What constitutes as a true nerd?
The latest surge of female nerds, or fan girls, has been spreading all over the Internet thanks to sites like Tumblr, posting gifs of popular television programs like Doctor Who and Sherlock as well as main-stream action movies catered to a male audience (i.e. The Avengers). The message is clear; women enjoy creative, thoughtful storyline just as much as men do. But the line in the sandbox has been drawn.
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Cosplay, the act of dressing like popular characters in fantasy and sci-fi has become a major recreation for fans, both men and women alike. What once was strictly considered a fun past time for geeks, dressing up like their favorite characters, has become a battlefield for the elitist bigotry of “vetted” nerds. Instead of being accepted for their attention to detail, women are being accused of pandering to male nerds. The premise that these “real nerds” are suggesting is not only laughable but it’s down right insulting.
The Fake Geek Girls meme is just the latest in a long line of sexist pop culture propaganda. It is basically the nerd equivalent of slut shaming. Objectifying a woman because she likes to dress like a scantily clad character popularized (and ahem created by men) is a male construct. Cosplay for women, just like what they chose to wear in their daily lives, is a reflection of the person they are and does not have anything to do with another human being.
Which brings me to my main point.
During last night’s finale of King of the Nerds, not only did a female nerd win but women dominated the competition and turned the term last man standing on its head. The final three contestants were women of varying degrees of nerdiness. All had an equal shot at taking the prize and claiming the glory of being crowned the Queen of the Nerds. But there could only be one and the underdog Celeste came out on top.
Throughout the series, there seemed to be an unspoken agreement; the otherness of the opposite sex loomed over the house, dubbed Nerdvana, and it’s male competitors. That isn’t to say that there was hostility with Nerdvana but something was amiss just like it always is.
The show wasn’t a bad idea. It promoted the idea of smart being sexy and that self-acceptance is the key to happiness. The duration of the show, while focusing on the drama of having a bunch of people living in a house together and competing against one another, displayed a positive outlook of nerd culture that should be applauded. The show set out to celebrate nerds of all kinds, choosing a winner based on mutual respect and who would be a good role model to young nerds. In truth, by participating and accepting each other made everyone on the show a role model for young nerds. Winner or not, every person on King of the Nerds represents the culture and supports a healthy perception of the differences of people in general.
However, Virgil’s rant about girl nerds not even registering as women to him was disconcerting.
There were some touching moments of positive gender relations on the show, and some not so touching. Most notable is the way Josh handled voting teammate Danielle into the nerd-off. And even though I wanted to feel bad for Danielle, I wasn’t entirely thrilled with the fact that she cried to get sympathy. It was a tactic that not only blew up in her face but also created a plethora of issues within the team (Orange/Forsaken Orb). Big up to Brandon by the way, who was most likely uncomfortable but did the decent human thing and asked if she was okay (I was rooting for you Brandon, you are awesome).
I’d like to point out that there is a difference between Danielle’s tears and competitors like Genevieve and Celeste crying out of sadness. Genevieve cried a few times during the season but was still regarded as a serious threat. She played the game and she played it smart, and did not seek pity or leverage by playing up her femininity. But somehow all situations of so-called “female emotion” are met with awkward stances and flight responses.
Guys, come on, just admit that you were unsure of how to respond. Don’t blame the women for feeling. Your awkwardness is a social problem not a gender issue.
The show’s name itself implies the deep-seeded sexism within the culture, “King” of the Nerds. From Kevin Smith’s alleged favoritism of male players during the debate challenge, to the way the men interacted with women teammates and competitors in general, it is evident that there is still a lot of work to be done to achieve any semblance of equality in nerd cultures boy’s club. But it’s a start.
Am I late to the party? Has this been talked about to the point of boredom? Are you guys over it?
So what is the current state of Nerdlandia? I’m leaning towards hopeful.
I have been following the news and formulating a response to all this true nerd, fake nerd malarkey for some time and I really didn’t have much to add to the conversation until now. I could nod my head in silent approval at the smart, empowered women who have already responded or I could voice my own concerns: women in nerd culture are not going anywhere and we shouldn’t have to.
We are at a point of revolution and I’d like to encourage a serious conversation on all levels.
Let’s face it we all were once no0bs. Being new to a fandom should not single a person out. Any person, regardless of gender identity has the right to choice their identity. Old school nerds should not be trying to shame people out of liking the things they like, but welcoming them.
The separated line of popular and unpopular is dead. The increasing popularity of comic book culture, superhero movies, and fantasy has been happening for a while now. The San Diego Comic Convention has been selling out for the past few years, embracing the various elements of media and pop culture that go along with it. The nerd as we know it is long gone and it’s about time.
For more on the issue of fake geek v. true geek:
Fake Geek Girls Are Not Coming to Destroy You
Fake Geek Girls Paranoia is About Male Insecurity Not Female Duplicity
Dear Fake Geek Girls Please Go Away
Fake. Geek. Girls. from Hello Giggles
I Married a Fake Geek Girl
