Geek = knowledge + Passion { } 2 Joyce M Lanterman GA State University joyeuse13.livejournal.com

Who are they? Geek : A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept. A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken. Perhaps an alteration of geck , from Low German gek , meaning “fool.” American Heritage Dictionary (4th Ed, 2006) Image: www.rubberchickenfling.com Joyce M Lanterman

Geek :

A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy.

A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.

A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.

Perhaps an alteration of geck , from Low German gek , meaning “fool.”

Where do they come from? Location, Location, Location Overwhelming majority (92%) of respondents were from North America Only 85 (8%) were from outside NA 2 in South America 4 in Africa 5 in Asia 14 in Australia or New Zealand 60 in Europe Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Image: http://michellebeckhamcorbin.blogspot.com/2009/05/notice-to-alien-nations-leave-me-alone.html Joyce M Lanterman

Location, Location, Location

Overwhelming majority (92%) of respondents were from North America

Only 85 (8%) were from outside NA

2 in South America

4 in Africa

5 in Asia

14 in Australia or New Zealand

60 in Europe

Where do they come from? Ethnicity Most responses (85%) were “White/ Caucasian” 160 other options (15%) were checked : 47 Asians 43 Native Americans 30 Latinos 13 Africans 11 Middle Easterners 2 Pacific Islanders 1 Pakeha (indigenous New Zealander) 1 Romani (Gypsy) 5 said they were “mixed” 7 wise guys said they were human Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Image: http://michellebeckhamcorbin.blogspot.com/2009/05/notice-to-alien-nations-leave-me-alone.html Joyce M Lanterman

Ethnicity

Most responses (85%) were “White/ Caucasian”

160 other options (15%) were checked :

47 Asians

43 Native Americans

30 Latinos

13 Africans

11 Middle Easterners

2 Pacific Islanders

1 Pakeha (indigenous New Zealander)

1 Romani (Gypsy)

5 said they were “mixed”

7 wise guys said they were human

What Do They Want? Top 10 activities indicated on survey Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Joyce M Lanterman

Language 965 (95%) respondents spoke English as an L1 45 (5%) respondents spoke other L1s: 9 German 6 Spanish 3 each French, Russian, Finnish 2 each Portuguese, Urdu, Turkish, Swedish, Cantonese, Dutch 1 each Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Punjabi, Croatian, Danish, Filipino Respondents claimed expertise in 16 L2s: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Latin, Old English, Middle English, Renaissance English, HTML, Esperanto, and Klingon All respondents with L1s other than English claimed expertise in English as an L2 (survey offered in English only). Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Joyce M Lanterman

965 (95%) respondents spoke English as an L1

45 (5%) respondents spoke other L1s:

9 German

6 Spanish

3 each French, Russian, Finnish

2 each Portuguese, Urdu, Turkish, Swedish, Cantonese, Dutch

1 each Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Punjabi, Croatian, Danish, Filipino

Respondents claimed expertise in 16 L2s:

Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Latin, Old English, Middle English, Renaissance English, HTML, Esperanto, and Klingon

All respondents with L1s other than English claimed expertise in English as an L2 (survey offered in English only).

Released stops: possible index of education, literacy & precision Ashburn (2000) – Science Fiction Fans (panel comments) Benor (2001) – Orthodox Jewish Men Bucholtz (1996) – Girl Nerds Podesva et al. (2002) – Gay Activist Lawyer We “talk like books,” in complex clauses Often mispronounce words that we’ve only seen in print Fanspeak, Geekspeak--Specialized jargon from books, movies, gaming, internet, computers, etc. Language Joyce M Lanterman

Released stops: possible index of education, literacy & precision

Ashburn (2000) – Science Fiction Fans (panel comments)

Benor (2001) – Orthodox Jewish Men

Bucholtz (1996) – Girl Nerds

Podesva et al. (2002) – Gay Activist Lawyer

We “talk like books,” in complex clauses

Often mispronounce words that we’ve only seen in print

Fanspeak, Geekspeak--Specialized jargon from books, movies, gaming, internet, computers, etc.

