Nerd culture rises, barriers fall
Ryan Scott
When I was growing up, it was difficult to talk about a lot of the things that I loved.
I was, and still am, very much into things that would be considered by many to be “nerdy,” such as “Star Wars” and comic books.
In recent years, however, nerd culture has dominated the mainstream and has become routine conversation.
We’ve won, nerds!
Rejoice.
We can now be open with the things we love and not have to feel ostracized by the cool kids.
Things that would have been classically considered nerdy have actually become some of the most popular and “cool” things in pop culture right now.
For instance, Marvel Studios has been making some of the highest grossing movies in the world over the past few years that are based on comic book characters such as “Iron Man,” “Thor,” “Captain America” and of course, “The Avengers.” Along with that, comic book sales have been climbing in recent years, rising by 9
But this may say a lot more for the bigger picture.
It seems like nerd culture and the acceptance of it may be a banner for acceptance in general in the modern age.
People can look to the standard that has been set forth by these once socially unacceptable interests and apply them to more in their day to day lives.
Society is changing and progressing and we as a whole need to start to embrace that, not fight it.
Let’s not make people feel like they need to hide who they are.
Gay marriage is beginning to be legalized in more states and the topic is less taboo, as it should be.
Rap artists Macklemore & Ryan Lewis recently scored a massive hit with their song “Same Love” that was all about rights for homosexuals and that community.
Acceptance is a tough thing for people.
Groups throughout history have had to suffer for what they believe in or simply for being who they are as a person.
We can change this, and we are witnessing that change with certain groups.
This is a moment.
Let’s seize that moment and be a part of it.
“Be the change you want to see in the world,” the old saying goes.
Nerds, I believe, embraced that idea in the sense of community and acceptance for years before mainstream society did.
Let’s use them as an example for the future. “It’s human rights for everyone, there is no difference,” Macklemore said.
I believe that says it all.
