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.
Showing posts with label nerd culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nerd culture. Show all posts
Monday, April 20, 2015
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.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Sources:
Nerd Culture Infographic Series
Nerd culture is a widely popular mainstream subculture. It has many sub-sects and communities that branch out, creating a twisted, 8-bit root system. However, the roots in this tree are knotted and rotted in some areas. And this rotting has poisoned the morals of some of these larger sub-sects and communities. Especially in the world of gender politics.
Most botanists would remove these roots and study them in order to try and cure the rest of the trees that are effected. And my dissection comes in the form of infographics.
In this short series, I will be looking at two prevalent sub-communities in contemporary Nerd Culture:
Through these infographics, I will be exploring:
This dissection will get messy. But what's research without a little mess in the name of all things nerdy?
Most botanists would remove these roots and study them in order to try and cure the rest of the trees that are effected. And my dissection comes in the form of infographics.
In this short series, I will be looking at two prevalent sub-communities in contemporary Nerd Culture:
• Video Game Culture
• Cosplay Culture
Through these infographics, I will be exploring:
• How gender plays into these communities
• What problems face the community and the industry
• How it has changed in the past years
• Etc
This dissection will get messy. But what's research without a little mess in the name of all things nerdy?
Monday, March 16, 2015
Pitch #2 | The Royalty in the Other Castles: Online Comic
Comics are a huge part of nerd culture. Since its beginning, it has grown to earn a place as one of the corner stones of the culture. And whether you are an avid collector and reader or a casual onlooker and fan, the world of comics is a familiar world to every nerd. In recent years, the Internet breathed new life into the world of comic books. It offered a place for everyone and anyone to create, publish, and promote their own comics that broke the mold from the traditional comic book style of the past.
The Royalty in the Other Castles online comic strip is a weekly comic that discusses the world of nerd culture through the lens of four roommates that span multiple spectrums including race, sexuality, and gender. The overall tone of the comic will be humorous, but the discussion topics will be serious. The four characters will deal with everything from favorite show drama to harassment. The reason for making the characters span different spectrums is to help bring to light, not only gender issues and nerd culture, but other issues as well.
The Royalty in the Other Castles online comic strip is a weekly comic that discusses the world of nerd culture through the lens of four roommates that span multiple spectrums including race, sexuality, and gender. The overall tone of the comic will be humorous, but the discussion topics will be serious. The four characters will deal with everything from favorite show drama to harassment. The reason for making the characters span different spectrums is to help bring to light, not only gender issues and nerd culture, but other issues as well.
Pitch #1 | In the Line of Fire: Gender, Nerd Culture, and the Women Who Play Hard
In recent years, with nerd culture assimilating more into popular culture, documentary films on the culture have been popping up left and right. Documentaries on video gaming culture, cosplaying culture, and all different sects of nerd culture that were previously hidden away are now in the spotlight. Yet, there is one documentary that has yet to break ground.
And that is the documentary film I want to create.
In the Line of Fire: Gender, Nerd Culture, and the Women Who Play Hard is a documentary film that follows a group of women who participate in nerd culture in different ways, but come together in solidarity over the behavior and reactions they have received. The film is a way to bring to light the prejudice and bigotry in nerd culture that has been thrown at its female members. And also to help incite change in society by showing how the group of women confront the prejudice and harassment.
In the Line of Fire's concept works because it is a way to depict the severe gender divide in nerd culture through a raw, uncut, uncensored fashion. Through the camera's eyes, the audience will be able to see just how horrible of an effect the gender divide has, not only the members of nerd culture, but the morals and ideals held by the culture. Instances of harassment, threats, discrimination, and prejudice are just some of the events that will be shown throughout the film. And while most film producers would tread carefully as to not tarnish the reputation of the culture, the film will remain true, raw, and uncensored. There will be no rose-tinted lens on the scenarios that these women go through.
While the content will be intriguing and shocking, the overall impact of the film is to incite change. Many people, both inside and outside of nerd culture, don't understand the severity of the issue of gender and nerd culture. They claim that it's just the way it's always been. Or that these women are being "too touchy" or "too sensitive." The film will open the public's eyes to what it actually means to be a female nerd and the repercussions that come with taking on that identity.
And that is the documentary film I want to create.
In the Line of Fire: Gender, Nerd Culture, and the Women Who Play Hard is a documentary film that follows a group of women who participate in nerd culture in different ways, but come together in solidarity over the behavior and reactions they have received. The film is a way to bring to light the prejudice and bigotry in nerd culture that has been thrown at its female members. And also to help incite change in society by showing how the group of women confront the prejudice and harassment.
In the Line of Fire's concept works because it is a way to depict the severe gender divide in nerd culture through a raw, uncut, uncensored fashion. Through the camera's eyes, the audience will be able to see just how horrible of an effect the gender divide has, not only the members of nerd culture, but the morals and ideals held by the culture. Instances of harassment, threats, discrimination, and prejudice are just some of the events that will be shown throughout the film. And while most film producers would tread carefully as to not tarnish the reputation of the culture, the film will remain true, raw, and uncensored. There will be no rose-tinted lens on the scenarios that these women go through.
