You Can Call Yourself a Nerd, but You Have to Prove It to Me!
Nerd – this term most often evokes the image of a glasses-donning, suspender-wearing,
clumsy, socially awkward, teacher’s pet who can consistently be depended on to be the first to
raise a hand in class. With this in mind, it is no wonder that “nerd” is used as an insult more
frequently than as a compliment. Even at the beginning of the millennium, nerds were viewed as
no-lifers with an ongoing asthma problem and textbooks for friends. Slowly, this identity has
changed from the classic humorous side character to a likeable protagonist. With a laughable
twist of irony, the nerd concept has become...well, popular. The evaluation of a statement made
by self-professed nerd, John Green, and a degrading Pinterest post makes it clear that nerds are
the heroes of a societal rags-to-riches movement – they began as the underdogs, but they have
become increasingly desirable and contemporary; I support this argument and John Green’s
assertion, and I deduce that this transformation results from a redefinition of “nerd”; furthermore,
the fundamental constant of nerds everywhere remains the fact that being a nerd is all in the
heart.
John Green and “Nerds like Us”
In one of his regular YouTube videos, John Green asserts, “...because nerds like us are
allowed to be unironically enthusiastic about stuff, like jump-up-and-down-in-the-chair-can’tcontrol-yourself love it. Hank, when people call people nerds, mostly what they are saying is
‘you like stuff.’ Which is just not a good insult at all. Like, ‘you are too enthusiastic about the
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miracle of human consciousness’” (John). Green purports his goal to redefine not only the way
the world sees nerds but the way that nerds see themselves – as favorable and desirable. He uses
a central common trait of nerds – one that usually carries negative connotations – and uses it in
favor of his claim. He artfully argues for his case.
Green’s persuasion becomes increasingly evident when evaluated under the context of
pathos, ethos, and logos. He subtly uses pathos, emotional appeal, by first portraying nerds as
societal victims; he insinuates that nerds are often confronted with insults. Several key words
hint at Green’s positive view of nerds. First, he says nerds are “allowed,” which implies that they
are given a special freedom. He also states that nerds are enthusiastic about the “miracle of
human consciousness.” To not be excited about such a thing would portray one as lifeless and
vapid. Green keeps the reader’s mood more cheerful and inspired by staying clear of negative
phrases and words; instead, he employs “enthusiastic,” “like,” “good,” “too,” and “miracle.”
Another example of pathos in this text is Green’s use of patriotism. He evokes a sense of
community among himself and fellow nerds by starting off his statement by saying “nerds like
us,” and he strategically includes himself in the group, boosting his ethos or appeal to character.
As one half of the “VlogBrothers,” John Green dedicates a great portion of his time to
nerds. In fact, fans and followers of the VlogBrothers are known as “nerd fighters.” The
YouTube-famous duo is responsible for many intellectual type video series, such as Mental Floss
(random, intriguing facts about just about everything), Crash Course (an educational YouTube
channel that focuses on a variety of subjects), and SciShow (another educational channel that
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centers on topics related solely to science). He is also a New York Times bestselling author,
directing most of his books at misfits and nerds of all kinds. Green’s professions and passions
give him a reliable ethos. His audience will most likely trust his opinion because not only is he a
nerd himself, but he can claim his expertise on the issue.
By identifying himself as a member of the “nerd” society, Green gains the respect of his
audience. He bases most of his argument on pathos and ethos, but he implicitly sets up the
audience to make a choice which appeals to their logic, or logos. He offers two options –
freedom to be enthusiastic as a nerd or constriction otherwise. However, in order to produce all
of these claims, Green must make several significant assumptions. Green assumes that his
audience is composed solely of nerds, that nerds truly are allowed to be as enthusiastic as he
says, and that the term “nerd” is generally accepted as an insult.
