Free Geekery

There are many different definitions for the word “geek”. Although the title was originally used for carnival performers who ate live animals or non-food items, we probably all think of a geek as someone much less offensive than that. Indeed, your notions of a geek are probably that of a harmless loner who works in computers or reads science fiction novels. Although once a word used pejoratively, there has been a movement to reappropriate the label of geek and make it something to be proud of. Call it “geek chic“, if you will, and in the politically correct climate we live in today, you’d better educate yourself on what is or isn’t characteristic of a geek. Below are 10 common myths about geeks that just don’t always ring true for everyone in the category.

1. All Geeks Love Science Fiction

   What is the first image that pops into your head when you think of a geek? Is it a guy watching Star Trek, perhaps? Not all geeks love science fiction, although you are certain to find quite a few that do. According to The Observer Blog, it isn’t just geeks that usually love it, but male geeks. The author theorizes that they love science fiction because “the reassurance offered by a system of order, internal coherence, completability and collectability - a universe that can be put in alphabetical order - is particularly appealing to men”. However, science fiction has its share of geeky detractors that either feel that the genre has gone downhill or that it was never that noteworthy to begin with.

2. All Geeks Work With Computers

   The word “geek” is often proceeded by “computer“, as geeks are generally regarded as being technologically savvy. One of the richest men in the world, computer mogul Bill Gates, is unarguably a geek. However, not all geeks are IT professionals and the ones that are may not even enjoy their occupation. Take IT consultant Peter Hilton, for example, who’s article “Why I Hate Computers” may shed some new light on the geek-computer relationship.

3. All Geeks Live in Their Mothers’ Basement

   This myth seems to contradict myth #2, that all geeks work with computers. After all, the computer business is a prosperous one. However, there is a notion that many geeks, perhaps suffering from some Freudian attachment to their mothers, never leave the safety of their childhood home. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. In fact, many geeks take pride in customizing their own “smart” homes with gadgets and technology like RFID. Even for the geek that isn’t technically inclined, living in his/her mother’s basement isn’t conducive to the lifestyle of a geek. After all, the basement is much too
   damp to safely store any collectibles.

4. All Geeks Collect Comic Books

   Yes, many geeks either collect comic books or manga, the Japanese equivalent. If you are a hardcore geek, you probably go the comic shop every Wednesday to pick up a bit of each. However, not every geek has a stash of Captain
   America back issues in their house. In fact, the comic book business has been in decline for years. Why are sales down? Many feel it has to do with the rise of video games and the Internet, both of which are closely associated with geeks. So, while this myth that all geeks love comics may have been true in, say, the 1970’s, it doesn’t really apply now.

5. All Geeks Are Men

   The biggest misconception about geeks is that they are all male. This isn’t true at all. In fact, the Internet shows a strong presence of geeky girls, also referred to as “fangirls”. Yes, there are a lot of women who read comic books now and even more that love manga, anime and video games. So, men now have a better chance of picking up a lady in a comic book or video game store than ever before.

6. All Geeks Are Obsessed With Video Games

   A gamer is definitely considered a type of geek. As one gamer points out on RPG.net, “There are far more than enough persons in the hobby who meet or exceed the threshold of noticeability of sheer geekiness to the general public to make the rep stick forever”. That may be true, but not all geeks are gamers. In fact, there are many geeks who are a bit elitist when it comes to video gamers. For instance, a devoted science fiction/fantasy reader may look down upon someone who sits in front of the television/computer and plays games all day.

7. All Geeks Are Lonely

   This myth was born from the notion that all geeks are men. Many people assume that geeks, who are men, do not have any female counterparts to socialize with. After all, what would a girl have in common with a guy who plays video games or who likes science fiction movies? As we pointed out above, there are many women who enjoy these things, they aren’t gender specific at all. So, there are plenty of opportunities for guys and gals to continue with their geeky pursuits, all the while enjoying a healthy love life.

8. All Geeks Are Smart

   Since geeks are often associated with technology, it is assumed that they all must be really smart. Unlike many of the other myths about geeks, this one is hard to disprove because there aren’t many geeks standing up and denying it. So, perhaps it is best to file this myth under “positive stereotypes” and leave it at that. However, one would assume that there are plenty of geeks that are of average or less than average intelligence.

9. All Geeks Are Socially Awkward

   Many people consider a geek to be an introverted type of person, someone who communicates better with his/her computer than living people. While society has proven itself to be less than kind to those who are considered geeks, it doesn’t mean a geek can’t interact with others. In fact, there are plenty of opportunities for geeks to socialize, particularly with other geeks. One can give the Internet a lot of credit for bringing geeks from all over the world together, just as it has done for so many other subcultures.

10. All Geeks Role Play

    Years ago, all geeks were assumed to be Dungeons & Dragons aficionados. Today, World of Warcraft seems to be the reigning champ in the arena of role playing games (RPGs). Although these games are very popular, not all geeks are into RPGs. In fact, RPG enthusiasts are often considered to be on the lower end of the geek hierarchy. In other words, most geeks feel they are cooler than someone who role plays. Feeling even more alienated are those who live action role play (LARP), as in they dress up as their character and meet in an open field for pretend battles. Also known as LARPers, this small subsection of gamers may experience the most prejudice of all.

Is it fair to make assumptions about geeks? While the world grows more sensitive about profiling minority groups, the subculture of geekdom is still the brunt of many jokes. It is probably wise to throw away any preconceived notions about those who proudly proclaim themselves to be geeks. This is the 21st century, after all, and the word “geek” has greatly evolved. Says one Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, “No, I don’t live in my mother’s basement, I can maintain relationships with females (real ones), and I don’t care if Batman could beat up the Green Lantern”. (FYI, if you are curious about the latter, Green Lantern would own Batman.)

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