American Nerd: The Story of My People, by Benjamin Nugent #1
I love nerds. Who really wants to end up with the jock over the nerd? Can I get an Amen? Well, maybe I’m just speaking for myself. The male nerds I have known have all been unique, possibly more self conscious than other guys, less comfortable socially, but more interesting – none have been generic. They have all had some sort of talent that others can’t touch – Nugent explains that people tend to feel uncomfortable around nerds because people with this distinction seem less human and more machine. But that’s fascinating, right?
The first section of the book provides a history of nerds. It’s mostly about men, although a few girls are mentioned. You’ll have to read it yourself because I spend the entire thirty pages (that’s half of part 1) trying to decide whether or not I am also a nerd (which means I undoubtedly am).
I have asked Hubby, err, GB about his high school habits to verify whether he is really a nerd even though he says he is a geek. He didn’t play too much D&D, but he DID read a lot of science fiction (still does). He took bowling to fulfill his high school PE requirement. He skipped a grade in school, and was invited to attend a special high school for really smart math/science people (he still keeps in touch with some of the people he met there). He is really intense about logic and efficiency. He doesn’t read my blog because it’s too chatty and not really a deep analysis of what I read. (So I can say whatever I want about him here. Just kidding.)
Here is a quote for you:
Nerds, almost by definition, came to power in the end, because modernity was on their side, but that didn’t mean anybody had to like them. They could still be denied prestige and affection.
Such is the tragedy of the high-earning but self-loathing MIT grad. You win, moans some choir of disembodied voices from the realm of the Authentic and Natural and Desirable, but you are still a loser to us. Somewhere, on our decrepit estate among the gray rocks of Scotland or on a high-school football field in Indiana, we mock you.”
You see? Nerds rule! The haters are just jealous.
Other posts about American Nerd:
Post 1: American Nerd: The Story of my People, by Benjamin Nugent
Post 2: High School is Forever
Post 3: Nerds, Dweebs, and Geeks
Post 4: Wanna Be Ballerina
Amen.