Embracing Dorkdom, Nerdom, and Geekdom: Why it's Cool to be Different

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YSSMAN

YSSMAN

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First off, I'd like to keep this an ongoing thread of not only my own personal theories and decisions on finally announcing that I'm a complete dork, but that I also want others to do so as well. Having more of us "come out" of sorts is indeed the first step of forward progress for not feeling ashamed of being who we are. On that note, I love to have you all comment, and (hopefully) post your own thoughts on the subject as well. I will indeed go first (as someone always does) by posting my first in a series on the subject of Harry Potter.

I would really like to see this become an ongoing discussion, joking or not.

Embracing Dorkdom Pt.1
It has been a long, long time since I've last read a Harry Potter book. So long in fact that I cannot remember the exact date (in terms of a year) in which I completed a book. All I know is that I have indeed read the first two, and I ended it there. I assume it was mostly because I was heading into High School, and Harry Potter would have been a death-wish at FHC in terms of whats "cool" and what isn't.

But why does that really matter? Its a good question.

I've come to the decision that I need to finally give-up on hiding my dorkiness, and just embrace it. I'm a dork, its as simple as that. I play videogames, read comic books, [complain] about stupid [stuff] on the internet, cry at the end of LOTR: Return of the King, have nerd-gasms while watching Transformers, and quite possibly worst of all, feel the need to jump back into my Harry Potter pajamas and pick up where I left off presumably seven or so years ago.

First of all, I'd like to give out a [screw-you] to those who would automatically write me off here. I have my reasons, and quite frankly, its none of your business as to what I like, and what I don't. To be completely honest, I'm actually quite upset with myself at the moment for giving up the series, and to be even more honest, I'm even more upset that I'm going to have to look like a total tool going into Barnes and Noble buying the last five books of the series.

But, it shouldn't matter. This is something I should have done a long, long time ago. Lets be honest here, Harry Potter has been one of the biggest cultural movements in our lifetimes, and its a damn shame that I've only been able to keep up by watching the movies. While the movies are actually quite good, I have been advised by my younger friends countless times that they can't hold a candle to the book. That would mean that I've missed-out on the goodness that was The Prisoner of Azkaban, the good feelings of the Goblet of Fire, the twists and turns of The Half-Blood Prince, all in time to miss-out on the new one. Whatever its called. Somewhere around 3000 pages of missed cultural relevance.

So, I cave. I'm a dork. I need to read these books. I have a little more than a month to at least get one of them in, and God knows how I will be able to get any of the other ones in while at school.

Maybe I'll have to put Halo 3, Marvel's Civil War, chasing the Cloverfield project, and keeping an eye on the '08 Election on hold for my English friend...

...Or maybe not...

I'll get on it, starting with The Prisoner of Azkaban.
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(The words inside of the [ ] replaced words not acceptable under the AUP guidelines. Check the post on Facebook, and likely MySpace, for the full story)

So there it is folks, keep this thread rolling. I have more to add on other subjects, and eventually, I'd love to do an entire series of stories. I've always dreamed of writing a book, and this may be the start of something...
 
On the Harry Potter thing, or the whole deal?

At least I can say I was there at the beginning, but it certainly it is my fault for jumping off, and indeed attempting to jump back on. But, as they say, life sucks, and you've got to do your best to avoid using the helmet. It does feel good being there at the begining, but as always, when you hold on too long, you eventually become the "creepy guy" who hangs out reading children's books and watching the kiddie movies.

...I should do one about cartoons. They're probably my all-time worst habit...
 
:lol:

Yssman, it's okay. Nobody is going to question your or look down at you and your geekery unless it involves dead bodies or underage children.



edit: or furries.
 
I play videogames, read comic books, [complain] about stupid [stuff] on the internet, cry at the end of LOTR: Return of the King, have nerd-gasms while watching Transformers, and quite possibly worst of all, feel the need to jump back into my Harry Potter pajamas and pick up where I left off presumably seven or so years ago...I have my reasons, and quite frankly, its none of your business as to what I like, and what I don't.
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Self-contradictory or self-hating?

If you're going to be proud of being a dork, don't get all defensive about it. To be a true dork or geek is to be proud of what you do, even in the face of public opinion (as long as it doesn't break the law).
 
Pupik
Self-contradictory or self-hating?

If you're going to be proud of being a dork, don't get all defensive about it. To be a true dork or geek is to be proud of what you do, even in the face of public opinion (as long as it doesn't break the law).
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or involve furries, yes.
 
You could just always get the books from Amazon...that way you'd really embrace geekness by using the internet and getting the Harry Potter books. But hey I'm a self proclaimed geek, I'll openly tell you I like to dress up and play D&D or Magic. Am I weird...sure, we all are.
 
