Uhg. That’s like someone saying: “I like toast!” And then someone saying “oh yeah? You must be excited for wheat3 huh? .... you know? The big toast expo? Where manufacturers show all the new bread and toasters?” You can love movies without going to the big film festivals- knowing about them- or even checking the internet for upcoming releases. I mean- she didn’t even say she LIKED video games. She said she was PLAYING videogames.
You probably drive a car- do you know what SEMA is? Ever gone or watched videos? What?! You drive or ride in cars and you don’t know SEMA? You’re a fake car user. You’re just using a car for attention. Gotta go- my calendar is full- I’ve got the Office supply expo coming up. You know me. Always using printer paper and pens. Gotta hit the expo so people know I’m not a printer poseur.
Ok, but to be fair, the whole "I'm such a nerd" thing in the post indicates more than just playing. It's like some dude saying "Out driving :) I'm such a car guy xD" and *then* proceeding to ask what SEMA was. I generally agree with you, but the girl seemed to indicate that she was a nerd about video games, not just casually playing it for fun.
I get your take. But she specifically implies playing video games is a “nerd” thing- as in “I’m at home on a Friday night organizing my socks like a nerd.” The term “nerd” is abstract- and what is “nerdy” to one person- isn’t to another. There are many “common” definitions of “nerd”
Often I hear that a “nerd” is a “smart dork” and that’s without getting in to dweeb or geek or such. By the definition- a nerd is either a subject matter expert, or a foolish person lacking social skills. Either one of those things can be applied to videogamers- the “subject matter expert” nerd is the E3 nerd, but you can be the awkward and foolish kid just playing games because you don’t have anyone who will socialize with you- and you don’t have to be either to play games.
I guess it’s a matter of definitions and perspectives. Overall- we have to be careful applying our definitions to others. The buzz word for that years ago was “don’t label me..” which as these social things often go- became its own mess and misunderstandings. At its core- the idea was that another human being isn’t and shouldn’t be defined by another persons idea of what they are- but should be viewed as a total person.
Online nerd culture can’t imagine a world where people don’t at least know what E3 is- but... we take for granted pop culture references from our own sphere- that others will get them. If you’ve ever read the sorts of sayings and metaphors used in different languages... an English speaker won’t really think about using a phrase like “time flies...” or taking for granted that if they say “a penny saved...” the listener will know the rest (“is a penny earned”) or its meaning.
So I mean- he has his idea of a nerd and she has hers. I went to school with people who (and at one time could also) tell you every single name in the credits of the original Star Wars and people on the film not credited- what was used for most of the props- meticulous EU lore and droid designations, equipment, geography.... around this crowd saying you “like Star Wars” was going to be followed up a challenge to name the best grip from ROTJ’s childhood dog and PROVE you liked Star Wars and weren’t a poseur.
But you’ve got people like my partner. Never watched Star Wars. Any of it. Knows Jedi from
Pop culture. They have laser swords. Some stuff like that. She likes the Mandalorian. She didn’t know who Boba Fett was. She doesn’t know thousands of years if Mandalorian history from the old republic. She didn’t know what a Jawa was. But... she likes Star Wars.. the Mandalorian anyway... and she thinks that’s pretty nerdy. And doesn’t care.
And I guess- something that stops someone like her who has now seen and enjoyed the Mandalorian- who unknowingly watched and enjoyed 20 minutes of Solo... from getting in to the thing is that it’s daunting. So many films and properties and spin offs. I like entertainment with homework- while complex worlds to learn and histories and personal relationships to learn. But most great fiction that appeals to wide audiences doesn’t MAKE you do all these things.
But even if you get over that trepidation- you decide to jump in and start gaming, watching Star Wars, Star Trek- whatever- because you see one you like and just say “meh. I don’t NEED the entire franchise to enjoy this part- but if I like this maybe I’ll check out the rest and see what I like...” you’re often faced with “gate keepers”
And that itself is to many- an equal or larger hurdle that would stop them from ever having much hope of getting past “noob” status. When you find something you enjoy- when you turn on the Mandalorian- a stand alone work that is enhanced by but doesn’t require having any knowledge of Star Wars.... and then you get excited about finding something you like and Sharing that joy- and then everywhere you turn people challenge you. “What do you know about this?” “I bet you never even saw xyz..” and so forth. And to most people- that’s off putting. They don’t want to be part of that. They don’t want to worry that sharing in something they enjoy and supposedly others enjoy will become a beat down on them.
Being a fan isn’t a contest. And being a “nerd” may be a part of self identity- but it isn’t a cultural identity. There’s overlap often- but an avid video gamer may not play table top or other RPG’s. Someone who lives and breathes games may have the most complete collection of classic games in the world- and have no idea what E3 is because they don’t care about games and hardware made after 1990. Nerd means what it means to each of us. No more need to challenge a self proclaimed nerd than challenge someone who says they are tough. People will make up their minds based on what they see.
Pop culture. They have laser swords. Some stuff like that. She likes the Mandalorian. She didn’t know who Boba Fett was. She doesn’t know thousands of years if Mandalorian history from the old republic. She didn’t know what a Jawa was. But... she likes Star Wars.. the Mandalorian anyway... and she thinks that’s pretty nerdy. And doesn’t care.