The other day, an article went viral around the internet. The writer decided to write about her dating experience in a very negative way to illustrate her point that people stereotype. The guy in question? A world champion Magic: the Gathering player. Unfortunately, the article was extremely mean and, as I later found out, the author gets paid-per-click which is why I’m not linking to it here. It had been edited, but even the edited version was unapologetic and tapped into many stereotypes.
Sadly, this is not the first time geeks have been used as the butt of all jokes. From cyber-bullying to inducing nerd rage, it sometimes feel like we can do nothing to combat the stereotypes.
Well, I’d rather fight the acid-rage with cool comics and fun games. I tapped into the power of social media to propose an entire week where we post about the hobbies we love. Instead of negativity and rants, we spread joy, positivity and happiness.
The response has been overwhelming.
I invite you to…
SPEAK OUT WITH YOUR GEEK OUT
Sometime during the week of Monday, September 12th to Friday, September 16th post about what geeky hobby you love. Then, tell us why we should try it, too. Leave your fears (and edition wars) at the door. Forget about your latest rant. Tap into that well of positive energy and share in the excitement of all things geek.
Let us invite those who would stereotype us to sit at our table and share our interests. Let us combat being used as pawns for internet gaffes with the reasons why we’re awesome, why we love what we love, and why it’s good to be a geek.
Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190025581068159
Twitter Hashtag: #speakgeek
More details to come.
Original post here: Calling All Geeks at mlvwrites.com
That’s going to be no different than any other day for me.
That’s great! Maybe you can invite other people to learn more about your interests!
Unfortunately, many people are not comfortable with the hobbies or vocations they have because they’re really afraid of being rejected. Let’s hope your excitement and enthusiasm is multiplied by the rest of us!
I am entirely supporting this! I think we should try and make it a yearly celebration of all geekiness.