While the content will be intriguing and shocking, the overall impact of the film is to incite change. Many people, both inside and outside of nerd culture, don't understand the severity of the issue of gender and nerd culture. They claim that it's just the way it's always been. Or that these women are being "too touchy" or "too sensitive." The film will open the public's eyes to what it actually means to be a female nerd and the repercussions that come with taking on that identity.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
My Journey to PAXEast
Conventions are a hub of nerd culture activity. Members of all different sub-sects from all over nerd culture come together to celebrate anything from pop culture to video games. Celebrities come to shake the hands of fans. Independent artists host booths in order to get discovered. Panels bring the world of whatever media is on display to the world of their fans. And being a fangirl and a member of nerd culture, conventions are a way for me to experience and socialize with my fellow nerds in the best way possible.
Earlier this year, I managed to purchase a ticket for the annual PAXEast convention in Boston, MA. The convention is a celebration of video games and video gaming culture. Tournaments are held all day throughout the weekend. Video gaming companies and celebrities hold panels to discuss anything from development to general queries. Being a gamer, I'm excited to participate in this important annual event. But, I'm also excited to attend the event as a scholar studying nerd culture. The event will give me a hands on way of looking at, not only video gaming culture, but also nerd culture as a whole.
And I'm not the only one who is interested. While perusing the schedule site, I found myself honing in on a particular panel.
The panel captured my eye because of how it's focusing on the gaming identity and culture along with the bigger geek/nerd culture and identity. With this being such an interesting panel, I plan on, not only taking notes and recording the panel, but I plan on giving my opinions on the research and information presented at the panel.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Gender Issues and Nerd Culture
The topic of gender issues and nerd culture is a widespread topic that has to do with the misogynistic harassment, violence, and bigotry in nerd culture. The topic has seen an increase of social, cultural, journalistic, and academic attention in recent years because of events and pieces pertaining to the topic. The increased attention has given way to discussions on the many aspects of nerd culture that promote and proliferate these misogynistic ideals as well as how the culture has dealt with the recent changes in gender demographics and morals.
1. Social and Cultural Attitudes
The original stereotype for a "nerd" is that of an emasculated, white male who is socially and physically awkward [1][2]. With this stereotype in place for as long as it was, the ideas and morals of the culture grew skewed. This, in turn, created the basis for some of the attitudes that spawn aggression and bigotry had towards women[3][4][5].
1.1 Victimization
The concept of victimization is a popular belief held by the nerd culture population [7]. This idea goes along with the original stereotype of "nerd" as someone who was bullied and criticized for their appearance or interests [8]. However, because of how tightly this belief is held, it's often used to ignore the incidents of harassment and intolerance. The logic goes: "because we were bullied, we are wiser than the bullies that bullied us; therefore, there isn't [x,y,z] going on!" Yet, this victimization attitude does nothing but downplay the issues at hand.
1.2 Emasculation
Nerds are known for being physically and socially awkward [10]. They stereotypically lack the standard themes of masculinity: strength, honor, and action [11]. It is through this hypomasculinity that they are often ridiculed by men who are exhibits of alpha male personalities. Yet, when nerd culture was born, there existed in a culture where they were on top.
Male nerds now seemed frightened for this emasculation to happen inside the culture they built out of security. If they were to be cut down by anyone, lo and behold a "fake geek girl" [12], the safety they created would start to crumble. They would shift from the top of the pyramid back to the bottom [13].
1.3 Male Entitlement
The idea of male nerd entitlement (also known as "nerd male privilege") is the idea that "men - often straight, white men - as a whole, get certain privileges and status because of their gender" [15]. This attitude is the biggest contributor in the instances of misogyny in nerd culture. And the scariest thing is that it's spoon-fed to them through television shows (The Big Bang Theory) [16] and films (Revenge of the Nerds, Sixteen Candles) [17] [18].
Male nerds have been given this idea that if they "try hard enough and persist long enough, [they'll] get the girl in the end" [19]. That life is like "a video game and women, like money and status, are just part of the reward [they] get for doing well" [20]. These ideas are dangerous because they perpetuate this idea that "going for the girl" - through any means necessary - is acceptable. And if she denies you? Then she's shallow for not "giving them a chance" [21].
This entitlement has - for lack of a better saying - inflated the ego the male nerd drastically. If you were to combine this with the two other attitudes listed above, what you get is a dangerous combination. The combination, in turn, causes any bruising of a male nerd's ego to magnify and putting the bruiser in the crosshairs.
2. Community Actions
In recent years, the actions that have been taken against the misogynistic bigotry, harassment and threats have been minimal [22][23]. Male members of nerd culture have only increased the violence and intensity of relation towards women who are speaking out against the misogyny in nerd culture. The best example of how drastic these situations have gotten is the GamerGate Controversy that happened in early 2014 [24].
2.1 Avoidance and Dismissal of Issues
Due to nerd culture's history with bullying, members of nerd culture often dismiss the situations of harassment out of blissful ignorance. Bred from a counter-culture that preens itself on how much "better" they are from the others that excluded them, nerds will do anything to keep the idea that they treat everyone equally intact [26]. And this includes keeping these situations quiet.
By ignoring these situations, they are, not only enabling the perpetrators of these actions, but they are also giving them approval [27]. They are validating the idea that misogynistic actions are only the problems of the people who enact those actions and the women who are being acted upon when it's everyone's problem.
2.3 Hyper-Objectification
2.4 Harassment and Violence
In the past couple of years, the reactions to nerds, especially female nerds, speaking out against the misogyny in nerd culture has reached a terrifying peak. Instances of stalking, hacking, vandalizing, and threats of sexual and physical assault are just some of the occurrences that have taken place. A prime example of how ruthless some of the events have been is the harassment and attacking of feminist media critic Anita Sarkeesian [33].
