The Hitchhiker's Guide to Being a Geek
Being a geek is enjoyable. However it is not exactly quite unlike being perfectly normal. Most importantly it's nothing to be ashamed of, unless you enjoy being ashamed, in which case go right ahead and seek help. You can take that as either help in finding things to be ashamed of, or help in no longer being ashamed and finding other things to find enjoyment in. Either way is fine, and if you already thought of both possible ways and were a bit confused about which one I meant, then that is a good indicator that you are a geek.
Contents |
What is a Geek
We're not talking old-skool carnival geekory here, but new-world computer-type geekoid here.
"Geek" vs "Nerd"
Some people take pride in "nerd", and consider "geek" to be pejorative at best, and an insult at worst. Conversely, others see it in exact reverse.
This page takes the latter view, considering approximately that a "nerd" has no social skills. A social outcast who has turned to books as an escape. A nerd may only be "smart" through hard work, rather than innate brilliance. A geek, otoh, has a reasonable level of innate smarts, as well as capable social skills. This does not mean they are not social outsiders, but that this is more likely to be through their own choice of reclusiveness, rather than being excluded. The term "geek" has been reclaimed.
Hitchhiker's?
Geeks are likely to love HHG, and identify well with Ford Prefect for his high innate knowledge, but also his inclination to be laid back and relaxed and enjoy a party. They may also identify with Slartibartfast for an aptitude to smart design (go Norway), or Trillian (degree in Astrophysics). More likely, however, they are likely to identify with Douglas Adams, except hopefully for the 'is now dead' part.
Guide?
Why do Geeks need a guide? Why should a Hitchhiker wish to be a geek? Indeed, why does this webpage exist at all...?
