Nerd Society - The New Cool Kids

If we look back at movies, TV shows, and any media throughout the years, we see an astounding stereotype of the "nerd." However, in reality, nerds, geeks, losers, freaks and dorks are not necessarily abhorred for their preferences and views. In fact, society has grown to something that is almost entirely populated by these so-called "social outcasts."

If you watch a movie, with a character that likes Star Wars, that character probably has glasses, uses an inhaler and is awkward around attractive girls. However, try to walk into a room without a Star Wars fan. Unless, you're walking into a Star Wars hate club meeting, then you are not going to find it. In a similar experiment for yourself, try walking into a college without seeing kids on their laptops, playing World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft is one of the most popular games in America, and there's a reason for that.

The typical portrait of a nerd is no longer the awkward kid who nobody likes. Most of America is made of nerds. If you've ever bought a leather coat because you love Indiana Jones, or a toy lightsaber, because you loved Star Wars. If you've ever played World of Warcraft, watched Star Trek, listened to Journey, listened to Dragonforce, played Guitar Hero or bought a DVD of a Television series, then you're a nerd. But, the good news is that "nerd" is no longer an insult. The stereotypical cool kids (the ones who pop their collars and wear aviators with bright Abercrombie shirts) are now the outcasts. It doesn't make them any less of a person, but it makes them less cool.

This phenomenon has most likely come from the revolution of computers, and the fact that we have become the "ironic generation." The less cool you are, the more cool you are. I'm not exactly sure when this happened, but it will probably be around to stay. Society may fall away from the irony phase, but we've grown more accepting of different tastes, so if you like the new season of Stargate: Atlantis, don't worry. People will still like you. Not only that, but there's a significant amount of cross-over. If you like Daft Punk, you can like Metallica too.

Don't believe me yet? Weezer's a pretty popular band. Look at lead singer, Rivers Cuomo. He wears glasses, looks timid, but tells the world that he'll do whatever he wants to do. It's the same thing all around the world. The less you fit in, the more you'll fit in.

Sure, you're kind of a nerd, but that just makes you cool.