Sarkeesian gained recognition in the media for the onslaught of online attacks she received in response to her YouTube series "Tropes Vs. Women in Video Games" [34][35][36]. Not only was her Wikipedia page vandalized with images of pornographic content, but hackers attempted to dox - tracking down someone's personal information such as address, email, and SSN through sources on the Internet [37] - and distribute her personal information. The attacks subsided for a short while, but resurfaced when Sarkeesian was interviewed on ABC News Nightline about her scuffle with the gaming community [38].
While these horrible actions aren't carried out over minor situations, female nerds are still plagued by frightening experiences. Instances of stalking and being left unwanted gifts from male nerds whom 'she just won't give a chance because she's shallow.' Instances of groping and physical harassment at conventions that should've been "expected" because of how revealing their cosplay was [39]. And when they retaliate, they chastised for 'not taking it as a compliment.'
References
[1] "Nerd." Wikipedia.org. (last review) 18 Feb 2015. [Link]
[2] Eglash, Ron. "Race, Sex, and Nerds: From Black Geeks to Asian American Hipsters." Social Text vol. 71 (Summer 2002): 49-64. [Link]
[3] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[4] Hern, Alex. "Nerds: Stop hating women, please." NewStatesman Online. 13 November 2012. [Link]
[5] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[6] Dr. Nerdlove. "Ending Sexual Harassment In Geek Culture." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 18 April 2014. [Link]
[7] Dr. Nerdlove. "Ending Sexual Harassment In Geek Culture." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 18 April 2014. [Link]
[8] "Nerd." Wikipedia.org. (last review) 18 Feb 2015. [Link]
[9] Ravishly. "Nerd Masculinity: 'They Won't Give it Up Without a Fight'." Huffington Post Online. 06 Jan 2015. [Link]
[10] Eglash, Ron. "Race, Sex, and Nerds: From Black Geeks to Asian American Hipsters." Social Text vol. 71 (Summer 2002): 49-64. [Link]
[11] Meek, Will, PhD. "Male Gender Role." Psychology of Men. [Link]
[12] "Fake Geek Girls." Geek Feminism Wiki. (late review) 16 Feb 2015. [Link]
[13] Ravishly. "Nerd Masculinity: 'They Won't Give it Up Without a Fight'." Huffington Post Online. 06 Jan 2015. [Link]
[14] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[15] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[16] "The Big Bang Theory." IMDb.com. [Link]
[17] "Revenge of the Nerds." IMDb.com. [Link]
[18] "Sixteen Candles." IMDb.com. [Link]
[19] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[20] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[21] Dr. Nerdlove. "Socially Awkward Isn't An Excuse." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 24 March 2014. [Link]
[22] Pinchefsky, Carol. "Does Felicia Day Matter At All? (Yes)" Forbes Online. 4 July 2012. [Link]
[23] Lewis, Helen. "This is what online harassment looks like." NewStatesman Online. 6 July 2012. [Link]
[24] "GamerGate Controversy." Wikipedia.org. (last review) 21 Feb 2015. [Link]
[25] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[26] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[27] Dr. Nerdlove. "Ending Sexual Harassment In Geek Culture." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 18 April 2014. [Link]
[28] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[29] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[30] Dr. Nerdlove. "Ending Sexual Harassment In Geek Culture." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 18 April 2014. [Link]
[31] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[32] Sarkeesian, Anita. "Image Based Harassment and Visual Misogyny." Feminist Frequency. 1 July 2012. [Link]
[33] Lewis, Helen. "This is what online harassment looks like." NewStatesman Online. 6 July 2012. [Link]
[34] Sarkeesian, Anita. "Image Based Harassment and Visual Misogyny." Feminist Frequency. 1 July 2012. [Link]
[35] Sarkeesian, Anita. "Harassment, Misogyny and Silencing on YouTube." Feminist Frequency. 7 June 2012. [Link]
[36] Sarkeesian, Anita. "Harassment Via Wikipedia Vandalism." Feminist Frequency. 10 June 2012. [Link]
[37] "Doxing." Urban Dictionary. 29 Dec 2011. [Link]
[38] ABC News. "What It Feels Like to Be a GamerGate Target." YouTube. 14 Jan 2015. [Link]
[39] Zara, Christopher. "San Diego Comic-Con: Cosplay Sexual Harassment Takes Center Stage At 2014 Fan Convention." International Business Times Online. 28 July 2014. [Link]
1. Social and Cultural Attitudes
The original stereotype for a "nerd" is that of an emasculated, white male who is socially and physically awkward [1][2]. With this stereotype in place for as long as it was, the ideas and morals of the culture grew skewed. This, in turn, created the basis for some of the attitudes that spawn aggression and bigotry had towards women[3][4][5].
1.1 Victimization
"Nerd and geeks aren't the bulliers, we're the bullied. We're the outsiders." [6]
The concept of victimization is a popular belief held by the nerd culture population [7]. This idea goes along with the original stereotype of "nerd" as someone who was bullied and criticized for their appearance or interests [8]. However, because of how tightly this belief is held, it's often used to ignore the incidents of harassment and intolerance. The logic goes: "because we were bullied, we are wiser than the bullies that bullied us; therefore, there isn't [x,y,z] going on!" Yet, this victimization attitude does nothing but downplay the issues at hand.