Phonology and lexis not based on any natural language Verb tenses indicated by time words (like Esperanto, ASL) No case or gender, OVS word order No adjectives – description expressed by verbs or noun suffixes Klingon Language Institute in Flourtown, PA translates other works into Klingon, organizes meetings and summer camps Nevertheless, not widely spoken Klingon Developed in 1983 by Dr. Marc Okrand of Berkeley University Linguistics Dept. for “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” Source: Judith Hermans – Klingon and its Users, Tilburg University 1999 Images: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/4854/whylang.htm, www.dragoncontv.com Joyce M Lanterman

Phonology and lexis not based on any natural language

Verb tenses indicated by time words (like Esperanto, ASL)

No case or gender, OVS word order

No adjectives – description expressed by verbs or noun suffixes

Klingon Language Institute in Flourtown, PA translates other works into Klingon, organizes meetings and summer camps

Nevertheless, not widely spoken

Elvish Actually a family of languages created by J.R.R. Tolkien, author and Oxford philologist Most common is Sindarin: Phonology similar to Welsh Mainly analytic grammar “ Derived” from an “older” Elvish language, Qenya Alphabet is called Tengwar Source: Wikipedia Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tengwar_sample.svg, http://www.freewebs.com/random_isawien/elves.htm Joyce M Lanterman

Actually a family of languages created by J.R.R. Tolkien, author and Oxford philologist

Most common is Sindarin:

Phonology similar to Welsh

Mainly analytic grammar

“ Derived” from an “older” Elvish

language, Qenya

Alphabet is called Tengwar

A Geek By Any Other Name Source: LiveJournal learn_languages community Joyce M Lanterman n ørd Swedish friki Spanish mokh (brain), katib, adeeb (writer) North Africa Langweiler (boring person), Sonderling (“special” person), Streber (one who strives, climber), Aussenseiter (outsider) freak, nerd German taupe (mole) jiik French anorak, trainspotter nerd, geek UK English otaku (used to be insulting, now “cute”) Japanese arvutifriik (computer freak), nohik (teacher’s pet) Estonian gik Costa Rican Spanish teto (dummy) ñoño (buffoon) Mexican Spanish zadrot, botan Russian Pejorative Polite

Cons – Some Geeks are Fen What is a con? “ Gathering of the community of fans (called science fiction fandom) of various forms of speculative fiction including science fiction and fantasy.” (Wikipedia) Do all geeks go to cons? 382 (38%) only go to one con a year 274 (27%) respondents said they have never been to a con Of those, 118 (43%) have no interest in going to cons Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Joyce M Lanterman

What is a con?

“ Gathering of the community of fans (called science fiction fandom) of various forms of speculative fiction including science fiction and fantasy.” (Wikipedia)

Do all geeks go to cons?

382 (38%) only go to one con a year

274 (27%) respondents said they have never been to a con

Of those, 118 (43%) have no interest in going to cons

What Happens at a Con? Readings Art Show Gaming Film Room Filking Concerts Charity Events Dealers’ Room Guests Panels Con Suite Hall Costumes Masquerade Dances Room Parties Image: http://www.myspace.com/veritasnoctis Joyce M Lanterman

Readings

Art Show

Gaming

Film Room

Filking

Concerts

Charity Events

Dealers’ Room

Guests

Panels

Con Suite

Hall Costumes

Masquerade

Dances

Room Parties

Costumes/Cosplay Of the 737 respondents who go to cons: 370 (50%) said they make costumes 487 (66%) wear costumes (though they may not actually make them) Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Joyce M Lanterman

Of the 737 respondents who go to cons:

370 (50%) said they make costumes

487 (66%) wear costumes (though they may not actually make them)

Filk Music - "Folk Songs for Folk Who Ain't Even Been Yet" Origin – typo of “folk?” Style – originally folk music, later branched into other styles Instrumentation – Mainly acoustic instruments, lots of strings so you can sing and play Image: http://www.oldswinford.dudley.gov.uk/Music.htm (4:10) Joyce M Lanterman

Origin – typo of “folk?”

