Nerd is the new cool

By BECCA OWSLEY

bowsley@thenewsenterprise.com

Being called a nerd used to be considered an insult back in my youth, but today it finally has become cool. It’s about time. I can openly express my love for “Star Wars” and the History Channel and no longer am pushed aside for the more popular crowd. Thankfully, society has awakened to the value of an intelligent mind and those considered a part of the “nerd” class are no longer considered outsiders. Webster’s dictionary uses these words to define nerd: socially dull, awkward, preoccupied with schoolwork or an intellectual hobby. Fixating on learning should not be considered an insult, but instead a great feat of strengthening the mind. There are many benefits to nerddom. For one, after years of being picked last for dodge ball and many other PE events, now I am first to be picked for Trivial Pursuit on game night with my friends. You rarely will hear a nerd utter the words “I don’t get it,” unless you are referring to Hannah Montana or the trials of Britney Spears, which really aren’t worth the brain power anyway so they won’t mind not understating. Nerds also know really cool stuff, depending on the specific area of expertise. A history nerd, such as myself can tell you interesting facts about events and people throughout time. A science nerd can give in-depth and interesting explanations about how things work and the intricacies of things. Computer nerds will take over the world someday so everyone should be really nice to them. Don’t forget those who work with robotics, chemistry, space, engineering ... The lists goes on. Science-fiction nerds, well, are in a class all their own, but really interesting to hang out with. In today’s modern world, the work of the nerd is essential. They are rarely thought of until your computer gets a virus, you develop an illness that needs a cure or you want to use the latest iPod technology. All these things — the work of nerds. They pour over text books, hover over computers, live in libraries, camp out in labs, explore strange new worlds and seek out new life and new civilizations for the betterment of society. Well, maybe not always that last part, but the rest rings true. I once had a conversation with my brother about our status in culture and at first he refused to embrace his inner nerdiness. I then pointed out to him that he loved sci-fi moves, plays Trivial Pursuit for blood and enjoyed getting school supplies at Christmas — that big box filled with multiple kinds of paper, a variety of pens, pencils and crayons, a beautiful array of ... Oh sorry, I got distracted. After I pointed out his nerdy behaviors, my brother conceded to my point saying, “I do miss the school supplies.” I believe growing up a nerd has contributed to my becoming a well-rounded person. The pursuit of learning has generated many interests and developed a deeper sense of self. Just surviving high school carved a ditch into my personal growth. And have you noticed the change in adventure films? It is the chemist, historian, librarian or computer genius that saves the day in most movies today. The days of the muscle bound action hero are coming to a close; the person with a brain is the new action star. Maybe that all began in the days of Indiana Jones, the adventurous archaeologist and college professor, but I won’t get started on that again. So embrace your inner nerd. Shout it from the rooftop “I’m a nerd and proud of it.” It’s a good thing. Becca Owsley can be reached at (270) 505-1741.