1.2 Emasculation
"He is, in other words, a man who fails at being a man." [9]
Nerds are known for being physically and socially awkward [10]. They stereotypically lack the standard themes of masculinity: strength, honor, and action [11]. It is through this hypomasculinity that they are often ridiculed by men who are exhibits of alpha male personalities. Yet, when nerd culture was born, there existed in a culture where they were on top.
Male nerds now seemed frightened for this emasculation to happen inside the culture they built out of security. If they were to be cut down by anyone, lo and behold a "fake geek girl" [12], the safety they created would start to crumble. They would shift from the top of the pyramid back to the bottom [13].
1.3 Male Entitlement
"But the overall problem is one of a culture where instead of seeing women as, you know, people, protagonists of their own stories just like we are of ours, men are taught that women are things to "earn," to "win."" [14]
The idea of male nerd entitlement (also known as "nerd male privilege") is the idea that "men - often straight, white men - as a whole, get certain privileges and status because of their gender" [15]. This attitude is the biggest contributor in the instances of misogyny in nerd culture. And the scariest thing is that it's spoon-fed to them through television shows (The Big Bang Theory) [16] and films (Revenge of the Nerds, Sixteen Candles) [17] [18].
Male nerds have been given this idea that if they "try hard enough and persist long enough, [they'll] get the girl in the end" [19]. That life is like "a video game and women, like money and status, are just part of the reward [they] get for doing well" [20]. These ideas are dangerous because they perpetuate this idea that "going for the girl" - through any means necessary - is acceptable. And if she denies you? Then she's shallow for not "giving them a chance" [21].
This entitlement has - for lack of a better saying - inflated the ego the male nerd drastically. If you were to combine this with the two other attitudes listed above, what you get is a dangerous combination. The combination, in turn, causes any bruising of a male nerd's ego to magnify and putting the bruiser in the crosshairs.
2. Community Actions
In recent years, the actions that have been taken against the misogynistic bigotry, harassment and threats have been minimal [22][23]. Male members of nerd culture have only increased the violence and intensity of relation towards women who are speaking out against the misogyny in nerd culture. The best example of how drastic these situations have gotten is the GamerGate Controversy that happened in early 2014 [24].
2.1 Avoidance and Dismissal of Issues
"They'll insist that they're more egalitarian; geeks hold tight to the belief that geek culture is a meritocracy, where concepts of agism, sexism and racism simply don't exist the way it does elsewhere. And yet, even a cursory examination will demonstrate that this isn't true." [25]
Due to nerd culture's history with bullying, members of nerd culture often dismiss the situations of harassment out of blissful ignorance. Bred from a counter-culture that preens itself on how much "better" they are from the others that excluded them, nerds will do anything to keep the idea that they treat everyone equally intact [26]. And this includes keeping these situations quiet.
By ignoring these situations, they are, not only enabling the perpetrators of these actions, but they are also giving them approval [27]. They are validating the idea that misogynistic actions are only the problems of the people who enact those actions and the women who are being acted upon when it's everyone's problem.
2.3 Hyper-Objectification
"Of course, the other sides of the coin isn't much better; being dismissed for the of being a woman is bad, but being placed on the traditional pillar is no less insulting." [28]
While there are some nerds who are ignoring the misogyny, there are those who are taking a complete opposing reaction to the claims of intolerance and assault. Their actions are to treat female gamers in a idealistic and objectifying manner. While most would consider this a good thing (with "treating a lady well" being "good manners"), the reaction doesn't aid in quelling the inequality. By putting these women on a proverbial pillar, they are doing the same thing they did before: they are treating them differently because they are women [29].
This treatment can go in a drastically horrible direction. The objectification can lead to fetishization and sexualization of the woman - especially female nerds [30]. And this, in turn, refreshes the Groundhog Day style clock that nerd culture seems to have when it comes to gender issues.
2.4 Harassment and Violence
"I've heard and seen the stories that those of you who followed that #YesAllWomen hashtag on Twitter have seen-women getting groped at cons, women getting vicious insults flung at them online, women getting stalked by creeps in college and told they should be "flattered."" [31]
"After struggling with whether or not to make the extent of the attacks public I've decided that it's ultimately important to shed light on this type of abuse because online harassment and bullying are at epidemic levels across the Internet." [32]
In the past couple of years, the reactions to nerds, especially female nerds, speaking out against the misogyny in nerd culture has reached a terrifying peak. Instances of stalking, hacking, vandalizing, and threats of sexual and physical assault are just some of the occurrences that have taken place. A prime example of how ruthless some of the events have been is the harassment and attacking of feminist media critic Anita Sarkeesian [33].
Sarkeesian gained recognition in the media for the onslaught of online attacks she received in response to her YouTube series "Tropes Vs. Women in Video Games" [34][35][36]. Not only was her Wikipedia page vandalized with images of pornographic content, but hackers attempted to dox - tracking down someone's personal information such as address, email, and SSN through sources on the Internet [37] - and distribute her personal information. The attacks subsided for a short while, but resurfaced when Sarkeesian was interviewed on ABC News Nightline about her scuffle with the gaming community [38].
While these horrible actions aren't carried out over minor situations, female nerds are still plagued by frightening experiences. Instances of stalking and being left unwanted gifts from male nerds whom 'she just won't give a chance because she's shallow.' Instances of groping and physical harassment at conventions that should've been "expected" because of how revealing their cosplay was [39]. And when they retaliate, they chastised for 'not taking it as a compliment.'