Style – originally folk music, later branched into other styles

Instrumentation – Mainly acoustic instruments, lots of strings so you can sing and play

Stereotypes Intellect Computers Math/Science No fashion sense Unathletic, fat All male Immature Socially inept (2:51) Images: www.highsnobiety.com, http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Pocket-Protector/ Joyce M Lanterman

Intellect

Computers

Math/Science

No fashion sense

Unathletic, fat

All male

Immature

Socially inept

Images in Popular Culture Beauty and the Geek Joyce M Lanterman

Images in Popular Culture Big Bang Theory Joyce M Lanterman

Images in Popular Culture Revenge of the Nerds IEEE Simpsons Joyce M Lanterman

Sci-Fi is changing its name to Syfy. Why? “ The name Sci-Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements with video games…as opposed to the general public and the female audience in particular.” BET changing its name. Why? “ The name BET has been associated with blacks and drug-dealing criminals in inner city ghettos…as opposed to the general public and the educated professional audience in particular.” What if another specialty TV station made a similar decision? Disclaimer: no one ever actually said this! It’s a hypothetical situation. Quote source: Tim Brooks, quoted at tvweek.com: http://www.tvweek.com/news/2009/03/sci_fi_channel_aims_to_shed_ge.php Images: http://www.scifi.com/, http://www.bet.com/ Joyce M Lanterman

Sci-Fi is changing its name to Syfy. Why?

“ The name Sci-Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements with video games…as opposed to the general public and the female audience in particular.”

1) Intellect/Education 1002 respondents indicated level of education 47 of those (.05%) had a high school diploma or GED. Of those , 38% (18) were under age 19, i.e., still in high school 251 (25%) had “some college” 483 (48%) had an undergraduate degree 198 (20%) had a higher degree (MS, PhD, medical/law school) Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Images: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/consuminginterests/blog/loans/, www.greenfieldslandscaping.net Joyce M Lanterman

1002 respondents indicated level of education

47 of those (.05%) had a high school diploma or GED. Of those , 38% (18) were under age 19, i.e., still in high school

251 (25%) had “some college”

483 (48%) had an undergraduate degree

198 (20%) had a higher degree (MS, PhD, medical/law school)

2) & 3) Math, Science, Computers Employment: 71 (7%) work in science or engineering 162 (16%) work in a computer related field: hardware, software (most common response), web design, etc. Most common responses after software were full-time student (14%) and education (8%) Interests: 551 (53%) checked computer hardware or software design 819 (80%) checked real world tech and space travel 229 (29%) checked web design 214 (21%) checked robotics Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Images: school.discoveryeducation.com, http://blog.lib.umn.edu/isler010/asianamericanstudies/2009/04/, http://www.clipartguide.com Joyce M Lanterman

Employment:

71 (7%) work in science or engineering

162 (16%) work in a computer related field: hardware, software (most common response), web design, etc.

Most common responses after software were full-time student (14%) and education (8%)

Interests:

551 (53%) checked computer hardware or software design

819 (80%) checked real world tech and space travel

229 (29%) checked web design

214 (21%) checked robotics

4) No Fashion Sense T-shirts with intellectual sayings, sarcastic phrases, or in-jokes Joyce M Lanterman

T-shirts with intellectual sayings, sarcastic phrases, or in-jokes

4) No Fashion Sense Shiny things: beads, glitter, rhinestones Joyce M Lanterman

Shiny things: beads, glitter, rhinestones

4) No Fashion Sense Long hair (men and women) Body art: henna, tattoos, piercings French braid: http://www.dreamweaverbraiding.com Joyce M Lanterman

