Gender Relations in Nerdvana

Over the past few months a disturbing trend has been occurring all across Nerdlandia. Guy geeks have been attacking girl nerds on the basis of false advertising, stating that they are not true nerds.



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.

Just Say No to False Binaries: Lessons from the Battle of the Fake Geek Girl

Chatting With ALB

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

That akward moment when you realize you have nothing to say...yeah

I have been avoiding writing this.

So I know I said that I'd be writing up a list of what I am excited about in the upcoming year and I have been trying. But (there is always a but) I am not all that impressed with the upcoming state of pop culture at the moment.

At least until now.

The only thing that has peaked my interest as of late is the trailer for Warm Bodies which will be hitting the theaters Feb. 1. I just found out it is a book so I am hoping to find a copy to read before I go see the film. I make no promises of a review but I'll think about it (This harkens back to my feelings of critics living outside the moment).


Still working out the crap computer stitch but here is a link to IMDB's Warm Bodies page.

The Year of No Shennantics: Get Busy Living and Responding

Happy New Year everybody!

We did a bad job of keeping this page updated and part of the problem, at least for me, was that I was too busy actually living my life to comment on it as it happened. I always feel like critics stand on the outside of life telling people what they should be experiencing. They rush into moments and spend the entire time trying to think of ways to describe it to others. It's a sad truth that I haven't accepted. But I have a plan for the coming new year and I hope you'll enjoy it.

For now though, I'd like to leave 2012 with a short list of what I actually made an impact on me this year:

(There will be no photos because my computer is evil)

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Released back in January TFiOS is still kicking ass and taking names. It even has been listed on some of the top Best Books lists for the entire year. Not bad for a YA love story about two kids with cancer. Author John Green began this book many years ago and it is with love and patience that it grew into the heart wrenching, poignant story that it is (I've always hated book reviews with that word in it but it hits the mark perfectly). The best thing about TFiOS is that each character is fully developed and interesting, not a small task by any means. Hazel's and Augustus's parents have a realism that Green had not fully developed before in previous novels. If you don't mind crying out loud while reading please go pick up a copy (even if you don't, give it a try anyway. You won't regret it). There is currently a special edition available with a silver cover and a few extras.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Not the book, the movie

Come on, like you didn't see that one coming? Lets keep this sweet; everything in my review of the trailer fits what I would say about the film. It is brilliant, but it took out a few things that I would have liked to see. Most notably the cutting of Charlie's sister's subplot. Watching Perks in the same theater that I used to do The Rocky Horror Picture Show was an experience that I personally will never forget and hopefully for those that saw it can build memories as exciting and infinite as Charlie and co.

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/LizzieBennet)

This is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice set as a video blog...need I say more? Ambitious and enthralling, watching is the most fun I've had on the internet (okay, maybe not completely but it is up there!). Speculation over the big Darcy reveal was the hottest November discussion and it's only getting better. Lydia is even likable! Looking forward to the rest of the series and I highly encourage any one even remotely interested in adaptations of classic literature to check it out.


The biggest let down of the year would have to be the rescheduling Keiron Gillen's and Jamie McKevie's Phonogram: The Immaterial Girl. It was supposed to come out in November and I waited with bated breath only to be disappointed. The first issue will be released sometime next year (maybe), which leads into my most anticipated projects/releases of 2013 that I'll write sometime later this week.

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and a year full of Shennantics ^_^ Here's to 2013!

The Shennantics Review of the Dark Knight Rises!

"And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be." The Perks of Being a Wallflower trailer debut at the MTV Movie Awards (and some brief Movie Awards commentary)

Dear friend,

*Possible spoilers*

I don't know where to begin really. The mixture of nerves, excitement, disappointment, and joy has become a confused blur.

It started with being an hour late to the MTV Movie Awards (I had a standing invitation with my couch) which did not bode well for the night. Playing catch up can be extremely frustrating and I fast forwarded through what I could (mainly Ashton Kutcher's weak attempt at pop culture relevance and Charlize Theron talking about fashion). There was a quick moment with Logan Lerman, the quintessential Charlie, backstage and then more pre-show  "let's-see-whats-happening-where-nothing-at-all-is-going-on" bruhaha. To my equal dismay and happiness they played the trailer before the awards even started (I had expected to have to watch the entire show waiting in antici............................................................................pation).

