The Subculture of Nerds and Their Rise to Stardom - Term Paper Example

The Subculture of Nerds and Their Rise to Stardom Outline Introduction Nerds as a subculture a) A of the nerd stereotype, i.e. white male with glasses and a high interest in science. 2. The definition of a nerd a) The separation of the nerd subculture from the geek and rather or not this is valid. 3. Nerds vs. Popular Culture a) How the negative views of nerds boosts the positive view of popular culture and vice versa. Separating Nerds from the Rest of Society 1. Social perceptions of nerds a) How nerds are ousted from mixing with the popular crowd and the stigma that their social position holds 2. Cultural divisions between nerds and popular culture a) The fact that there is certain music, movies, and other interests that are viewed as being solely for nerds. The Treatment of Nerds 1. Bullying Nerds a) The lack of effectiveness in the solutions for picking on nerds that the educational system ash offered and reasons why their actions continue to ineffective. The Nerds’ Status Change 1. Cause of the increased popularity of nerds a) The appearance of the sexy, rich nerd and explanations for the growth in popularity of the nerd subculture Conclusion The Subculture of Nerds and Their Rise to Stardom Introduction Subcultures define the state of high school society. While the identification with a set subculture often fades from a person’s definition of themselves after high school, some people stay members of their groups. Subcultures themselves have a continuation past the school years and emerge in mainstream society. While for some subcultures there is no particular judgment of being good or bad, there are many subcultures to which many would hesitantly subscribe because of the negative way people in that group are perceived. Nerds, in particular, are a subculture to which the members often have been assigned without their choosing. On the opposite side of judgment stands the popular crowd. Usually, it is the popular subculture that is responsible for the many social ills from which those deemed nerds suffer. Being considered good, they judge against all that are not like them. It is members of this group that give labels to the others. Many who are called nerds would rather not be called thusly. Nerd has been a term used in teasing and still persists in modern bullying. Yet, even with all the persecution that those who are considered nerds must bear, this subculture has received some promotion in today’s society. Being once only a group to be despised, the nerds have actually won fans and there are some who now enjoy being members of this subculture, proudly wearing the label that they have been ascribed. An investigation into the nerds as a subculture cannot effectively be completed without defining just what a nerd is. There are actually many different meanings of the word. For some, a nerd is a special group which is set apart from others whose members display a greater than normal intelligence. Yet, for others it is a name that can be used interchangeably with others. In explaining the stereotype of the nerd, it has been said, “The stock character nerd is typically depicted as a white male with glasses and large sets of obscure data committed to memory” (Stauffer, 2009). Indeed, media would depict a nerd the same. The controversy lies in making the distinction between the nerds and a similar subculture called ‘geeks’. For many it seems ridiculous to make a distinction between a geek and a nerd, as it has been stated, “They are called “nerds,” “dweebs,” “dorks,” “geeks,” “brainiacs,” and “computer jocks” (Kinney, 1993: p.21). All of these names are generally meant to imply someone who is socially inapt and has an above average interest in things like science, math, science fiction, computers, and the like. However, there has been some distinction made. For example, from an interview performed it was quoted, " Nerd is a stickier term that is applied to people in a more negative way," Kendall said. “‘Geek’ is something you can do and then leave behind, but nerd is what you are" (Stauffer, 2009). From this description one could surmise that the word nerd is an adjective and geek is a verb. This leads to the conclusion that one can geek. This idea seems to be a method whereby those who do not want to earn the title of being a nerd or seen as belonging to the nerd subculture can separate themselves from any behavior they display without being labeled accordingly. However this method of escape is not always effective. There are some who will give no excuse for so-called geek behavior. Instead, they insist that the two categories are the same and the terms are interchangeable. To them geek and nerd are the same thing. As it has been stated, “The slang terms nerd and geek belong to a cluster of labels derogatorily used at schools to denote students whose characteristics and behavior make them standout in ways others view as “peculiar” and disdainful” (Center for Mental Health, n.d: p 1.). In order to clarify the definitions of the terms geek and nerd, the following explanation has been given, The core definition of the term nerd emphasizes a person who is (a) intelligent, (b) single-minded in some nonsocial pursuit (usually one in which they are well-accomplished and often of a scientific or technical nature), and (c) socially inept… Those designated as geeks always have special interests (Center for Mental Health, n.d: p.2-3). For the sake of this paper, the position that both geeks and nerds are the same subculture will be taken. This is due to the fact that the stereotypes of both groups are very similar, as well as the fact that there exists some who see the definition of both terms as the same. An additional reason is that they are both victims of the same treatment by the popular clique. Also, both groups receive similar treatment from their unaccepting peers. As it has been reported, “In college, students who work diligently and get straight As are seen as nerds. Everyone tries to copy their notes and summaries but no one invites them to parties” (Kervyn et al, 2010: p.155). Nerds are outcasts. They are not accepted by the popular groups; otherwise they would have been assimilated. Instead, nerds have been treated as unequal. Once someone is giving the title of being a nerd or a geek, it is all over for them