The Pinterest Put Down
I stumbled upon this highly disturbing
image on Pinterest while perusing through the
“Humor” section. It stopped me dead in my
scrolling; the nasty Ad Hominem glaring
through this visual was hard to ignore. Why is
the author calling this girl a whore? What is it
about her that says she is not a nerd? And, for
heaven’s sake, why is this being pinned onto
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humor boards? I resolved to get to the bottom of this. The author’s basic argument is that the girl
in question is not a nerd, but rather a “whore.” For some reason unknown to me, many people
find this funny. Perhaps arbitrarily inserting the word “whore” into a sentence causes a comedic
rouse. Maybe harshly belittling others is being confused for comedy. I don’t think that is funny
in the slightest. However, the situation that I find most laughable is that the author’s own
argument works against him. Good, old, wholesome irony tickles my funny bone every time.
The arrangement in this image works much more in favor of the girl. First of all, the
colors in the top half are bold and lively, while the bottom half bears a lackluster gray. Second,
the text in the upper left hand corner holds a two-fold significance. It functions as a sort of
whisper; the girl is the focal point of the picture, not the text. In fact, the text is much like the
“I’m So-And-So, and I’m a Mormon” commercials. The audience first views the girl and
formulates ideas based on her visage, and then they see the text. It goes like this: Here is the girl
in the picture; here are her physical traits; here are her clothes. And guess what. She’s a nerd,
too. She can be silly, fun, and a nerd. The font is also classic and thin, so it does not carry angry
connotations like the text below. The smiley face especially gives the text a silly, happy feel. The
text accompanying the man is the focal point of the cartoon. The letters are also big and boxy, so
as to convey loud, angry words. This also reflects the dichotomy of the pathos in the visual.
The cartoon acts as a response to the photograph. Therefore, the chuckling grin on the
man’s face is meant derogatorily to the girl. The girl’s face, on the other hand, wears a silly
smirk. Her words are light-hearted, while the author’s words are just mean. The girl has a happy
pathos, while the author’s is bitter and judgmental. So far, the girl is much more appealing.
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This girl also has a stronger ethos. The largest demographic of members on Pinterest is
teen girls. Being that she fits into this category, this girl is more relatable to her audience than the
man is. Her casual attire also better reflects the average “pinner.” I, personally, relate to her on
both of these aspects. Not only am I a teenage girl, but the outfit I most wear when I get on
Pinterest is sweatpants and a t-shirt. I certainly wouldn’t be wearing a suit and tie. Moreover, the
audience of this image is significantly more likely to sympathize with the girl than with the man;
she is more desirable. This image relies primarily on pathos and ethos, but it is clearly the logical
choice to ditch this author’s faulty argument, and treat others with respect, regardless of if they
are a nerd or not.
If the girl is a nerd as she says she is, then she represents a revolutionary type of nerd – a
nerd that bears her identity proudly. One might say that this girl cannot be a nerd because, aside
from her glasses, she doesn’t look like one. Her casual hat, shirt, and pony tail are sporty, and her
French manicure is girly. Even the author judges the girl based only on her looks; he insinuates
that one must look like a nerd to be one. This simply isn’t true. Being a nerd is not skin deep.
Nerd Is in the Heart
Often, people view “nerdy” subcultures as the defining characteristics of nerds
everywhere; however, this idea fails to account for the myriad of divergences within nerd
society. Keeping this in mind, an appropriate modern definition for nerd would be an academic
fanatic with a passion for learning; this also means a love for school courses and topics. Because
of high scholastic acclimation, most nerds find an affinity for media, subcultures, and fandoms
that follow suit. I agree with the assertions of my examples that the identity of “nerd” has begun
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to shift through transformation in definition and perception. In the past, the definition of nerd
was a socially awkward academic fanatic with a passion for learning; in most cases, this meant
looking the part. The fundamental element of “nerd” remains: intellectual aptitude. However, the
way that people see nerds (and the way nerds see themselves) has changed because of a
significant cultural shift.
The popularity of nerd culture has changed ultimately because of a split in definition.