Long hair (men and women)

Body art: henna, tattoos, piercings

4) No Fashion Sense Historically influenced clothing, esp Victorian or Renaissance: long skirts, poets’ blouses, corsets http://www.boingboing.net/2009/02/12/star-trek-inspired-c.html

Historically influenced clothing, esp Victorian or Renaissance: long skirts, poets’ blouses, corsets

4) No Fashion Sense Other cultures: Kilts (Utilikilts), harem pants, kimonos, Celtic motifs, cholis Joyce M Lanterman

Other cultures: Kilts (Utilikilts), harem pants, kimonos, Celtic motifs, cholis

4) No Fashion Sense “ Goth” style – cross between Victorian and punk: black, fishnets, rivets, studs, lace, velvet, leather, vinyl, big boots, high heels, piercings, “extreme” makeup http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/09/30/2378294.htm Joyce M Lanterman

“ Goth” style – cross between Victorian and punk: black, fishnets, rivets, studs, lace, velvet, leather, vinyl, big boots, high heels, piercings, “extreme” makeup

Do geeks lack fashion sense? Image: holyclothing.com Joyce M Lanterman

5) Athletic? Or Fat and Sedentary? Dancing got 300 checks (29%) – belly dancing, folk dancing, historical dance, swing, etc. Martial arts got 272 (26%) checks – sword play, tai chi, aikido, etc. (1:55 – 3:47) Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Images: seandiggory.suddenlaunch.com, filmgordon.files.wordpress.com, www.nipissingu.ca Joyce M Lanterman

Dancing got 300 checks (29%) – belly dancing, folk dancing, historical dance, swing, etc.

Martial arts got 272 (26%) checks – sword play, tai chi, aikido, etc.

Body Image Geek culture is more accepting of larger body types Rejection of media standards - more realistic (though our media is just as unrealistic as mainstream—esp comic book heroines) Sedentary hobbies: computer work, reading—but no more sedentary than TV! Renaissance fashions, belly dancewear can accommodate larger figures–but body consciousness is not required Monster Tango: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqd6wEM5_ug (:20 – 1:11) Images:myextralife.com/56geeks/ Joyce M Lanterman

Geek culture is more accepting of larger body types

Rejection of media standards - more realistic (though our media is just as unrealistic as mainstream—esp comic book heroines)

Sedentary hobbies: computer work, reading—but no more sedentary than TV!

Renaissance fashions, belly dancewear can accommodate larger figures–but body consciousness is not required

Are Geeks Fat and Unathletic? Images:myextralife.com/56geeks/, filmgordon.files.wordpress.com, http://www.clipartguide.com Joyce M Lanterman

6) Geeks are All Teenaged Boys Gender – 997 respondents gave a gender 35% (352) Male 63% (645) Female 1% (14) Other: transgender, androgynous, genderqueer Age Range: 11-71 Average Age: 32 Mode (age occurring most frequently): 25 Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Images:myextralife.com/56geeks/ Joyce M Lanterman

Gender – 997 respondents gave a gender

35% (352) Male

63% (645) Female

1% (14) Other: transgender, androgynous, genderqueer

Age

Range: 11-71

Average Age: 32

Mode (age occurring most frequently): 25

7) Geeks are Immature Mainstream society decrees that certain kinds of fun are just for children – and sometimes for senior citizens Make-believe (SF/F lit and film got 1673 checks) Comics/Animation (Anime/Manga, and Comics got 1082 checks) Dress-up (Creating and wearing costumes got 857 checks) Toys/Games (Various kinds of games got 1667 checks) Creativity for its own sake (not to earn money) Learning things for fun (not just “useful” things) Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Images:myextralife.com/56geeks/, http://crazyabouttv.com/renandstimpy.html Joyce M Lanterman

Mainstream society decrees that certain kinds of fun are just for children – and sometimes for senior citizens

