Nerds: The Sex Symbol of the Future

Let's face it, for most of us the word "nerd" at least briefly leads to an image like the following:

 

There's this classic view of the nerd- glasses, socially awkward, incredibly intelligent, terrible taste in clothes.

The thing is, the nerd hasn't really changed much, it's just that we have started to change our minds about what these things mean.

Nerd is no longer a "bad word." Nor is "geek," "dork," or "awkward." Which is totally a victory for those of us who are one or all of those things.

Nerd is sexy. Glasses aren't a sign of poor eyesight. No, no, they are intelligence, style and on some people, incredibly sexy.

Take Justin Timberlake:
No glasses- hot
 

Glasses- hot and intelligent
 

Glasses and a beanie hat- hot, intelligent and will maybe bring you to an indie concert or share his weed:

 

When my 7 year old niece got glasses, she had only 1 boy at school pick on her and call her a nerd. She was immediately reassured that being a nerd is a good thing nowadays. And for her getting glasses wasn't a negative thing. She was excited to get them and loves to wear them!

 

We can look at the most successful people right now, from computers to music, to theatre to dance, they all have a little nerd in them:

 

(yes, I know that John Lennon isn't "right now" give me a break)

It's not that the non-nerds aren't desirable anymore. I mean, there is a place for all of us ;) But we should never fear our inner nerd, dork, geek or awkward person. No, we should embrace them (awkwardly) and be proud of who we are.

True story, a common misconception is that you can't be a nerd/dork/geek/awkward person and be confident in who you are. There's the thought that if you're one of those things (particularly awkward) that you have to be shy or insecure, like Raj from "The Big Bang Theory"

 

But that's so not true. You can be totally nerdy or awkward and totally comfortable with who you are.

Actually, "The Big Bang Theory," whether you like the show or not, is sometimes good at showing how you can be a nerd and still have 1) friends 2) the hot girl (or guy) 3) a life (sorta, haha).

I've had several conversations recently with some friends/co-workers of mine (shout out to Dan, Euniq and Jeny) about them being "awkward." Trust me, there is a spectrum when it comes to these words.

These friends of mine aren't as awkward as they think, but they are awkward in their own way. I think we all are at times. And those of us who think we aren't awkward are probably more awkward than the rest (or a giant douchebag and who wants to hang out with them anyway?). Awkward people who embrace their awkwardness are fun.

Somtimes you say something that makes you or someone else feel awkward. Just embrace that moment, people. That's the spice of life!

But then again, there is a spectrum. I know people so genuinely awkward that I find it physically uncomfortable to be around them. It's painful they are so awkward. So keep it mid-to-low range, people. Let's not get carried away.

This is awkward, but manageable.

This is NOT okay. Just No.

Fun story real quick: I used to work in a cubicle across from a truly awkward guy. He was nice and all, just incredibly socially awkward. We shared a cube wall, so we could hear everything the other person said/did. Sometimes I would legitimately cough, and he would fake cough in response (as if we're having a coughing conversation) and then giggle to himself. No joke. It happened too many times for it to be a coincidence. So awkward. Sometimes he'd pass you in the hall and hiss. I mean, to each his own, right? Live it up!

I recently embraced my awkwardness and my nerdiness. I mean, I would say I'm still relatively low on the spectrum, but it's there and I love it. 

I appreciate Star Wars- the best yoda is.

  I get excited about Excel Spreadsheets

 I love office supplies (what I would do with a labeler....)

 I just recently got into Doctor Who (BBC channel show involving aliens and time travel)

And if we're being honest, I have plenty of awkward moments. But you know what? That's cool nowadays. Or at least it's becoming cooler. And the next thing we know, people won't be clamoring over the unrealistically attractive or the "I'm famous because my parents are rich" people. No, they'll be clawing their way to get to the nerds/dorks/geeks/awkward people. The "sexy" people. Because in a world of technology and advancement, survival of the fittest might mean the ones who can survive the most awkward moments... and create some of their own.

J