References
[1] "Nerd." Wikipedia.org. (last review) 18 Feb 2015. [Link]
[2] Eglash, Ron. "Race, Sex, and Nerds: From Black Geeks to Asian American Hipsters." Social Text vol. 71 (Summer 2002): 49-64. [Link]
[3] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[4] Hern, Alex. "Nerds: Stop hating women, please." NewStatesman Online. 13 November 2012. [Link]
[5] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[6] Dr. Nerdlove. "Ending Sexual Harassment In Geek Culture." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 18 April 2014. [Link]
[7] Dr. Nerdlove. "Ending Sexual Harassment In Geek Culture." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 18 April 2014. [Link]
[8] "Nerd." Wikipedia.org. (last review) 18 Feb 2015. [Link]
[9] Ravishly. "Nerd Masculinity: 'They Won't Give it Up Without a Fight'." Huffington Post Online. 06 Jan 2015. [Link]
[10] Eglash, Ron. "Race, Sex, and Nerds: From Black Geeks to Asian American Hipsters." Social Text vol. 71 (Summer 2002): 49-64. [Link]
[11] Meek, Will, PhD. "Male Gender Role." Psychology of Men. [Link]
[12] "Fake Geek Girls." Geek Feminism Wiki. (late review) 16 Feb 2015. [Link]
[13] Ravishly. "Nerd Masculinity: 'They Won't Give it Up Without a Fight'." Huffington Post Online. 06 Jan 2015. [Link]
[14] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[15] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[16] "The Big Bang Theory." IMDb.com. [Link]
[17] "Revenge of the Nerds." IMDb.com. [Link]
[18] "Sixteen Candles." IMDb.com. [Link]
[19] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[20] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[21] Dr. Nerdlove. "Socially Awkward Isn't An Excuse." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 24 March 2014. [Link]
[22] Pinchefsky, Carol. "Does Felicia Day Matter At All? (Yes)" Forbes Online. 4 July 2012. [Link]
[23] Lewis, Helen. "This is what online harassment looks like." NewStatesman Online. 6 July 2012. [Link]
[24] "GamerGate Controversy." Wikipedia.org. (last review) 21 Feb 2015. [Link]
[25] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[26] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[27] Dr. Nerdlove. "Ending Sexual Harassment In Geek Culture." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 18 April 2014. [Link]
[28] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[29] O'Malley, Harris. "Nerds and Male Privilege." Kotaku. 16 Dec. 2011. [Link]
[30] Dr. Nerdlove. "Ending Sexual Harassment In Geek Culture." Paging Dr. Nerdlove. 18 April 2014. [Link]
[31] Chu, Arthur. "Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Misogyny, Entitlement, and Nerds." The Daily Beast Online. 27 May 2014. [Link]
[32] Sarkeesian, Anita. "Image Based Harassment and Visual Misogyny." Feminist Frequency. 1 July 2012. [Link]
[33] Lewis, Helen. "This is what online harassment looks like." NewStatesman Online. 6 July 2012. [Link]
[34] Sarkeesian, Anita. "Image Based Harassment and Visual Misogyny." Feminist Frequency. 1 July 2012. [Link]
[35] Sarkeesian, Anita. "Harassment, Misogyny and Silencing on YouTube." Feminist Frequency. 7 June 2012. [Link]
[36] Sarkeesian, Anita. "Harassment Via Wikipedia Vandalism." Feminist Frequency. 10 June 2012. [Link]
[37] "Doxing." Urban Dictionary. 29 Dec 2011. [Link]
[38] ABC News. "What It Feels Like to Be a GamerGate Target." YouTube. 14 Jan 2015. [Link]
[39] Zara, Christopher. "San Diego Comic-Con: Cosplay Sexual Harassment Takes Center Stage At 2014 Fan Convention." International Business Times Online. 28 July 2014. [Link]
Saturday, February 14, 2015
The Undercover Hipster's Guide to Nerd-dom: How to Create a Cosplay
Cosplay is hard.
No matter your level of experience. No matter the characters that you choose. Every cosplayer will respond with the phrase when you ask them what cosplay is like: cosplay is hard. Not much of a gleaming review, I know. But the arduous process is always worth the couple months of blood, sweat, and tears.
These instructions are here to help anyone through that process. I will work from the design to the finish product. I want to remind everyone that this is a general overview. These instructions aren't the be all end all. Every cosplayer has a different system that they go through when they create and present a cosplay. However, these instructions are -- in my opinion -- a good place to start.
• Step #1: Pick a Character
Many newcomers will think this is the easiest step. And depending on the character and costume that you pick, they're right. Yet, a majority of the time they will come to find that this is one of the hardest steps in the procedure. When you are picking a character to cosplay, you want to make sure that you have three basic things in mind: Skill Level, Coverage, and Comfort.
Skill Level is imperative to your character choice because you don't want to pick a character whose costume is out of your experience level.
If you aren't sure if the character is at your skill level, ask yourself this: do you have to learn or re-learn three or more things? If it's yes, then it's too complicated. It could mean the difference between a good cosplay and a great cosplay.
Coverage is an aspect on its own, but it also works in conjunction with the third item on this list. Coverage is a general term that has to do with how much of your body the costume covers. There are some characters that are well known that have skimpy outfits. While there are some costumes that cover quite a bit.