Make-believe (SF/F lit and film got 1673 checks)

Comics/Animation (Anime/Manga, and Comics got 1082 checks)

Dress-up (Creating and wearing costumes got 857 checks)

Toys/Games (Various kinds of games got 1667 checks)

Creativity for its own sake (not to earn money)

Learning things for fun (not just “useful” things)

So what does “maturity” really mean? Gainful employment? 802 (79%) respondents reported being currently employed 222 (21%) were unemployed 10 disabled 8 retired 143 full-time students Leaving 61 (6%) actually unemployed As of March 2009, US unemployment rate was 8.5% Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Joyce M Lanterman

Gainful employment?

802 (79%) respondents reported being currently employed

222 (21%) were unemployed

10 disabled

8 retired

143 full-time students

Leaving 61 (6%) actually unemployed

As of March 2009, US unemployment rate was 8.5%

So what does “maturity” really mean? 377 (37%) respondents reported being married or in some kind of domestic partnership; 9 more report being engaged Of those, 151 (39%) have children Percentage of married people in the US in 2004: 46.5% (US Census Bureau) “ Settling down” and having a family? Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Joyce M Lanterman

377 (37%) respondents reported being married or in some kind of domestic partnership; 9 more report being engaged

Of those, 151 (39%) have children

Percentage of married people in the US in 2004: 46.5% (US Census Bureau)

Are Geeks Immature? Images:http://crazyabouttv.com/renandstimpy.html, http://www.clipartguide.com Joyce M Lanterman

8) Geeks are Antisocial/Socially Inept It goes all the way back to grade school Didn’t “fit in” - “I always knew I was different.” Interests outside the norm for age peers “ Too” smart, bookish Often leads to bullying Psychological abuse, ostracism Drives us away from wanting to socialize Leaves us with automatic assumption that we won’t be liked, so why bother? Often, it takes conscious observation and effort to learn about social interaction Given the impression that “normal” people “just know” In effect, we are excluded from the common culture Image: http://www.werkkrew.com/2008/07/07/anti-social-society/ Joyce M Lanterman

It goes all the way back to grade school

Didn’t “fit in” - “I always knew I was different.”

Interests outside the norm for age peers

“ Too” smart, bookish

Often leads to bullying

Psychological abuse, ostracism

Drives us away from wanting to socialize

Leaves us with automatic assumption that we won’t be liked, so why bother?

Often, it takes conscious observation and effort to learn about social interaction

Given the impression that “normal” people “just know”

In effect, we are excluded from the common culture

Steve Silberman, Wired Magazine, Dec 2001: "The Geek Syndrome" Claims that geeks interbreeding in Silicon Valley are reinforcing whatever genetic traits cause autism Apparently considers “geek” and “autistic” to be synonymous--says these “fascinations” all correlate with autism: Computer games Star Trek Fantasy novels Geeks and Autism Image: www.ocps.net Joyce M Lanterman

Steve Silberman, Wired Magazine, Dec 2001: "The Geek Syndrome"

Claims that geeks interbreeding in Silicon Valley are reinforcing whatever genetic traits cause autism

Apparently considers “geek” and “autistic” to be synonymous--says these “fascinations” all correlate with autism:

Computer games

Star Trek

Fantasy novels

A very popular idea, it’s all over the internet—but with very little science to back it up! Jan 2005: Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen (Cambridge University Autism Research Center) surveyed 378 math undergrads (vs control group of 414 other majors) for diagnosed autistic spectrum conditions in themselves and their families. Result: 9 times as much incidence of autism in math group (1.85% vs .24%). Still does not address: Why Star Trek and fantasy novels? What about non-math-oriented geeks? Were the non-autistic math majors still showing autistic tendencies in terms of social skills? Geeks and Autism Image: www.ocps.net Joyce M Lanterman

A very popular idea, it’s all over the internet—but with very little science to back it up!