I watch Harry Potter as well, so what? The action is very good and the effects are amazing + Emma Watson is Hawt!
 
Wth?

The Harry Potter books are well constructed works, extremely accurately targetted at an age group centred around the age of the protagonist. However, because of the former, they are accessible to and enjoyed by many millions of literature fans.

I love 'em, can't wait for the last book, and am looking forward to seeing the fifth film this week. And Emma Watson is sweet - if she stops acting with her eyebrows (as was pointed out to me by my dearest friend one evening over popcorn and beer) they'd be even more enjoyable. ;)

I don't think they're geeky, or dorky, or what-have-you. One likes what one likes, that's style. If you like what other people like, that's fashion.

V.
 
Can we turn this into another "J.K. Rowling is a plagiarizing whore" thread? Ask Famine.
 
Pupik
Self-contradictory or self-hating?

If you're going to be proud of being a dork, don't get all defensive about it. To be a true dork or geek is to be proud of what you do, even in the face of public opinion (as long as it doesn't break the law).
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Its a good question. I guess where I grew up you were used to being a bit defensive about playing videogames, debating Star Wars, and reading Harry Potter. But that was High School. I did two of the three on a consistent basis, however, videogames were indeed "cool" by the time I was getting done with High School (thanks Halo and Madden!).

My "girlfriend" gives me a lot of flak for doing this kind of stuff (especially watching cartoons), but I really don't care anymore. I have fun doing it, and its all that matters.
 
I just broke up with my girlfriend because she didn't understand it. Really there is no reason anyone should b!tch to you about what you like. Life is way to short to be unhappy and if being a geek makes you happy then just go with it. I quit caring what people thought of me years ago, still to this day though someone will make fun of my D&D gaming.
 
You're talking to people on a forum that revolves mainly - or at least originally - around a racing computer game. You (all) embraced dorkiness just by clicking Register.

Looking forward to the next chapter - keep 'em coming Brad!
 
:lol: I guess I'm a different dork than Yssman. Harry potter and LOTR is... : puts on HP/LOTR dork flame suit :

Anyway, seriously, Dork or not... People have different likes and dislikes. The problem is the people that have the "common" or "traditional" likes are "normal" while the other ones are labeled "weird". Why is it that way? for no logical reason at all. Lame... :rolleyes:
 
The first step in solving a problem is to acknowledge it exists. Good luck with the Dorkdom, YSSMAN, I also suffer from a mild case so I know some of what you're going through.

p.s. I'm no genre snob: Harry Potter is awesome. Don't miss out on a great story just because you don't exactly fit into the target audience.
 
I hate dorks so much that when i see one i happyslap them and film it on my mobile phone and then im all like ahaaghaghagahagh

Quote this if your down.
 
You know, even among dorks there's stuff that's totally unacceptable to other groups of dorks. In middle school and high school, my friends and I were automotive dorks: I'd memorize the horsepower ratings, displacement, 0-60 times, top speeds, and prices of every half-way interesting car for sale in the 1980s. And even if I didn't remember, I'd know exactly which issue of what magazine had a test or comparison.

I also knew a ridiculous amount of racng trivia, epecially dealing with Grand Prix racing. I taped nearly every race from 1987 onwards, and watched them about 3-4 times each. It was a great pity that I couldn't afford to buy more tapes until a few years later.

I had a computer before the advent of the graphical web browser, GUIs, and 3.5-inch floppy disks; I programmed my own games and applications in C and BASIC when none existed, or if they were too far advanced for the weak components of my computer, an "outdated-upon-release" IBM PCjr.

Yet, as I've gotten older, I've realized that just as many people appreciated some things I could do well, versus other strengths. I had, and still have, friends that are strong in some areas rather than others compared to me, and vice-versa. It all evens out.

To me, there's a certain fantasy aspect which is possibly the source of why we have a tendency to be fanatical, and even dorky about certain things; we project to others via extraversion our dreams or desires to the outside world by means of our hobbies or activities, yet inwardly, we fear the ruin or impossibility we may incur by performing these things in the real world. Perhaps we fear that others do not understand us, as it is a common human trait and weakness to yearn for acceptance in all things from all people. Even the battle cry of "I don't care what others think!" is merely a shadow that hides behind the whisper "What are they saying about me?" that burns inside.

Yet somehow, destroying ignorance is what helps most; do we attack what others do because we can't do them, and rush forward to other activies in which we excell as a salvo? Or do we accept things as they are, in constant flux and without permanance, which may appear to be the socially awkward thing to do at first, but I find it helps me realize how people are very similar, ow they all have similar challenges, but we wear different masks on different stages for wide and overlapping variety of audiences.
 