socially. They become confined to their own kind and, even though the common perception is that they choose to limit themselves to others within their own subculture, the truth is that nerds are often forced to do so by those in the opposing subculture. As it has been written,”…when two groups or individuals are judged and compared, the one judged more positively on one dimension is also judged less positively on the other dimension” (Kervyn 2010: 155).Those who are popular have been compared to nerds in terms of social standing; the dimension. The nerds have been judged less positively. Separating Nerds from the Rest Of Society Besides all the other negative connotation that the name nerd has earned, being a nerd also means standing apart from the crowd. Nerds have been considered to be weird or odd and beyond understanding. Much like lepers in ancient times, nerds are often separated from the rest of society. This separation is not limited to just relationships, but also in all other aspects of a normal human live, such as jobs, hobbies, clothing, music, and much more. There are somethings that have been stereotypically described as belonging to a nerd. As it has been written,” it is a system that turns a difference in the preference of trivial interests, such as what kind of music people listen to and what forms of entertainment they enjoy, into marked divisions” (Yu 2007:42) What a nerd likes is different to the majority of society. Yet, this furthers only the stereotypes of the subculture and, as such, does not accurately describe the whole. In other words, the popular subgroup has taken the likes of a few which they deemed nerds, proclaimed that such things could never be the style of someone who is popular, and assigned the same likings to anyone else whom they view as being a nerd. This action has served only to further the separation of the nerd subculture from the rest of society and, as it has been written, “With people thusly divided, it establishes that one particular culture, the “popular culture,” is superior and more acceptable than the unpopular culture” (Yu, 2007:42). Treatment of the Nerds It is a well-known fact that nerds have been mistreated by there more popular schoolmates. Even those who are not considered popular have a hand in persecuting the nerds. School bullying is a problem in almost every school. While of course it is not something endorsed by the schools themselves, the problem still persists. Some just think it is part of what goes along with being a nerd. As it has been reported, “Popular films and television shows about adolescents and schools usually include a certain type of teenager who is frequently ridiculed and rejected by his or her peers” (Kinney, 1993: p. 21). Being teased and bullied is considered just as much a part of being a nerd as glasses, computers, and science. This sad part of the perception of nerds is partly responsible for the lack of effectiveness in finding an answer to the poor treatment of nerds. The small efforts to irradiate such treatment have proved to be ineffective. As it was reported, “The problems experienced by those designated as nerds and geeks generally are not addressed specifically as part of anti-bullying and bully prevention programs” (Center for Mental Health, n.d: p. 6). Along with the stigma of being a social outcast, bulling is just another reason why many would not want to be a nerd. Many have shown special behaviors in front of the popular crowd simply to avoid being called a nerd. The definition of geek as a verb is one way they have done this, but putting on performances that displays behaviors other that what would be considered that of a nerd is another. As it has been reported, “…teenagers who got good grades often engaged in “lunching” activities that centered on clowning, which prevented their peers from becoming hostile towards them because they got good grades” (Kinney 1993:p. 24). The Nerds’ Status Change Today, nerds are not received as badly as they once were. Some of the social problems that they once had have lessened in magnitude greatly. This development seems almost inevitable by logic. As it has been asked, “Why dont smart kids make themselves popular? If theyre so smart, why dont they figure out how popularity works and beat the system, just as they do for standardized tests?” (Graham, 2003: p. 3). Nevertheless, it seems the change in status for the geek culture is not by their own hands. Their method of dealing with these social ills, “…is to embrace their outsider status and assert “geek pride” as an exercise of power and resistance” (Tocci, 2007: p.6). As one from the geek subculture has reported, “Perhaps my years in high school being out of the “in” group have nurtured a sort of disdain for all things mainstream” (Yu 2007: p. 42). It is projected that the change in attitude towards nerds has come about as a side effect of the rise of computer technology. While computers were once seen as only a tool for nerds, today people from all different subcultures are making their way online, spending much more time with computers. This has, in turn, cause them to see nerds differently. They have had the chance to explore something that was once for nerds only. As it has been reported, “... recent years have seen geeky media attain wider commercial success, and the geek image grow somehow more acceptable – even hip – by broader cultural standards (Tocsin, 2007: p.4). New trends in the popular realm are actually bringing in some elements of the culture that once only belonged to the nerds. This is even without any effort from them to seek popularity. Instead, their fame has been born from the success of all their nerdy techno pastimes. This was well noted when it was said, “The wealth associated with computer expertise offers a way for the non-athletic and nonaggressive (or those labeled as such) to reclaim masculinity” (Tocci, 2007: p.4). This change in attitude towards nerds has also been reinforced by the media. They have made it almost cool to be a nerd. As it was stated, “FANS, geeks and nerds—overlapping but not identical social and cultural categories—have long been vilified in the mass media with "get-a-life" stereotypes and marginalized by images of social, sexual, and economic impotence; however, they may be staging a comeback” (Wiltse, 2004: p.1). Conclusion Nerds have always been a target