Myth of the fake geek girl.

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous' started by Data Holmes, Nov 19, 2012.

  1. Data Holmes

    Data Holmes Admiral Admiral

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  2. kolibri

    kolibri Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    The John Scalzi article someone linked to in the comments is also really worth reading.

    I really can't see anyone who's desperate to make "geekdom" so exclusive as anything but a hipster. And does anyone at all give a shit about hipster's opinions?

    Discussions about "girl geeks" annoy the crap out of me. I don't want to be singled out for having a vagina. I just want to be left alone and free to pursue my interests in Star Trek or whatever like everyone with a dick is. That's it.
     
  3. RoJoHen

    RoJoHen Awesome Admiral

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    You know, I read the article, and I don't even understand what the argument is. It seems like the author is more upset about the definition of the word "geek" than anything.
     
  4. slackbladder

    slackbladder Lieutenant Junior Grade

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    they deserve it.
     
  5. Hound of UIster

    Hound of UIster Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Io9 is part of the gawker media empire. they have a vested interest in trying to milk as much money as possible out of nerd rage.
     
  6. Grey

    Grey Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    Quoted for emphasis.
     
  7. sidious618

    sidious618 Admiral Admiral

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    Excellent analysis, my dear boy!
     
  8. thestrangequark

    thestrangequark Admiral Admiral

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    I'm so glad I read this. As a Real Geek Girl I had no idea I was supposed to be outraged.
     
  9. Nerys Ghemor

    Nerys Ghemor Vice Admiral Admiral

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    What I get from this is not anything wrong with geeks who happen to be girls--but rather just how insecure so many men are in their sexuality (or perhaps more accurately, insecure about others' perceptions of their sexuality). It is not perceived, in our society, as degrading the femininity of women for them to have "masculine" interests. But for a man to have any interest that happens to overlap with those of a woman...society immediately starts throwing around sexual slurs as though a) that guy can't be straight and b) if he isn't there's something wrong with him. :rolleyes:

    (Yeah, I know there are sometimes instances where women will get the same treatment, being accused of being lesbians because of "masculine" interests. But as a whole, I would say women are much less hung up about their sexuality, and more secure in it and accepting of others--whether gay or straight--than men.)

    Add to that that you have more than a fair share of those who are generally insecure or immature socially, in the geek community, and it's not surprising to think that some of those insecure men would react as though it's territorial encroachment, for a woman to hold a combination of "geek" interests and "stereotypically female" interests.
     
  10. Amaris

    Amaris Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    The author seems to create boxes and labels in the first portion of her essay, and then laments the creation of boxes and labels by the conclusion of her essay.

    That, too. She talks about how the guys have to protect, almost ruthlessly, some modicum of masculinity, but I'm not seeing that anywhere. I guess you're supposed to be outraged, and I'm supposed to be desperately masculine? Honestly, I'm not sure what the author is trying to say here.
     
  11. RoJoHen

    RoJoHen Awesome Admiral

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    Exactly. I feel like there is some huge backstory that I'm missing.

    I always thought guys liked geek girls. Especially hot ones with glasses.
     
  12. thestrangequark

    thestrangequark Admiral Admiral

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    It was all worth the fact that I have now added "desperately masculin" to my personal phrasebook.
     
  13. doubleohfive

    doubleohfive Fleet Admiral

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    Not that he needed it, but Scalzi's reply wins if only for the Lord of the Flies reference alone. Well said.
     
  14. Amaris

    Amaris Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Yeah. Not to be disgusting, but most of the geeks I know salivate at the prospect of a girlfriend who loves comics, sci-fi, and fantasy like they do. It's practically a match made in heaven!

    I live to serve. :D
     
  15. M'Sharak

    M'Sharak Definitely Herbert. Maybe. Moderator

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  16. thestrangequark

    thestrangequark Admiral Admiral

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    ^:lol: That was great!
     
  17. lurok

    lurok Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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  18. Alidar Jarok

    Alidar Jarok Everything in moderation but moderation Moderator

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    Honestly, I suspect part of it is the anger that there can be someone who shares their interests but still doesn't like them. At least if they "weren't geeks" they wouldn't share the same interests and that can be grounds for rejection. Once they find someone unobtainable who says they share the same interests, they have to pretend that person isn't real and is just faking it.
     
  19. JoeZhang

    JoeZhang Vice Admiral Admiral

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    I'm not even sure what geek means anymore - from the stereotypes presented - since I can see my own dick, don't have a throat beard and don't dress like a homeless person or have a house full of toys - does that mean I'm not a geek?

    So what is a geek?
     
  20. sonak

    sonak Vice Admiral Admiral

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    that's a good analysis.