"ooooooooh cry if you want!"
but seriously, LOTR, harry Potter and gaming are all great(when used sparingly, too much of anything including GTP, is bad for you)
 
I love being a dork or a geek, whatever you want to call it.

The thing i like about being a dork is friends. I had two quite popular friends who i didn't really feel comfortable with, and i didn't feel like i had much of an opinion or opportunity to talk about what i like. While they go to parties, im at home on my computer and ps2. My nerdy friends on the other hand do the same stuff that i do, and they won't just cut me off when they want to talk.

I had the chance to be popular, but I purposely want to be a nerd. Being 'the weird kid' is pretty much what i aim for.

I recently bought these two t-shirts:
shirt 1
shirt 2
I love that website :D
 
This is my problem with people. Being told you're stupid, lame or an idiot for liking something. Why is it anyone else's concern what you like? Does it somehow disadvantage them? Almost always, it doesn't.

Liking a certain type of music. Watching certain programs or films. Wearing brands (who cares about brands anyway? I buy clothes because they look good and they're comfortable, what the hell does a brand have to do with it?). Haircuts. Video games. Who cares? Let people be who they want to be and like what they want to like. There's no problem sharing that interest and debating about your own opinions, but telling someone they're wrong for liking something is almost an oxymoron (where's Sage?). It makes no sense.

I'll admit I'm a bit hypocritical. We all really are. Who hasn't laughed at the person that doesn't fit in? Made a tasteless joke about an overweight or homeless person? Sure it's wrong, but we've pretty much all done it at some point in our life. It's how other people have brought us up. Hell, once upon a time I used to block out all other genres of music besides one. But how absolutely ridiculous is that when you think about it? For some time now, I've decided that I listen to what my ears like. I don't care if it's emo, country or some obscure genre that nobody's ever heard of. If I like it, I like it.

Where am I going with this? Who knows? But you're all stupid if you don't agree with me.

:D
 
Jimmy Enslashay
This is my problem with people. Being told you're stupid, lame or an idiot for liking something. Why is it anyone else's concern what you like? Does it somehow disadvantage them? Almost always, it doesn't.

Liking a certain type of music. Watching certain programs or films. Wearing brands (who cares about brands anyway? I buy clothes because they look good and they're comfortable, what the hell does a brand have to do with it?). Haircuts. Video games. Who cares? Let people be who they want to be and like what they want to like. There's no problem sharing that interest and debating about your own opinions, but telling someone they're wrong for liking something is almost an oxymoron (where's Sage?). It makes no sense.

I'll admit I'm a bit hypocritical. We all really are. Who hasn't laughed at the person that doesn't fit in? Made a tasteless joke about an overweight or homeless person? Sure it's wrong, but we've pretty much all done it at some point in our life. It's how other people have brought us up. Hell, once upon a time I used to block out all other genres of music besides one. But how absolutely ridiculous is that when you think about it? For some time now, I've decided that I listen to what my ears like. I don't care if it's emo, country or some obscure genre that nobody's ever heard of. If I like it, I like it.

Where am I going with this? Who knows? But you're all stupid if you don't agree with me.

:D
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I'm confused, so you are saying that it shouldn't be a concern of anyone else with what you like but you don't like it when people are concerned with brands? Isn't that hypocritical?

I love Northface stuff, I like the brand and I like the clothes. I could easily buy a black t-shirt for $5 instead of the Northface $20 but that would be buying something I didn't like. Some people are just into brand names and I'm one of those people.
 
Race Idiot
I hate dorks so much that when i see one i happyslap them and film it on my mobile phone and then im all like ahaaghaghagahagh

Quote this if your down.
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I am a fanboy for happyslapping, also bandwagonning on brett.
 
This is part of growing up. You have to sit down and accept yourself for who you are. If that means that, like me, you're willing to spend hours reading through rule books trying to figure out how to deal a few extra hit points of damage, then yes, you are in fact a dork, and yes, that's ok.

It's a bit like alcoholics anonymous. You've spent your whole life hiding it and suddenly you just decide that internalizing or denying it isn't doing anyone any good anymore and you just have to stand up and say "Hi, I'm Dan and I'm a dork."

But seriously, Harry Potter is something I will never understand. If you're over the age of 13, those books/movies should be too childish for you. Not because you're not that much of a geek, but because you're too intellectual to be interested in all the little-kid gimmicks/dialog/problems.

Now LOTR, that's a real dork's series.

...hmmm, maybe I should start the uber-dork thread - "LOTR vs. Harry Potter"
 

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