for bullying. As a subculture, the nerds have learned to band to together and embrace who they are. There is now such a thing as ‘nerd pride’ and it can be so powerful at times that it can make those who pick on them feel foolish. Their low social status has persisted through many decades of time. The nerd stereotype has often been negatively depicted in media. Media representations of nerd in history have only furthered the negative stereotypes. However, much has changed for the social status of nerds. This is all thanks to the computer technology age and the group of highly successful nerds that are rich and famous and seem to be ruling everything. Those who wane picked on them now have to answer to them. Nerds have gained great power. It is their love of science and technology that, once being the focus of the stereotype, now has allowed them to be respected in their own right. Today, it is becoming cool to ‘go geek’. There is now the sexy nerd and they are very prominent in society. Many items are also being manufactured which promote the popularity of nerds, such as movies and T-shirts. While kids in school today still, for the most part would not want to be a nerd and enjoy picking on nerds, the fact of the matter is that the status of nerds has changed. Works Cited Center for Mental Health in Schools at UCLA “About “Nerds” and “Geeks” as an Identified Subculture” This report was designed to assist the education system in addressing the issue of the school bullying of nerds. It looks at the definition of nerds and geeks and seeks to explain why they are often subject to bullying. The report gives data on the effectiveness of current methods of intervention and makes suggestions on how the persisting problem can be resolved. This report gives an in-depth view of the nerd subculture by providing information from a series of interviews and reports. Graham, Paul. “Why Nerds are Unpopular”. Feb. 2003 Author recounts his experiences of being a member of the nerd subculture from the time he was a little boy. He describes how he and his friends were isolated socially into the nerd group. He seeks to provide an explanation of the unpopularity of nerds. In his view it is because nerds do not want to fit in with the popular crowd. They do not go out of their way to try and get rid of the nerd label. Even though they are often unhappy about not fitting in, they like to be smart much more than they like to be popular. Kervyn, Nicholas, Vincent Yzerbyt and Charles M. Judd. “Compensation between warmth and competence: Antecedents and consequences of a negative relation between the two fundamental dimensions of social perception” European Review of Social Psychology. 21. (2010): 155-87. The author gives a mathematical approach to explaining differences in social status among subcultures. States that there is a mathematical rule that shows how the popularity of one group affects another. In short, that the nerd subculture is depicted in a negative light simply because the popular culture is viewed positively. The author claims that as one subculture rises in popularity, others must decrease in it. Kinney, David. “From Nerds to Normals: Recovery of Identity Among Adolescents From Middle School to High School” Sociology of Education 66.1 (1993):21-40. The author explores how adolescents change their status from the nerd label from middle school to high school. Some who are labeled nerds in middle school actively reverse their status and by the time they reach high school are members of a different, more positively viewed subculture. The self-perception of nerds is examined. Author claims that those who cross over subcultures build up their own self0coonfidence. Stauffer, L. Brian. "Geeks may be chic, but negative nerd stereotype still exists, professor says." Phys.Org. 3 Mar. 2006. Web. 21 Apr. 2012. . An interview is performed by the author with Lori Kendall, who is a professor at the graduate school of School of Library and Information Sciences. Kendall talks about how attitudes towards nerds have changed, he himself having been considered a nerd for a good part of his life. Kendall explains that the stereotype of nerd still has not changed very much, despite its new popularity in media. He says that this stereotype helps to explain why many women and minorities do not major in computer science; they feel that they do not fit in well with the stereotype. Tocci, Jason. “The Well-Dressed Geek: Media Appropriation and Subcultural Style” Paper presented at MiT5, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (2007). This paper discusses the new popularity of geek products. The author gives a description of many retail items that are geared towards the geek subculture and that encourages mainstream society to act geek. In particular various T-shirts that promote interests once only considered to be for nerds are now making their way onto store shelves and highly trafficked websites. There are also many other such items, such as glasses, movies, music, and more that are being used by the popular culture, even though they describe geek. Wiltse, Ed “Fans, Geeks and Nerds, and the Politics of Online Communities” Proceedings of the Media Ecology Association. 5. (2004). This paper explores how the geeks and nerds, as a subculture, are infiltrating and influencing popular culture. Talks about how the success of nerds such as Bill Gates and geeky establishments such as Microsoft have caused more people from the popular culture to embrace some aspects of being a nerd. Now there are many nerds who are rich, famous, and even considered sexy. There are many movies about nerds and nerdy movies that have performed well at the box office. Author explains how many nerd are winning fans from those of the popular subculture. Yu, Johnny. “Looking Inside Out: A Sociology of Knowledge and Ignorance of Geekiness” Human Architecture: Journal of the Sociology of Self-Knowledge. 2. (2007): 41-50. It is the like of nerds that causes them to fall outside of the popular subculture. Author reflects on his life as a geek and uses his own life to explore the stereotypes about geeks. His goal is to measure the stereotype of nerd by his own experience of being on through organized self-inquiry. The process of group formation is discussed. In his position the negativity shown towards geeks is due to a lack of understanding. Read More