Feature Three: Geek: How an Insult Became a Phenomenon

              In 2013, the word chosen to be Collin’s English Dictionary’s first-ever ‘Word of the Year’ was “Geek.”  This is primarily significant because just a short time before this, “geek” would have been considered an insult.

              The word “geek” was originally used to describe circus performers that could do incredible feats.  In the 20^th century, the word evolved, and being a geek was a badge of shame for many people, with the term implying someone was disliked because of their interests.  As years have passed, the word has evolved in meaning once more to being someone that is an enthusiast or an expert in their field.

              Now, however, the term “Geek” is synonymous with popular culture and whatever is trending, making it something people desire to identify with.

              When asked why they consider themselves to be geeks, many Wesleyan students are quick to say that identifying with this group makes them feel validated and welcome, no matter what their interests are.

              “I like that whenever I say something weird and nerdy, people don’t think it’s odd and they actually know what I’m talking about,” Senior forensic accounting major Catherine Pitre said.

              In 2006, Spain declared May 25^th to be the first-ever Geek Pride Day.  According to time.com, this day is made to celebrate the release of Star Wars: A New Hope, which many consider the be the dawn of popular culture phenomena.      

In 2019, Avengers: Endgame became the highest-grossing movie of all time, solidifying what many already knew; being a geek was now the norm, and it is no longer something to be ashamed of.  According to bitrebels.com, 17% of Americans identify as geeks, while two-thirds of millennials see the term ‘geek’ as being a compliment.

              On the Texas Wesleyan campus, being a geek has been popular for many years.  Students have the opportunity to engage in groups that encourage embracing popular culture, including comic books, movies, gaming, cosplaying (that is, dressing up in costume for conventions,) and tv shows, among other subsets of geek culture.  Because of the positive light that this lifestyle receives on campus, students are able to embrace this side of their personality without fear of scrutiny. 

              Aside from one-time events like game nights, trivia nights, and superhero-themed debate nights, students at Texas Wesleyan can unleash their inner geek with clubs like Nerd Central, by joining the Esports league, by going to Dungeons and Dragons sessions, or by attending special events. 

              Freshman theater major Meg Lewis is helping to plan RamCon, an event for Wesleyan students to come and embrace their inner nerd through movies, games, costume contests, guest speakers, and art.  Lewis said she thinks doing events like this is important because it can help people to not only feel accepted, but also to build lasting friendships. 

              “I just like connecting with people,” Lewis said.  “It’s really easy once you find that common interest that’s ‘nerdy’, and you instantly become like, best friends with that person.”

              Freshman theater major Leia Murray said that she thinks one of the coolest things about Texas Wesleyan is the number of occasions there are for students to find others that are interested in popular culture and things that are considered nerdy.

              “I like all of the opportunities that we have on campus so that I can connect with those people,” Murray said, “and it’s not hard to find them – they’re everywhere.”