Does the geek label ever bother you?

[steeler80]

The article in the misogyny in comics thread got me to thinking on a tangent and that is the stereotyping of comic readers. Once again in that article we see the sterotype of the comic book reader put forth: male, lives in his parents' basement, fanatical about the most mundane trivia, and has never known the touch of a woman. Now, most of the time, this kind of stuff doesn't bother me, but sometimes it does hit a nerve.

I like sports (and can play a few of them fairly compently), old muscle cars, history, and good books and movies. Mention any of these other hobbies and I'm fine but tell someone I'm into comics and there goes the raised eyebrow or little sly grin. I understand that some of this was created by the old Batman TV show (which I must confess I loved and still do in a nostalgic way) and its ilk but surely movies like Spider-man, Sin City, and the Punisher (and I mean however you felt about the movie, it was certainly a long way from the Biff! Pow! mentality) should be eroding this obsolete view.

I don't know, maybe I'm just over-reacting but I hate that if my wife mentions to her friends about this hobby (she doesn't "get" it but doesn't think anything about it), she always ends up having to say something like "Well, he could be spending his money on crack or whores."

Sometimes, I think I'd be looked more favorably if I did buy some vials of crack instead of BOP.

[blackcanary_416]

Alot of my friends don't read comics and they all think its cool that I read them. I don't know why some people look down on comics or make faces I have been into comics along time and family members give them to me as gifts and friends buy me issues. I guess I just have it lucky. But I think no matter what you are into certain people won't get it but I wouldn't worry about it.

[Copper]

You beat me to it. But on the other hand Kevin Maher saw fit to quote Harry Knowles who pretty much cultivates the image of the comic book geek. It kind of bothers me sometimes if I really stop to think about it, honestly--anyone can be a sports fan but I don't see anyone using the ones who paint their bodies with the team colors as representative of all sports fans. It's a given that some women like daytime soap operas but I hardly ever hear of the type that refers to the actors by their character's name as representative of people who like soap operas.

I think part of the problem lies in the fact that for most people comic books continue to be "kids stuff" and they see that people who like them as refusing to "grow up" or fit into whatever nebulous definition of normalcy of what constitutes adult behavior. For them, I think comics are like Saturday Morning cartoons--something to "grow out of." And because they're something you "grow out of" for some reason if you continue to like them its a sign of immaturity. Which conjures up the still living at home bit and pretty much refusing to take on adult responsibilities.

Of course that's just me trying to look at things rationally.
Emotionally, I'd say that it's a crock of shit.

I think there's a real problem when the percieved spokesperson for an industry is a walking stereotype. I also think there's a real problem when you have "experts" on TV who clearly know nothing about the industry or what's been done outside of mainstream comic books continuing to perpetuate a view of the industry and sequential art in general that hasn't been true in 50 years. Forgive my language here, but I give no credibility to any of these "critics" if they don't know what the fuck they're talking about to begin with.
It's like having Roger Ebert telling you what this year's best car is.

I could live with an "outsider looking in" criticism. But nine times out of ten they always resort to the Simpson's Comic Book Guy stereotype and there goes any semblance of any sort of dialogue. I have NEVER seen any other media dismissed as quickly.

I apologize for my rant.

[muimi]

When asked to sum me up in one word, a friend of mine replied: Geektacular. (You wear your geekness with more pride than most people I know.) I never thought about it that way but I guess its safe to say that I am pretty secure in my geekdom.

For me, it really depends who is calling me a geek and where they are coming from Being called a geek doesn't bother me for the most part, especially if called a geek by one of my friends, because generally they understand what it means to be a fan of something that would be considered "geeky" by most. Most of my friends started off as online acquaintances brought together by a common fandom that turned into real life friendships. We're an assorted bunch of otaku, gamers and fans about all sorts of things although I am the one of the only comic book geeks in the group.

But with other groups of friends, friends who fancy themselves as "normal" call me a geek, its hurtful because do the whole: "You read comic books? Aren't those for kids?" And they don't listen when I try to explain that what I read isn't necessarily for kids.


I think part of the problem lies in the fact that for most people comic books continue to be "kids stuff" and they see that people who like them as refusing to "grow up" or fit into whatever nebulous definition of normalcy of what constitutes adult behavior. For them, I think comics are like Saturday Morning cartoons--something to "grow out of." And because they're something you "grow out of" for some reason if you continue to like them its a sign of immaturity. Which conjures up the still living at home bit and pretty much refusing to take on adult responsibilities.


