Women in nerd culture do have it rough. I have to admit that it's hard to be constantly judged and criticized. But, it's not only females who have it rough in nerd culture. Men have it rough, too!
The stereotypical behaviors and attitudes attributed to the masculine gender role have created this Herculean caricature of the buff Bro-ham with a muscle tank and a brewski in his hand. And, whether you're male or female, I'm sure that you've met him at some point or another. (Yet, this caricature has done more damage than sexual harassment and poor choices at parties. )
The word "nerd" brings to mind many connotations and images. The primary image being the stereotypical "nerdy guy" look complete with skinny frame, poor fashion choices, and large cranium. However, the connotations that go along with the image hurt more. The connotations are the nerds are "weak", "feeble", "sexually ignorant" -- more professional sounding than "virgin" I have to admit --, "social awkward"...the list goes on. These connotations line up with the ideas of "hypomasculinity" [1] or having none or less than normal masculinity. And most of the time, those who exhibit those traits of hypomasculinity are told and repeated ridiculed for not fitting the gender norms. In plain terms: they're picked on.
Now, I have to admit that this whole situation might sound as though it came out of a bad high school drama film. People getting pick on for not being the ideal buff Jock type. Yet, those films weren't so far off. Men are taught to deal with their problems straight on. They are taught to avoid anything feminine and be self-reliant [2]. So it wouldn't be a surprise that if a male came across someone who wasn't masculine, they would joke and ridicule him for it. The level of these jests often varies from playful to hurtful to downright cruel, but they do happen. Even if you don't think they do.
And with these attacks driving away at their self-esteem, I understand why some male nerds have grown up with a distinct -- to sound polite -- dislike of ideas and attitudes that are the opposite of masculine. Nerd culture has offered them a chance to be top dog. Their the ones with all of the answers and are the ones regarded as the best of the best. So, when a chick comes around that slays them in a game or in nerd trivia, let's just say that it's high school all over again. And why they would be so eager to attack anything that might threaten their little nest of happiness that nerd culture has offered them.
Hi Undercover,
ReplyDeleteI'm slightly confused at what you're saying here. I get that men might also have it rough, but I feel like the stereotype you're using is applicable to all men, not just men who self-identity as "nerds." Also your discussion doesn't take into account men who are similar to the "Herculean caricature" of masculinity and are also nerds.
I'm confused by your stereotype discussion perhaps because you previously explained that women in this community also experience prejudice because of preexisting stereotypes concerning female nerds. Are you saying that if you happen to fit the physical description of a nerd, you're just outta luck? Additionally, later on you refer to women as "chicks," a term I think perhaps feminist might object to.
Be careful not to get too repetitive - you used the word "connotation" four times in a single paragraph. Also - in your final paragraph, you write, "Their the ones with all of the answers..." and it should be "they're" or "they are."
~Twin B
Interesting take on your devil's advocate piece, Undercover. Were you trying to see this from the male point of view, or were you standing up for male "nerds?" I couldn't exactly tell where you were taking it.
ReplyDeleteYou have strong opinions and good info. to back them up, but your grafs tend to get too wordy. For example, in your 3rd graf this could have been tightened up: "The connotations are the nerds are "weak", "feeble", "sexually ignorant" -- more professional sounding than "virgin" I have to admit --, "social awkward"...the list goes on. These connotations line up with the ideas of "hypomasculinity" [1] or having none or less than normal masculinity. And most of the time, those who exhibit those traits of hypomasculinity are told and repeated ridiculed for not fitting the gender norms. In plain terms: they're picked on." I would have gone with, "male nerd types are picked on." Plain and simple. Short and sweet.
You've got a lot to say, Undercover. Tighten up your thoughts and use less textbook, wordy statements. Hope that helps!
Cheers,
MadMom
Hi Undercover,
ReplyDeleteLooking at your tags, it appears that this is your devil's advocate article. However, I don't necessarily see you taking a hard stance against what you're blog is about – I see it as an extension upon your theme. In fact, your first sentence agrees with your subject – women in nerd culture do have it rough.
I think that it might be more effective to take a hard-line approach to this; though it doesn't have to be a parody. I think a devil's advocate piece has to represent a person who DOESN'T think women have it tough within nerd culture – for instance discussing how women are provoking comments through dressing in scanty costumes or how they're looking for attention through cosplay competitions, etc.
As Mad mom says, your paragraphs are a bit wordy, and as Twin B points out, your word choice is a little curious at times – I think this latter issue is you aiming for a devil's advocate article, however.
Best,
VM