Then....it happened. The debut of "the perks of being a wallflower" trailer. Bliss, then betrayal.

Before I go into detail about the trailer, it would be appropriate to get a few simple truths out of the way. I love "perks." A friend from high school gave the book to me when I was about 19 or so. If I'm not mistaken she was told about it by my now best friend and co-creator of Shennantics, Corinne. I used to imagine going to Sweet and Tender Hooligans (A Smiths tribute band from Los Angeles) shows with Charlie, the book's main character, and dancing around in a flurry of youthful exuberance and arrogance. I have since named my iPod after him and it was like he was manifested into the perfect soundtrack. It's spooky sometimes. I hope you can understand that.

So I am a fan. And while I am a fan, I am also to some small degree a journalist. Being objective is important to me so I'll get the criticisms out of the way first.

I should have realized that even though the book's author Stephen Chbosky wrote and directed the film, it was not going to be exactly like the book. I let myself secretly wish it would be exactly the same all the while telling myself that it was going to be noticeably different. First off, Charlie doesn't say, "We accept the love we think we deserve." It was his freshman English teacher Bill (played by Paul Rudd!) that dispersed that little pearl of wisdom. And that subtle difference is telling. Charlie's sister is probably not going to be in the film much based on the switch of teller which is sad really. She is a great minor plot character that drives a lot of the action. Sure, she is silly and self-absorbed; but she is Charlie's big sister and what happens to her is important because he loves her.

Another heart wrenching epic fail is that the key element of the whole story was destroyed by simply changing "And in that moment, I swear we were infinite" to "We are infinite." Let me explain: Charlie is a wallflower. He goes through life watching others live their lives and over thinks about what that means to them as well as to his self. Life is a mystery and he spends a lot of time trying to figure out what that means to in respect to where he fits in it. His natural outlook is to look out and stay hidden. So in that respect it would make sense to express himself outside of the moments where he feels truly alive.

But there is one caveat to this sad outcome. After the third time going through the trailer on the TV I had a thought. What if, just what if, Chbosky is taking Charlie out of the past tense of his anonymous letters to a stranger and throwing him into the moment. What if he really did say out loud to Sam and Patrick, "We are infinite," and it's only through his letter that we get we were. To say that we are is a much more powerful statement and that is what a movie needs. A movie is in essence to be in the moment and that is a wonderful experience for Charlie. It will be absolutely amazing to be in that moment with him when the movie comes out September 14.

I was lucky to catch the end of the live chat with the cast on Facebook (the very very end sadly) and it was there that I caught the trailer again. But it was different this time. There were scenes that were either cut from the program or did not play because the TV was messing up a bit.

And it was by the fourth time watching the trailer that I was practically in tears at the beauty unfolding before my eyes. Seeing the full trailer makes a real difference.

Ezra Miller looks promising as Patrick. Not exactly what I had imagined but I am presently looking forward to what he can do to make his mark on the character. Open and daring, he is not afraid of anyone except maybe himself. Miller appears to understand this about him. Sam, played by the wonderful Emma Watson, sadly didn't make as much as an impact as I had hoped. Her lines where uncharacteristic and she seemed far more outwardly vulnerable. Sam doesn't share much of herself with people, just her step brother Patrick, her best friend Mary Elizabeth (Oh, Mary Elizabeth), and Charlie. It was too personal for a quick look at the movie. It is not a proper representation of who Sam is. It was in the short clips where you catch her energy. Together they are a perfect bunch of misfits.

I'll post the full trailer when it is available but for now, here is the sneak peak mini-trailer



As for the Awards, well...it was hosted by Russell Brand. It wasn't as bad as you would think. The cast of Harry Potter won best cast (rightfully), Johnny Depp received some type of achievement award, as did Emma Stone rather prematurely I might add. I like Stone, but it is too soon to call her a trailblazer. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, and Alexander Ludwig won awards for their roles in The Hunger Games. Yay! And sadly, Kristen Stewart continues to breath and win awards for what exactly, I am not sure.

