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Nerdity vol. 1: From Origins to Definitions

Origins…

At some point in time, the US became hostile towards Math, and the natural sciences. Some suggest origins as early as the time of the Scopes trial in which John Scopes was convicted of teaching evolution- a crime under the laws of Tennessee. Others claim a somewhat later origin, sometime after WW2. Whatever the exact origins, interest in math and the natural sciences wasn’t cool.

Extroverted students who were good in math and the sciences were encouraged to stay away from these fields and instead use their skills in more respectable fields, such as medicine, law, and politics. Scientists and mathematicians were supposed to be secluded individuals who would seldom speak to anyone. As often happens, the stereotype became self-perpetuating. Intelligent extroverts believed that they couldn’t find pleasure in the natural sciences and mathematics, and intelligent introverts believed they couldn’t function in any sort of field where they might have to talk to anyone.

Definitions…

I’ve narrowly described the nerd. There are plenty of intelligent people who may also find themselves labeled as nerds because they find themselves the victims of general anti-intellectualism. It all depends on the circumstances. Theater geeks, band geeks, pretty much anyone who shows talent with something even vaguely intellectual may find themselves with the label. The stereotype is very focused towards math and sciences though. Nerds are typically introverts who are interested in Math and/or the natural sciences. However, there is a great deal of discussion about whether or not introversion is a substantial part of being a nerd. The stereotype says nerds are introverted, yet there are many extroverted nerds in real life.

Parting thought:

posted by SumThing @ 9:56 PM