Coverage and your comfort with wearing the costume are ideals that go hand in hand. However, it's not just your comfort that coverage applies to. Major convention companies such as Wizard World and PAX have cosplaying rules about how revealing your cosplay can be. In fact, PAX has initiated a "'Booth Babes' Policy" that applies to cosplayers as well as convention booth workers. In the end, as long as you aren't breaking any rules, coverage all depends on how comfortable you are with the cosplay.
The final detail is Comfort. Conventions are multi-day events with a lot of walking around involved. And you may think that you can last a day in high heels and a full skirt, but you could also be completely wrong. Picking a character that you know you will be comfortable walking around the convention floor in all day is an imperative detail to picking your cosplay. If you know you can take a chance walking around in two inch heels all day, do it! But, if you wince at the thought, perhaps a character with flats is better?
In the end the decision is yours to make. It's not going to be anyone else in that cosplay but you. So, the final choice is yours and yours alone. And whomever you choose, be sure it's a character that you can abide by the first rule of cosplay in: have fun!
• Step #2: Draw Up Your Design
The next step is to draw -- or collage, or sketch -- up your design. Doing this will help you visualize your cosplay better in your mind. It will also allow you to take notes on the cosplay on particular parts such as what fabrics you might need or what patterns you might use.
Whatever medium you choose to use all depends on you. I usually digitally sketch out my designs on my computer and print them out. It allows me to insert pictures of the character or pictures of items of clothing that would work best for the outfit. The choice is yours. I know people who use paper dolls to design their cosplays whose outfits come out looking professional.
No matter how you design, having a physical visualization of your cosplay will help you when you are getting and putting everything together.
• Step #3: Get Your Supplies
As my cosplay mom once told me: cosplays don't just fall out of the sky. And whether it's a simple t-shirt or a full ball gown with a light up bow and arrow, you're going to need a few things to have your character come to life.
Once you have your design drafted and noted, you should have a clear idea of how much of what type of materials you'll need. You'll then need to locate the places that sell the materials you need. Now, most cosplayers will say they live in their local craft and fabric shops. Those are great places for cosplayers of any level, but they aren't the only places in the world that you can go to get cosplaying supplies.
Home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's carry high quality products for making accessories, props, and weapons. Superstores such as Target, Walmart, and Kmart are good if you need to duck in for a last minute pair of tights or cheap Nerf gun for a prop. And any retail stores hold items that can easily be modified into the perfect part of your cosplay.
When looking for locations, it's also important that the store you're going to has the right amount of the material you're asking for. It allows you more time to work on your project by saving you some time running around to different stores looking for three of the exact same styrofoam balls you were looking for.
So, you've done your shopping and you've gotten your (small mountain) of supplies. What's next?
• Step #4: Work on the Cosplay
Here comes the hard part: making the cosplay. This step is the longest of the process. And depending on the cosplay you've chosen, "long" could be an understatement.
When working on a cosplay, be sure that you spread your work time out evenly. If you rush to get it done early, you run the risk of it being stained or pets or little siblings getting into it (your dog will eat your cosplay if it's mad enough). If you lay it off and rush to get it done a week before the convention, then you'll most likely end up hunched in front of your sewing machine at five in the morning wondering what it would be like to be human again.
Spreading your time out evenly will allow for you to plan around any mishaps that might happen and fix any slight -- or major -- complications that might arise. Plus, it allows you to take a break every so often to focus on other things in your life such as school or family and friends. Cosplay may seem as though it's the center of the world when you're knee deep in your final bustle, but in the end it's all about fun. And there is nothing fun about sticking yourself with a needle at three in the morning because you're rushing to get your costume done in time.
• Step #5: Travel
Your costume is all finished and stitched together. Your hems are tight, your props are glued in their appropriate places, and your wig and make up are ready and styled. Now comes, possibly, the most nerve wracking part: traveling to the convention.
You may think that I'm over-exaggerating. But there is nothing calming about waiting for the cardboard box filled with the prop you painstakingly worked on for a month slide down and out at baggage claim after a long plane ride. And if you think waiting for a prop is bad, thinking about what travel did to that wig of yours is going to give you a bushel of gray hairs.
Whether you're going to a convention an hour away or are flying to another state to attend, traveling with your cosplay is a torturous dance of "what if." My best advice is to pack and plan with common sense. If you're going to be in body paint and are carpooling to the event, be sure that you bathed yourself in setting powder or spray. If you have to check a box with your luggage, be sure that you have packed everything safely and securely. All it takes is one moment of "eh" that could mean the difference between a disaster and a happy convention experience.
• Step #6: Getting Ready
Everything is safe and in good condition. You got up early to the sickening smell of hot plastic as your friend styles her wig. You duck into the hotel's buffet breakfast to grab some bacon, only to get weird looks as you look like a troll with your face half painted and your wig cap secure. That's right, it's time to get into your cosplay.
It may seem strange to have a step solely for putting on the costume. But, trust me, it helps to have it.
When getting into your cosplay, be sure that you save yourself enough time before the convention or whenever you want to go to the convention to get ready. That involves getting a good night's rest before. It's the Christmas Day Principle - as much as you're excited to get down there, the day comes faster the sooner you fall asleep. Once you wake up well rested (or dead tired because your anxiety kept you up), now begins the race.