Stay tuned to Shennantics during the summer for there are fun times ahead.

Love always,
Sandra

On the fence with The Great Gatsby: Official movie trailer

F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous "beloved" novel The Great Gatsby is being remade as a motion picture this coming Christmas and it seems that the movie execs want to build a proper hype by releasing the official trailer right before summer consumes us in all it's blockbuster glory. 

Still, it's all a little too much to take in. The imagery is strong. The promo photos are absolutely breathtaking. Carey Mulligan is Daisy Buchanan. As for the choice of Leonardo DiCaprio to play the mysterious but wholly endearing Jay Gatsby, well... I'm a little apprehensive. 

I make no grips against his talent or movie star good looks. Leo has both in abundance. Regardless, there is a something wanting. The trailer does not seem to reflect the hope and hopelessness of its main character. It's all about Gatsby and DiCaprio, as far as the trailer suggest, falls flat.

I'd really like to be excited about this but I just can't help but approach this trailer with the utmost caution. Sure, it's bright and shiny and those that have read the book more than once will see the scenes played out right before your eyes. But it's almost too bright to look at. The trailer is positively blinding. It's too shiny, glossed over and magnificent. It's as if the deceptive world Gatsby created to draw Daisy back to him has been made real. Only the deception is part of the allure. You want to be taken in and taken for a ride.

Director Baz Lurhmann appears to be recreating his Romeo+Juliet formula complete with leading man. The music is too modern to truly represent jazz age America and it would be a great tragedy to lose that part of the story. Of course comparisons can be made to the excesses of then to our modern society today but that is missing the point entirely. Gatsby is a man unlike any other; he breaks the mold for the archetypal rags to riches hero. He is a character that embodies the spirit of the time. Let's hope the sense of the time is not lost in the modernization of the soundtrack as Lurhmann is all too well known for.

It would be unfair not to mention the 1974 classic of the same name with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. The screenplay was written by Francis Ford Coppola and it is hard to see how this latest version will stand up to such an enthralling film.

One thing is for sure, the costumes look amazing.

See for yourself:




I'd also like to mention that as I write this I'm wearing my Great Gatsby tee :) So you know I mean business!

Cali enthusiast rejoice: Best Coast's The Only Place album review

Best Coast released its sophomore album The Only Place this month just in time for summer.

Some of the newer songs are a bit redundant mainly because they start off with the same guitar and drum intro (“The Only Place,” “Why I Cry,” and “Let’s Go Home”), but regardless of this minor set back the new songs are magnificent in their simplicity. Clear and precise, the record’s sound is flourishing and straightforward. Less bouncy than 2010 Crazy For You, the album has a good mixture of sad sentiment and off the wall shennantics.

Two pre-Crazy For You songs "Dreaming My Life Away" and "Up All Night" were reworked to fit on the record and are stunning. I had to go back and listen to the originals to compare them. Once a confusing mess of emo surf pop the songs now reflect the shiny inner turmoil that is equally poignant and refreshing.

The older versions are full of fuzzy guitar, weak layered vocals that are lo-fi to the core.

Heart wrenching and sweet, the new version of "Up All Night" offers up a clearer view into singer Bethany Cosentino’s psyche. It is a song full of longing. Instead of the fuzzy guitars and lo-fi layered vocals, "Up All Night" is distinct yet follows closely the classic Best Coast style fans have grown to love.

 

“Let’s Go Home” is probably the most fun song off of The Only Place besides the title track "The Only Place," an open love letter to California. Loud and energetic, “Let's Go Home” is the kind of song that makes listeners want to jump on their beds on in all its bratty glory. It's a modern anthem for homebodies everywhere in a similar vein to Weezer's "In the Garage."

On the flip side, songs like “My Life” and "No One Like You" are dripping with whiny girl rock sentiments that border on the edge of twee pop absurdity. Somehow, it works. Cosentino croons her tragic love stories of heart break and loneliness like a pro.

Bethany’s pain is beautiful. She sings with depth and precision unlike anyone else and always manages to keep it fun.

Listen to: “Better Girl,” “How They Want Me To Be,” and “Up All Night.”