Archetypes

One of the arguments that has been going on for a while now is the argument between “geeks” and “nerds”. While many people usually know the difference between these two, it may help to further understand them by knowing the lexical definitions of both. A geek is defined by two definitions. One being: “An unfashionable or socially inept person”. The second definition being: “A knowledgeable and obsessive enthusiast”. I think that both of these can be true, but I agree more with the latter. Now the definition of a nerd also has two definitions. The first: “A foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious”, and the second being: “A single-minded expert in a particular technical field”. Both of these are used in popular culture as ways to show both of these people, but both can be misleading. I believe that one can be a geek, or a nerd in a way that they will still be seen as a regular person. I think that you can break the stereotype of these archetypes.

Everyone is a geek or a nerd in a certain topic. It could be something that is seen as “geeky” such as computers, technology, or video games, but people can also be geeks about sports, art, or a favorite TV show. One also does not have to be limited by the definition of a geek. You don’t have to be a geek in just one area. One can be a geek or nerd in as many things as they want. Personally, I sometimes don’t feel like I am usually classified as a “geek”, but I am geeky about a lot of things. I am a HUGE geek when it comes to soccer and tennis. On the professional level, I can name an almost weird number of players, what teams they play for, all of the transfer rumors, what places the teams are in, and how all of the five major leagues are doing. In tennis, I analyse the players, their shots, their world rank, and how they win their matches. This is something I rarely show to its full extent since there are few people who are on the same geek level and I end up boring them since I talk about things that may sound totally useless to them. I am also a huge technology geek. I used to sit in my room for hours watching YouTube videos about the latest tech and could name the specs of dozens of devices off of the top of my head with ease. I am always interested when a company has a big keynote reveal, no matter what the company. Apple WWDC, Google I/O, and CES are my personal favorites. I was really able to relate to what the book said about archetypes not being totally exclusive to certain traits. Just because someone is a geek, doesn’t mean that they are like all geeks. A popular stereotype of geeks and nerds is that they do not have any social skills. I find it very easy however, to talk to people, make new friends, and communicate effectively with people that I could gain knowledge or skills from. I am a very social and personable person. At times I can be introverted, but it just depends on the situation. This is what excites me about this field, because I feel like I can do something with these traits of mine. I like the idea of not being tied down by certain personality traits and interests. You can find examples of this all over pop culture and sports. Many celebrities and athletes are nerds and geeks. I think that this is great since it show that it is fine to be very interested in something, and I think it is actually quite normal. It can create a positive view towards being a geek/nerd for younger people if they see their role models doing the same thing.

So are geeks and nerds the outcasts of society? My answer would be a most definite “no”. Can you break the stereotypes of being a nerd/geek while still being one? Yes. I think that it is a very good thing to be a geek or nerd. However, if you are, just know that the definitions of them are not cut and dried. You can be an athlete and a nerd. Just look at Deloy. He’s not only a technical wizard, but is a wizard on the soccer pitch as well!