I think you're right and it is a real shame that most people simply do not see that comics and animated television shows have evolved from being simply children's entertainment. I'm hoping we'll see less of this perception of comics being "kids stuff" as time goes on.

I had hoped that with the surge of popularity of anime in the past five years that Americans would realize that animated television shows and, by extension, sequential art, both American comics and Japanese manga, can be and are "legitimate" story telling mediums that not necessarily for children. And while I'm sure some perceptions were changed, I think that most people tend to view anime as being an acceptable "older kids" cartoon (read: teenagers to college students) rather than being something that adults (read: past college age) can/should legitimately enjoy.

[Robin3]

I used to get mad, I mean really mad at someone who'd call me a geek or a nerd. But then I studied persuasion, leadership, amnipulation, charisma, etc, so I can handle that attempt at a jibe fairly easily.

The secret to attraction (for men) is confidence. So all you have to do is wear the label confidently and you can spin it around and even pick up chicks with it.

Example:

Jiber: you're a geek.
You: Yeah, I guess so. Because I like what I'm doing a whole lot and its fun.

This just floors most people, because they don't expect a confident response, and the thing you like becomes an adornment rather than an irevokable mark.

[Ian Boothby]

I don't mind nerd but hate the term geek. Maybe because I associate it with punches to the back of the head in jr. high school.

[outlander78]

Funny, I'm the opposite. I happily describe myself as a computer geek but would be angered by the term nerd. I guess it's what you grow up with ... :)

[estee]

Nah, it doesn't bother me. Cuz I'm surrounded by so many socially maladjusted people all day long at work, the only difference is they don't read comics.

There is no such thing as 'normal' people. Everyone has a foible.

And remember there are no rock-stars in rush hour traffic. Only slaves to the system.

[steeler80]

Normally, I wear my geekdom proudly. For example, all the students in my class know that I like comic books and you can tell that several of them that like comics themselves appreciate that their teacher likes them too. And I let my wife know pretty much up front what a geek she was getting when we started dating.

I don't mind for friends and family to poke little jabs at me. It's the condenscending attitude of strangers or acquaintances that gets to me sometimes.

But it seems to be a basic human instinct to put down what we don't understand or agree with.

[LooksBetterDrawn]

Most people are suprized to find I spend my money on comics........not crack

[taintedlunch]

This wouldn't even be an issue if you guys would pick up an iron every once in awhile.

And lose the damn jean shorts!

;)

[WhiteRose]

Nah, it doesn't bother me. Cuz I'm surrounded by so many socially maladjusted people all day long at work, the only difference is they don't read comics.

There is no such thing as 'normal' people. Everyone has a foible.

And remember there are no rock-stars in rush hour traffic. Only slaves to the system.

*giggles* Wow, sounds a lot like my workplace too.

Actually, a whole bunch of my male friends think it's hot I read comics and watch cartoons. I love being a geek, you get to do the whole 'sexy geek-sheek' thing and do things you love. It's never bothered me being called a geek, but I am kinda sick of all the looks my family give me when I tell them about my hobbies.

Call me a nerd and I'd kick your ass though.

[Justin D.]

Does the geek label ever bother you?

Well, I own one of these cool geek pride shirts so . . (http://www.cafepress.com/thegeekout) . . no, the word geek doesn't bother me.

[JeffreyWKramer]

Doesn't bother me in the least. I'm happy with who I am.

[Dry Observer]

You know, I don't like anybody being referred to disparagingly. But what gets me about people using geek or nerd as a slur is that they're basically saying, "Yes, I'm a total loser. No, I'm serious. I actually think that being smart is a bad thing. And that if you're really smart, you're automatically some kind of loser." Forget the comics, that's what sick about being called a "geek."

Seriously, there's about three billion people in China, India and Russia and the other old Soviet Republics who are now able to compete with the rest of us through the Internet. You know, for our jobs. And by jobs, I'm including most of the good ones, too.

Meanwhile, we've got a whole society telling its kids "Don't be smart! You want to be rich, beautiful, athletic or even funny, but never smart." And people in India and China, in particular, are telling their kids "You want to be as smart as you can so you can get a job as an engineer or doctor and live out your dreams." And kids are looking around and saying, "You know, you've got a point..." and doing whatever it takes to be the best.