It doesn't matter if you're getting ready by yourself in your room or are sharing a room with your friends, there is an overwhelming sense of rush that comes over you. You race to quickly shower and dry your hair. You sprint from one end of your room to another in order to get every piece on as quickly as you can. Wigs are flying back and forth. People are crowding around the mirror to get a better look for their make up or contacts.
This is the time where you need to take a moment and just breathe. Let the world stand still for a moment and re-ground yourself. Trust me, your make up will look much better when your hands aren't shaking.
If you have decided to opt into sharing a hotel room with other cosplayers, be sure to set out a system for getting ready the night before. If everyone needs to shower in the morning, then make a list of who gets the shower first. Make sure that everyone has their own station for certain parts of the process such as make-up, costume, wig, etc. And be sure to touch base with each other during the process to make sure that there isn't going to be a ten car pile up at the mirror at the final moment.
Whatever your situation, be sure to keep your cool. Stressing will only take more fun out of the experience. Plus, no one wants to be the grouch who hogs the bathroom for an hour when two other people need to get in.
• Step #7: Present Final Cosplay
This step is pretty self-explanatory. Once you're all ready and you've done your twelfth once over to make sure that everything is where it should be, it's time to shine.
When walking down to a convention, be sure that you have everything that you need and you are able to get back to your room. If you are driving and parking at a garage, make sure you save yourself ample room just in case you need to throw on one last piece of your cosplay in the garage. Be sure to be aware of your surroundings as you walk to the con. It's easy to get sidetracked with everything before you realized you've trounced on someone's train.
When out on the convention floor, smile and have fun! This is the moment that you've been waiting for, so have a little bit of fun with it. Be kind and courteous to people if they ask you to pose for a photograph. And be wary of where you stand, just in case there is an impromptu photo session in the middle of an alleyway. If someone is acting in a way that's making you uncomfortable, don't hesitant to tell them to go away. If the actions persist, be sure to locate your nearest convention staff member and tell them the situation. They are there to make sure everyone is having a great time. And harassment isn't fun to anyone.
And that's it! Pretty easy, huh? Well, the fun is worth the stress in the end. If you have any questions or concerns, don't be shy to post a comment on this post.
• Step #1: Pick a Character
Many newcomers will think this is the easiest step. And depending on the character and costume that you pick, they're right. Yet, a majority of the time they will come to find that this is one of the hardest steps in the procedure. When you are picking a character to cosplay, you want to make sure that you have three basic things in mind: Skill Level, Coverage, and Comfort.
Skill Level is imperative to your character choice because you don't want to pick a character whose costume is out of your experience level.
 |
| Banshee Queen Enira from Lineage 2 |
 |
| Fionna from Adventure Time with Fionna and Cake |
If you aren't sure if the character is at your skill level, ask yourself this: do you have to learn or re-learn three or more things? If it's yes, then it's too complicated. It could mean the difference between a good cosplay and a great cosplay.
Coverage is an aspect on its own, but it also works in conjunction with the third item on this list. Coverage is a general term that has to do with how much of your body the costume covers. There are some characters that are well known that have skimpy outfits. While there are some costumes that cover quite a bit.
 |
| Juliet Starling from Lollipop Chainsaw |
 |
| Genderbent Dean Winchester from Supernatural |
Coverage and your comfort with wearing the costume are ideals that go hand in hand. However, it's not just your comfort that coverage applies to. Major convention companies such as Wizard World and PAX have cosplaying rules about how revealing your cosplay can be. In fact, PAX has initiated a "'Booth Babes' Policy" that applies to cosplayers as well as convention booth workers. In the end, as long as you aren't breaking any rules, coverage all depends on how comfortable you are with the cosplay.
The final detail is Comfort. Conventions are multi-day events with a lot of walking around involved. And you may think that you can last a day in high heels and a full skirt, but you could also be completely wrong. Picking a character that you know you will be comfortable walking around the convention floor in all day is an imperative detail to picking your cosplay. If you know you can take a chance walking around in two inch heels all day, do it! But, if you wince at the thought, perhaps a character with flats is better?
In the end the decision is yours to make. It's not going to be anyone else in that cosplay but you. So, the final choice is yours and yours alone. And whomever you choose, be sure it's a character that you can abide by the first rule of cosplay in: have fun!
• Step #2: Draw Up Your Design
The next step is to draw -- or collage, or sketch -- up your design. Doing this will help you visualize your cosplay better in your mind. It will also allow you to take notes on the cosplay on particular parts such as what fabrics you might need or what patterns you might use.
Whatever medium you choose to use all depends on you. I usually digitally sketch out my designs on my computer and print them out. It allows me to insert pictures of the character or pictures of items of clothing that would work best for the outfit. The choice is yours. I know people who use paper dolls to design their cosplays whose outfits come out looking professional.
No matter how you design, having a physical visualization of your cosplay will help you when you are getting and putting everything together.
• Step #3: Get Your Supplies
As my cosplay mom once told me: cosplays don't just fall out of the sky. And whether it's a simple t-shirt or a full ball gown with a light up bow and arrow, you're going to need a few things to have your character come to life.
Once you have your design drafted and noted, you should have a clear idea of how much of what type of materials you'll need. You'll then need to locate the places that sell the materials you need. Now, most cosplayers will say they live in their local craft and fabric shops. Those are great places for cosplayers of any level, but they aren't the only places in the world that you can go to get cosplaying supplies.
