapping her fingers.
SFX: Pop
SFX: Finger Snap
SFX: Sigh
Panel 6 - MED. PANEL - BUST SHOT - Morrigan brings down her arm back so it's crossed across her chest and looks up at Anne. Her face has shifted from irritated to concerned.
MORRIGAN CAREY
Nothing is wrong with it! It's just that...you can't go to a competition filled with horny, socially awkward people dressed like a pirate hooker! You're going to get yourself in trouble!
Panel 7 - MED. PANEL - MED. SHOT - Anne rolls her eyes in frustration. Her arms down at her side in fists, as though she were a child stamping to get attention.
SFX: Sighs
ANNE CAREY
Then what do you suppose I should do about it?! I'm not changing! I worked hard on this outfit and to not wear it would be stupid!
Panel 8 - SM. PANEL - CLOSE UP - Morrigan's hand is brought to her chin as though she is thinking. She is looking up and biting her lip. Her expression is pensive as she thinks of a way to fix the situation in the allotted time.
MORRIGAN CAREY
Hmmm...
Panel 9 - SM. PANEL - CLOSE UP - Morrigan has a devilish look on her face. One of her eyebrows is cocked and her head is tilted to the side. A small lightbulb pops up next to her head. She's snapping her fingers.
SFX: Pop
SFX: Finger Snap
MORRIGAN CAREY (CONT'D)
I have the perfect idea!
Panel 10 - LONG PANEL - BLACK OUT - The entire panel is black saved for the words "20 Minutes Later" that are white and in the center of the panel.
Panel 11 - LARGE PANEL - EXT. SEMI-WIDE SHOT - Murphy and Pat are waiting at the bottom of the stairs in front of the building. Pat is looking down at their watch while Murphy is playing on a portable video game console.
PAT FLYNN
I wonder what's taking them so long? They said that they would be ready soon and that was twenty minutes ago!
SFX: Boop, Crash, Beep.
Panel 12 - MED. PANEL - EXT. SEMI-WIDE SHOT - Pat looks up at his watch at Murphy who is still playing his game. He doesn't look phased by the wait at all while Pat looks even more worried at Murphy's answer. The two of them don't even notice Morrigan and Anne exit the building and stand in front of the front door.
SFX: Boop, Crash, Beep.
MURPHY QUINN
Don't worry about it! I'm sure that they'll be down soon! Maybe Anne got stuck in the doorway again!
PAT FLYNN
Yeah...maybe...
Panel 13 - MED. PANEL - EXT. MED. SHOT - Pat and Murphy's gazes are still down as Morrigan speaks to them from off panel.
MORRIGAN CAREY (OFF)
Sorry to keep y'all waiting! We had to make some slight last minute cosplay modifications to Anne's outfit.
Panel 14 - SM. PANEL - EXT. MED. SHOT - Pat and Murphy are looking up at Anne and Morrigan, their expressions the same as they were in the previous panel.
Panel 15 - SM. PANEL - EXT. MED. SHOT - The panel is the same as the previous, but instead the expressions of Pat and Murphy are now changed. Their eyes are wide as big smiles are on their faces.
Panel 16 - WIDE PANEL - EXT. SEMI-WIDE SHOT - Pat and Murphy are laughing off panel. Morrigan is smiling widely next to her sister who is slouching next to her, obviously irritated. Anne's outfit is now an amalgamation of the champions Teemo and Miss Fortune, only the outfit turned out horribly. She ended up looking like a fat pirate chipmunk.
SFX: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
MORRIGAN CAREY
See! I told you they would like it!
ANNE CAREY
I'm going to shed all over everything you love...
The Royalty in the Other Castles • Issue #1 • "Fandoms are Coming..."
Page 1 (10 Panels)
Panel 1 - LONG PANEL - EXT. - The sun shines down on an old, large apartment building. The brick façade looks worn down despite the modern windows that litter the front of it. The building is bookended by two other apartment buildings that differ in size and design. Bikes crowd around the entrance as small cars line the street in front of them. The area is calm.