Jan 2005: Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen (Cambridge University Autism Research Center) surveyed 378 math undergrads (vs control group of 414 other majors) for diagnosed autistic spectrum conditions in themselves and their families. Result: 9 times as much incidence of autism in math group (1.85% vs .24%).

Still does not address:

Why Star Trek and fantasy novels?

What about non-math-oriented geeks?

Were the non-autistic math majors still showing autistic tendencies in terms of social skills?

Many geeks do display features common to the autistic spectrum: Difficulty perceiving body language/facial expressions Difficulty decoding social cues Computer aptitude – hyper-focus Being “different” leads to bullying BUT…most are not autistic Geeks and Autism Image: www.ocps.net Joyce M Lanterman

Many geeks do display features common to the autistic spectrum:

Difficulty perceiving body language/facial expressions

Difficulty decoding social cues

Computer aptitude – hyper-focus

Being “different” leads to bullying

BUT…most are not autistic

Geeks and Autism: Chicken/Egg? Do geeks have autistic tendencies, or do high-functioning autistics gravitate toward geekdom? Image: www.ocps.net Joyce M Lanterman

Geek Social Networking Nobody networks like geeks! Only 25 (2%) of respondents said they don’t use any online social networking sites Even they use email Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Images: Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal, OKCupid, Blogspot, MySpace, Plurk Button: http://buttons.cafepress.com/item/antisocial-tshirts-and-gift-35-button/217194449 Joyce M Lanterman

Nobody networks like geeks!

Only 25 (2%) of respondents said they don’t use any online social networking sites

Even they use email

Geek Social Networking Posted to: My Live Journal 5 LJ fan communities My Facebook account Other people’s LJs Other LJ comms Other people’s Facebook accounts WoW guild forums Plurk PAX gaming con message board Dragon*Con TV website and Podcast Twitter Personal websites Sent via email Re -posted to: Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Images: Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal, OKCupid, Blogspot, MySpace, Plurk Joyce M Lanterman

Posted to:

My Live Journal

5 LJ fan communities

My Facebook account

Other people’s LJs

Other LJ comms

Other people’s Facebook accounts

WoW guild forums

Plurk

PAX gaming con message board

Dragon*Con TV website and Podcast

Twitter

Personal websites

Sent via email

Pirates & Ninjas Introversion/extroversion is a scale, not absolute Extroverts “recharge” by being around people Introverts “recharge” by being alone Mainstream considers extroversion the norm; introversion is an anti-social aberration Quiet, shy people must be “drawn out of their shell” Considered a social duty: poor thing, you’re so shy, let me help you Images: http://smhill.net/home/show/10, http://eu.staying-alive.org/stayingalive/assets/do_something/digital_art/ninja_face.jpg Joyce M Lanterman

Introversion/extroversion is a scale, not absolute

Extroverts “recharge” by being around people

Introverts “recharge” by being alone

Mainstream considers extroversion the norm; introversion is an anti-social aberration

Quiet, shy people must be “drawn out of their shell”

Considered a social duty: poor thing, you’re so shy, let me help you

Pirates & Ninjas Not all geeks are introverted, but geek culture allows for introversion. It’s ok to: Bring a book or a laptop to a party, sit in the corner and read or web surf Party hop: only spend a short time in the party room, then leave to recharge Lie down in a back room and nap Refuse an invitation by saying, “I just don’t feel social right now” or “I’m feeling over-socialized.” Images: http://smhill.net/home/show/10, http://eu.staying-alive.org/stayingalive/assets/do_something/digital_art/ninja_face.jpg Joyce M Lanterman

Not all geeks are introverted, but geek culture allows for introversion.

It’s ok to:

Bring a book or a laptop to a party, sit in the corner and read or web surf

Party hop: only spend a short time in the party room, then leave to recharge

Lie down in a back room and nap

Refuse an invitation by saying, “I just don’t feel social right now” or “I’m feeling over-socialized.”

