Often times, when you hear the terms 'nerd' or 'geek' being used, they typically have a negative connotation. Even the definitions are quite negative. If you're anything like me, who mixed up these two words or used them interchangeably, let me give you a brief and general definition for both. A nerd is an irritating, unattractive person who may be brilliant, but chooses to focus on non-social pursuits; an introvert. A geek is generally very knowledgeable, even to the point of obsession about a particular topic, but are typically more sociable than nerds, although nerds are seen as the nicer of the two. If these definitions upset you, then we are on the same page. If you don't see what the problem is with how these are defined, let me explain why I think it's uncool.
First off, the definitions are stereotypical, and critically so. The definitions of these terms make it seem like just because you're brilliant or obsessed with something, that you aren't very social and not all that pleasant to be around. Now, I have been around my fair share of geeks and nerds and most, if not all of them were pretty cool and unique in different ways. Sure, some were more introverted then most, but that does not mean they can't be social or nice. Nerds are the reason we so advanced in areas such as STEM. Without them, we probably wouldn't have all the medical and technological advances that we see in our economy today. Geeks are equally as important, because these are the people who become artists, writers, and develop whole new fantasy worlds and shows for our entertainment. Without geeks, we probably wouldn't even have that favorite show on Netflix or that favorite video game on PS4 or Xbox.
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The thing about geeks and nerds, if I'm to be completely honest, is that they are beyond awesome. What people don't consider is that most of us can be considered one or the other, if not both. Geeks can be nerds and nerds can be geek, and anyone who says otherwise hasn't spent enough time around people. Everybody has at least one thing they're obsessed with and are brilliant at something in their lives. My first college roommate absolutely adored cats and watermelon, plus she was brilliant when it came to the things she was passionate about; and why wouldn't we be knowledgeable in the things that interest us? I think I fall more on the side of being a geek, because I obsess over so many different things and it's always constantly changing, but I'd like to think I can be brilliant about stuff too. The point is, being either of these two is wicked cool and we shouldn't be ashamed to be a geek or a nerd.
And because I cannot stand the actual defintion of either of the words, I am going to close this out with how I define geeks and nerds. Nerds are absolutely brilliant people who strive to change and better this world through the maths and sciences. They can be funny and friendly and totally beautiful individuals. Geeks are hella creative, always coming up with new ideas for movies, music, games, books, etc. Geeks strive to create new worlds, to share with this world, so that we can see things in a new light and enjoy things for what they or even for what they are not. Nerds and geeks are incredible, talented, and beautiful thinkers, who can sometimes be introverts, and they do not deserve to be seen under such a negative stereotype. Can I be honest? We are all a little bit of both. Embrace it. Cherish that about yourself. To be passionate and knowledgeable is to change the world and enjoy every minute of it.