How long can we compete with that? 3 billion people doing all they can versus 1 billion Westerners who mostly consider intelligence to be some kind of embarrassment or personal insult?

Ralph

[Space Poo]

Geeks are artistic whether literally or at heart. They have neato interests and are passionate about those interests. That's what makes them geeky. And I think that's awesome.

My friends call me a geek for some of the things I'm into and I always tell them that they're right "I am a geek and you'll never be as cool as me." :cool:

I actually wish I were geekier, but if I try to be geekier then I'll be a poser. And being labeled a poser is horrible.

Oh yeah, and a couple of those friends used to make fun because I read comics, but they ran and bought a couple of Sin City books after seeing the movie. Ugh. I hate my friends.

But Geeks Rule!

[Screwtape]

The geek label doesn't bother me per se, but it bothers me when people label something really great that I consider an artistic accomplishment "geeky" and then dismiss it. They're being robbed of an amazing reading experience and they're making other people insecure about enjoying something new and different, which is really irritating to me. On the other hand, if comics were less marginalized, I don't think we'd see a lot of the really cool stuff that gets done these days.

[stealthwise]

I'm going to be studying comics and other "geeky" stuff for the rest of my life (hopefully), so I've learned to just laugh off any stereotyping and jokes.

Now making my fiance understand how much I love comics...

This one's gonna take a while.

[Lurch]

I'm going to be studying comics and other "geeky" stuff for the rest of my life (hopefully), so I've learned to just laugh off any stereotyping and jokes.

Now making my fiance understand how much I love comics...

This one's gonna take a while.

We're in the same boat as far as that goes. At the ripe old age of 40, I've embraced the fact that I love comics and everything related to them. I know more about the history of comics and the current state of the industry than I do my chosen profession.

Only one problem I encounter; Because my brain is full of comics trivia, like the names of the guys who wrote, pencilled, and inked Fantastic Four 122, I have absolutley no room in in my memory banks for any sports statistics whatsoever. Being a salesman, I often find myself having to fake my way through conversations about whatever "big game" is being discussed at the watercooler.

Ahhh...to be able to engage in watercooler chat about Preacher or Sin City...

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Nah, it doesn't bother me. Cuz I'm surrounded by so many socially maladjusted people all day long at work, the only difference is they don't read comics.

There is no such thing as 'normal' people. Everyone has a foible.

And remember there are no rock-stars in rush hour traffic. Only slaves to the system.

I'm going to remember that. And probably steal it for future arguements with the non-geeky crowd. :D

[Pixies Chick]

Back when we were dating, my husband gave me a "Geek Squad" t-shirt. That was back in the days when they had the T-birds painted up like the Batmobile. The whole pasty-brainiac dogooder earnestness of geekiness just feels right. Better a nerd than a bully.

[Helena]

In general I don't mind the term 'geek' or 'nerd'. I'm not ashamed of the fact that I enjoy intellectual persuits.

However I am at an age and a stage in my career where I wouldn't let anyone I know, proffessionally, that I read and enjoy comic books. I work in a very conservative proffession and It can hinder my move up the corporate ladder.

[Yoda]

In general I don't mind the term 'geek' or 'nerd'. I'm not ashamed of the fact that I enjoy intellectual persuits.

However I am at an age and a stage in my career where I wouldn't let anyone I know, proffessionally, that I read and enjoy comic books. I work in a very conservative proffession and It can hinder my move up the corporate ladder.

Collecting Comic Books is what landed me my job as an attorney in Boston. It's a small firm, only 14 attorneys, but we handle major clients. If i hadn't had "collecting comic books" on my resume i would not have the job i have today. The partner happened to have read Kavalier & Clay so he asked me about comics and my collection. We probably spent more time talking about that than we did about my qualifications for the job.

About a month after i started working there he actually came out and told me that is why i got the job.

I asked him if he would call my mom and tell her that. He did.

I have a framed page of Superman art in my office now and a Superman action figure on my book shelf.

So no, when one of my friends laughs at me or calls me a geek cause i collect comics it doesnt bother me. I make more money than they do.

