I am a gamer geek. I take a lot of pride in this and really have no problem sharing it with others. Being an optimistic sort, I'd like to think now more than ever that being a geek has become more of an accepted social group in society. With the ever expanding realm of technology and how much the human race has come to rely on it, geeks are needed and/or created on a day to day basis.
The current definition of the word Geek in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is "an enthusiast or expert, especially in a technological field or activity." Left open to interpretation this can describe a large variety of people, and often does. In fact, you might even say we're all geeks about one thing or another. I found the above artwork by Scott Johnson that illustrates some of the potential geek varieties there are. I might have to get a print of this, I love it!
A more negative definition of the word Geek found on Dictionary.com is "a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual." Let's take into consideration that there are peculiar and dislikable persons in every social group. It's not really about what group they are pocketed into, it's about how they act towards others that make them likable or not. I am completely willing to admit that there are Geeks who are socially awkward and don't act completely "normal", but I wouldn't consider the individuals who pick on them likable or normal either.
What concerns me most, is when people are afraid to be themselves. I have had conversations with people where I've asked them if they say played a certain video game, read certain books, watch certain movies, etc. They put the topic down and explain how above it they are. I would take it all in and start to express how I currently enjoy said topic and why. Most of the time I see relief dawning in these person's eyes and then they admit to liking what we are talking about. I wish they had just come out and said what they were feeling in the first place instead of being afraid of anyone elses' judgement.
I would like to let my readers know that as long as they are friendly towards myself and others they have no reason to hide who they really are. Share with us and Geek out about whatever you want to. It is what you're passionate about after all.