Are geeks antisocial? Image: http://www.werkkrew.com/2008/07/07/anti-social-society/, www.ocps.net Joyce M Lanterman

Our Stereotypes What do we call non-geeks? Most common terms are “mainstream” and “mundane;” also “muggles” and “normals” Write-in responses: boring, lemmings, sheep, herd, average, conformist, vanilla, the masses; a trend is evident here Many feel using a special term is offensive – but use one anyway! “ Superiority” form of defense Survey data not approved by GA State University IRB Images: http://buttons.cafepress.com/item/strange-vs-dull-mini-button/54122602, standrewsdartmouth.ca Joyce M Lanterman

What do we call non-geeks?

Most common terms are “mainstream” and “mundane;” also “muggles” and “normals”

Write-in responses: boring, lemmings, sheep, herd, average, conformist, vanilla, the masses; a trend is evident here

Many feel using a special term is offensive – but use one anyway!

“ Superiority” form of defense

Geeks as an Oppressed Minority Bennett’s characteristics of oppressed cultures: Oppressed cultures are devalued Must conform or segregate “ Inundated with reminders that [we] are different.” Superiority form of defense Pressured to adapt to mainstream Pluralistic - we can maintain our own culture, and also operate in dominant culture Ok to bash geeks in media – not considered hate speech Milton J. Bennet - Towards Ethnorelativism: a Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity Image: politicalpartypooper.wordpress.com Joyce M Lanterman

Bennett’s characteristics of oppressed cultures:

Oppressed cultures are devalued

Must conform or segregate

“ Inundated with reminders that [we] are different.”

Superiority form of defense

Pressured to adapt to mainstream

Pluralistic - we can maintain our own culture, and also operate in dominant culture

Ok to bash geeks in media – not considered hate speech

Generalizations I Can Make Primary Characteristics Individualistic culture: personal expression trumps all Reluctance to follow rules or be pigeon-holed into categories: herding cats Passionately enthusiastic—obsessed? Love learning, love to read, want to share knowledge Don’t “fit in” to the mainstream, often from an early age; sense of being outsiders We are all individuals I’m not! Image: www.breish.net/pictures/ Joyce M Lanterman

Primary Characteristics

Individualistic culture: personal expression trumps all

Reluctance to follow rules or be pigeon-holed into categories: herding cats

Passionately enthusiastic—obsessed?

Love learning, love to read, want to share knowledge

Don’t “fit in” to the mainstream, often from an early age; sense of being outsiders

Generalizations I Can Make Secondary Characteristics (Geekus Genericus) Interest in speculative fiction – sci-fi, fantasy, horror, alternate history Affinity for science, technology, and/or computers Experience of being bullied in school Joyce M Lanterman

Secondary Characteristics (Geekus Genericus)

Interest in speculative fiction – sci-fi, fantasy, horror, alternate history

Affinity for science, technology, and/or computers

Experience of being bullied in school

Implications Kids Be aware of social issues they may face Be open to their interests—don’t expect them to “grow out” of them If possible, clue them in to larger geek culture—they are not alone! Adults Don’t micromanage; allow for independent work Allow for multi-tasking – a websurfing geek is a happy geek In group work, geeks may not be aware of standard social roles—good idea to assign a role Social groups form around common interests; “drinks with the gang” may not appeal Image: http://images7.cafepress.com/product/6000857v1_350x350_Front.jpg Joyce M Lanterman

Kids

Be aware of social issues they may face

Be open to their interests—don’t expect them to “grow out” of them

If possible, clue them in to larger geek culture—they are not alone!

Adults

Don’t micromanage; allow for independent work

Allow for multi-tasking – a websurfing geek is a happy geek

In group work, geeks may not be aware of standard social roles—good idea to assign a role

Social groups form around common interests; “drinks with the gang” may not appeal

The Geek Shall Inherit… Image: www.noquarterusa.net Joyce M Lanterman