[Helena]

Collecting Comic Books is what landed me my job as an attorney in Boston. It's a small firm, only 14 attorneys, but we handle major clients. If i hadn't had "collecting comic books" on my resume i would not have the job i have today. The partner happened to have read Kavalier & Clay so he asked me about comics and my collection. We probably spent more time talking about that than we did about my qualifications for the job.

About a month after i started working there he actually came out and told me that is why i got the job.

I asked him if he would call my mom and tell her that. He did.

I have a framed page of Superman art in my office now and a Superman action figure on my book shelf.

So no, when one of my friends laughs at me or calls me a geek cause i collect comics it doesnt bother me. I make more money than they do.

You lucky guy! :) . Alas I live in uptight Canada, and I wouldn't risk it. Also my field....tends to attract, shall we say humourless people. I couldn't risk it.

But at my last position, I did wear a 'Batman' charm bracelet. But it was very discreet.

[estee]

Meanwhile, we've got a whole society telling its kids "Don't be smart! You want to be rich, beautiful, athletic or even funny, but never smart." And people in India and China, in particular, are telling their kids "You want to be as smart as you can so you can get a job as an engineer or doctor and live out your dreams." And kids are looking around and saying, "You know, you've got a point..." and doing whatever it takes to be the best.

How long can we compete with that? 3 billion people doing all they can versus 1 billion Westerners who mostly consider intelligence to be some kind of embarrassment or personal insult?

Ralph

And that's why the West is going to be left behind. Cuz our children won't know a damn thing except how to satisfy their appetites, while the rest of the world is going to the moon and mars and find a cure for cancer etc. We are the architects of our own demise.

[Cam63]

Be happy who you are, don't give a fuck about those who choose to insult you and keep in mind when they start to get to you, a punch to the throat is the great equalizer.

[Papergirl]

Or a thwack upside the head with a quarter staff. ;)

Seriously, if the WORST thing someone calls me is a geek, I can live with that. Just DON'T call me a Republican OR a Democrat. Them's fightin' words.

~Bev

[Dry Observer]

And that's why the West is going to be left behind. Cuz our children won't know a damn thing except how to satisfy their appetites, while the rest of the world is going to the moon and mars and find a cure for cancer etc. We are the architects of our own demise.

Hey, I try not to sound apocalyptic, because I do think the U.S. has way more than a fighting chance. But no matter what kind of advantages you start out with, it's hard to win a race if you refuse to run.

And right now, we've got a lot people who aren't just distracted or conflicted, they've effectively dropped out of the contest. Whatever you think of the larger political situation, at the level of economic competitiveness, we've got to either pick up the ball again, as a people, or admit that most of our team has opted out of the game. =)

Ralph

[Alex Dragon]

This subject has come up from time to time on other boards and I'm always surprised that so many people get labelled a "geek" or claim to get strange/funny looks from people for reading comics.
While I don't announce to everyone I know that I read comics the ones that know hardly gave any indication that they even cared or have an opinion about it. I read comics in public from time to time and never remember getting any strange looks of any kind. Heck, I've even drawn superheroes in public and only got compliments.

I kinda think it might have more to do with appearance and the way they behave than the actual comics themselves. The stereotypes we see in the media get the attention and grief they do because they have a geeky/nerdy appearance and attitude than the fact that they read comics I would think.
I would find it hard to believe that Samuel Jackson, Keanu Reeves, Nic Cage, Patrick Stewart or any of the host of celebs who read comics have to deal with the "geek" label.

[Indigo Al]

What i think is hilarious is that some of my friends who aren't comics fans LOVE my geekiness to the point where it's all they see.

For example, they're shocked if I date a girl who's not a comics fan - well, I don't NEED her to be one, and I do have other interests and can talk about other things....hellooooo....

[Phoney Bone]

Nope. "Nerd" either.

http://www.losttshirts.com/images/squares/nerds1.jpg

[Matches Malone]

Nope. I *am* a geek. Why should I get upset because someone called me one?

I suppose there's a difference between joking sparring (I call my friends "dorks" all the time), and seriously using the term as an insult. But I can't recall any examples of the latter in my life. Do people really do that?

[steeler80]

It's not the geek name that sometimes offends me. I don't mind being called a geek because, like a lot of us have admitted, I am one.

It's the whole condenscending attitude that some people get when they find out you like comics. It's like you're not as worthy a person, almost someone to be looked down on, that gets me.

Eh, it doesn't happen all that often. I guess I just need to get thicker skin about it.