Conventional definitions paint nerds as unattractive misfits. The traditional sense still exists as a
subculture, but another definition has been born into popular culture – one that does not require
nerds to be socially inept or unfashionable. This transformation illustrates the power of the
mainstream on subcultures and stereotypes. If nerds are susceptible to evolution, then so are
other groups. Understanding culture fosters a greater appreciation of it and people of all social
groups. In this case, redefinition has allowed nerds, who were once only belittled and bullied, to
triumph.
Being a nerd myself, I appreciate this change, since what I wear on the outside doesn’t
always match up with who I am on the inside. I’m used to being called a nerd. I love learning; I
genuinely get excited about school and about knowledge in general. Like John Green said, I am
“enthusiastic about the miracle of human consciousness” (John). I read educational material
during the summer, I thoroughly enjoy going to museums, grammar thrills me, I could study
anatomical terms all day, and I actually asked for a vocabulary workbook for my birthday. My
friends even nicknamed me Hermione, after Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series. Like
me, she is famous for being the first one in the class to raise a hand. My heart is nerdy through
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and through...but some days, I choose to wear my contacts instead of my big glasses. I don’t
always wear my Doctor Who or Captain America t-shirts. I don’t carry my sonic screwdriver
around with me everywhere I go, and I don’t often wear my suspenders. Does this mean that I’m
not a nerd on the days I don’t don my nerdy paraphernalia? No way! This isn’t the story of
Samson and Delilah; if you take away my retainer, I won’t lose my intelligence. I’m not the only
one, either. I encounter plenty of nerds in disguise.
My best friend, Dara, is about as nerdy as they come. She loves learning, and information
energizes her soul. However, one would never be able to tell that she was an academic fanatic
just by looking at her; she doesn’t bear the traditional marks of a nerd. This does not mean that
she is not nerdy. Also, she has wonderful people skills. Dara is the farthest thing from awkward,
and she has plenty of friends. This doesn’t take away her passion for learning. On the other hand,
I used to go to school with a boy named Quentin. He didn’t interact well with people, and he had
a hard time making friends. But Quentin looked like a regular kid. No trace of nerd could be
found on his person. He still remains the biggest nerd I have ever met – he could spout off so
much information that my class started calling him “The Walking Encyclopedia.” It goes to
show that outward appearance does not make or break one’s status as a nerd. Like subcultures
and fandoms, appearance may be a result of “nerd-dom,” but it is not necessary to look like a
nerd to be one. Being a nerd consumes one’s whole heart. It becomes a part of who one is. This
“nerd” is a noun. If, say, a jock (who doesn’t care about learning and academic pursuits) calls
himself a nerd because he spends a great amount of time studying sports, “nerd” would become
an adjective of sorts. He would be nerdy about sports. Nerd is in the heart.
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The girl from the Pinterest visual gives me no reason to believe that she is not a nerd. She
also gives me no evidence to believe that she is one. She posed for a silly picture while wearing
glasses that would be typically considered glasses for nerds. This might say she likes the glasses
that nerds wear. It does not, however, say that she is a nerd. I would have to get to know her in
order to know if she is truly a nerd or not. It comes down to the old saying, “Don’t judge a book
by its cover.” I particularly like this saying because I especially love books.
Prove It, and Be Proud
The old accepted definition of nerd and John Green’s assessment exhibit nerds’
predilection to insults and bullying. As a nerd myself, I view this movement and redefinition as
an achievement – not only for nerds but for society as a whole. Nerds are beginning to be
celebrated for their academic enthusiasm rather than denigrated for it. This transformation,
exemplified by John Green’s quote and the visual from Pinterest, illustrate that nerds have
moved from rags to riches. They also exhibit the shifting criteria for being a nerd, though
intellectual passion remains constant. Nerd isn’t a fashion statement; it’s an identity. You can
call yourself a nerd, but you have to prove it to me...and you should prove it to me, because
being a nerd is something to be proud of. Long live nerd pride!
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Works Cited
"John Green Quotes Quotable Quote." Goodreads.com. Goodreads Inc, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2013.
Pinterest.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2013