Home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's carry high quality products for making accessories, props, and weapons. Superstores such as Target, Walmart, and Kmart are good if you need to duck in for a last minute pair of tights or cheap Nerf gun for a prop. And any retail stores hold items that can easily be modified into the perfect part of your cosplay.
When looking for locations, it's also important that the store you're going to has the right amount of the material you're asking for. It allows you more time to work on your project by saving you some time running around to different stores looking for three of the exact same styrofoam balls you were looking for.
So, you've done your shopping and you've gotten your (small mountain) of supplies. What's next?
• Step #4: Work on the Cosplay
Here comes the hard part: making the cosplay. This step is the longest of the process. And depending on the cosplay you've chosen, "long" could be an understatement.
When working on a cosplay, be sure that you spread your work time out evenly. If you rush to get it done early, you run the risk of it being stained or pets or little siblings getting into it (your dog will eat your cosplay if it's mad enough). If you lay it off and rush to get it done a week before the convention, then you'll most likely end up hunched in front of your sewing machine at five in the morning wondering what it would be like to be human again.
Spreading your time out evenly will allow for you to plan around any mishaps that might happen and fix any slight -- or major -- complications that might arise. Plus, it allows you to take a break every so often to focus on other things in your life such as school or family and friends. Cosplay may seem as though it's the center of the world when you're knee deep in your final bustle, but in the end it's all about fun. And there is nothing fun about sticking yourself with a needle at three in the morning because you're rushing to get your costume done in time.
• Step #5: Travel
Your costume is all finished and stitched together. Your hems are tight, your props are glued in their appropriate places, and your wig and make up are ready and styled. Now comes, possibly, the most nerve wracking part: traveling to the convention.
You may think that I'm over-exaggerating. But there is nothing calming about waiting for the cardboard box filled with the prop you painstakingly worked on for a month slide down and out at baggage claim after a long plane ride. And if you think waiting for a prop is bad, thinking about what travel did to that wig of yours is going to give you a bushel of gray hairs.
Whether you're going to a convention an hour away or are flying to another state to attend, traveling with your cosplay is a torturous dance of "what if." My best advice is to pack and plan with common sense. If you're going to be in body paint and are carpooling to the event, be sure that you bathed yourself in setting powder or spray. If you have to check a box with your luggage, be sure that you have packed everything safely and securely. All it takes is one moment of "eh" that could mean the difference between a disaster and a happy convention experience.
• Step #6: Getting Ready
Everything is safe and in good condition. You got up early to the sickening smell of hot plastic as your friend styles her wig. You duck into the hotel's buffet breakfast to grab some bacon, only to get weird looks as you look like a troll with your face half painted and your wig cap secure. That's right, it's time to get into your cosplay.
It may seem strange to have a step solely for putting on the costume. But, trust me, it helps to have it.
When getting into your cosplay, be sure that you save yourself enough time before the convention or whenever you want to go to the convention to get ready. That involves getting a good night's rest before. It's the Christmas Day Principle - as much as you're excited to get down there, the day comes faster the sooner you fall asleep. Once you wake up well rested (or dead tired because your anxiety kept you up), now begins the race.
It doesn't matter if you're getting ready by yourself in your room or are sharing a room with your friends, there is an overwhelming sense of rush that comes over you. You race to quickly shower and dry your hair. You sprint from one end of your room to another in order to get every piece on as quickly as you can. Wigs are flying back and forth. People are crowding around the mirror to get a better look for their make up or contacts.
This is the time where you need to take a moment and just breathe. Let the world stand still for a moment and re-ground yourself. Trust me, your make up will look much better when your hands aren't shaking.
If you have decided to opt into sharing a hotel room with other cosplayers, be sure to set out a system for getting ready the night before. If everyone needs to shower in the morning, then make a list of who gets the shower first. Make sure that everyone has their own station for certain parts of the process such as make-up, costume, wig, etc. And be sure to touch base with each other during the process to make sure that there isn't going to be a ten car pile up at the mirror at the final moment.
Whatever your situation, be sure to keep your cool. Stressing will only take more fun out of the experience. Plus, no one wants to be the grouch who hogs the bathroom for an hour when two other people need to get in.
• Step #7: Present Final Cosplay
This step is pretty self-explanatory. Once you're all ready and you've done your twelfth once over to make sure that everything is where it should be, it's time to shine.
When walking down to a convention, be sure that you have everything that you need and you are able to get back to your room. If you are driving and parking at a garage, make sure you save yourself ample room just in case you need to throw on one last piece of your cosplay in the garage. Be sure to be aware of your surroundings as you walk to the con. It's easy to get sidetracked with everything before you realized you've trounced on someone's train.
When out on the convention floor, smile and have fun! This is the moment that you've been waiting for, so have a little bit of fun with it. Be kind and courteous to people if they ask you to pose for a photograph. And be wary of where you stand, just in case there is an impromptu photo session in the middle of an alleyway. If someone is acting in a way that's making you uncomfortable, don't hesitant to tell them to go away. If the actions persist, be sure to locate your nearest convention staff member and tell them the situation. They are there to make sure everyone is having a great time. And harassment isn't fun to anyone.
And that's it! Pretty easy, huh? Well, the fun is worth the stress in the end. If you have any questions or concerns, don't be shy to post a comment on this post.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Two Sides to Every Coin: Looking at Both Ends of the Gender Dicussion
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
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