Caption: Long ago...
Panel 2 - MED. PANEL - EXT. - We move in closer on the door to the apartment building. There is a black box next to the door with numbers and names on it. The numbers are clear while the names are still blurry. Plants grow in planters on the outside of the bottom floor windows.
Caption: ...in a city that wasn't that far away...
Panel 3 - MED. PANEL - EXT. CU - We are now close up on one of the names on the black box next to the front door. We can clearly see the name and number listed. They read "404" and the name "Carey." Out of the sides of the panels we can see some of a speaker and a button.
Caption: ...there was a great injustice...
Panel 4 - LONG PANEL - INT. - An interior shot of a hallway in the apartment building. There are two doors in front of us with numbers on them. The numbers are "404" and "406." The façade is still and sterile in appearances.
Caption: ...against the world of -- fandoms.
Panel 5 - LONG PANEL - INT. - Same shot as before.
MURPHY QUINN (OFF)
(Shouting Balloon)
I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW WRONG YOU ARE!
Panel 6 - SM./MED. PANEL - INT. - The apartment is filled with boxes and suitcases. Furniture is sparse and basic. There is a couch, small armchair, and coffee table that has been haphazardly put together in the center of the Living Room. Some clothes are strewn about on the floor.
MURPHY QUINN (OFF)
(BURST)
How dare you include Stephanie and Damian but exclude Jason?!
PAT FLYNN (OFF)
(BURST)
How dare I?! He was a snot nosed punk who didn't deserve to be by Batman's side AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT! You just can't admit it because you're a pretentious prick!
Panel 7 - DEBATE PANEL #1 - CLOSE UP - Murphy is glaring at Murphy. Tiny flames can be seen in his eyes as he yells at his friend.
MURPHY QUINN
(BURST)
Well I'm sorry that you and the rest of the comic book world just couldn't handle the true skill that Jason had as being a Robin!
Panel 8 - DEBATE PANEL #2 - CLOSE UP - Pat is snarling. His glare matches his friend's in intensity and fire.
PAT FLYNN
(BURST)
What skill? You mean the skill of making every single damn thing he said and did annoying?! I'm surprised Bruce handled it for as long as he did!!
Panel 9 - SM. PANEL - CLOSE UP - Morrigan has a fed-up look on her face as she holds up a finger, cutting off the two bickering friends.
MORRIGAN CAREY
Hey guys...not that I don't love your fervor about this topic --
MORRIGAN CAREY (CONT'D)
-- But... --
Panel 10 - LONG PANEL - INT. MED. SHOT - The four characters, ANNE, MORRIGAN, PAT, AND MURPHY, are sitting at a small round table. Small white cartons filled with take-out Chinese food fill the center. Each character has a small plate in front of them with some food on it. We are looking straight at Morrigan with Pat to her right and Murphy to her left. The only part of Anne that we see is her back.
MORRIGAN CAREY (CONT'D)
-- Can this wait until after dinner...when there are no sharp objects around?
Monday, April 6, 2015
Nerd Culture Infographic Series | #2 | Cosplay Culture
The cosplay subculture has promoted camaraderie, creativity, and openness since it's birth in the late 1990's. Cosplay has become a safe haven for most nerds, a place where they could show off their dedication and love for a character to a like-minded group. However, there is a lead lining to this cloud 9 subculture.
Cosplayers have reported many problems both from outsiders and fellow cosplayers. Here are the top five problems that cosplayers have come in contact with...and continue to plague the creative subculture.
Cosplayers have reported many problems both from outsiders and fellow cosplayers. Here are the top five problems that cosplayers have come in contact with...and continue to plague the creative subculture.
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Sources:
Nerd Culture Infographic Series | #1 | Video Game Culture
It has become old news that there is a gender problem in video game culture. Articles and studies have been written about the problems facing one of the biggest sects of nerd culture. In recent years, the exposure - both bad and good - has only grown with social media events and stories. And while many people will say that it's a problem that's fixed, it seems that all is not what it seems.
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Sources:
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