I’m getting really frustrated with this geek vs pandering hot girls, and geek exclusiveness bullshit.  I haven’t weighed in because I generally feel that there will always be mean, small-minded assholes in the world and me getting upset isn’t going to change that.

But I’ve had enough. Its ENOUGH already.

Here’s what is so tragically sad about this. I think its safe to say that a large portion of the geek community have felt bullied, misunderstood and/or lonely at some time in their life.  I’ve spent the majority of my life feeling all three.

You know where I don’t feel that way?  At Con.  Its the only place in the world I feel confident, happy, and like I belong…all at one time.

When you decide that your group is somehow “exclusive” and you criticize and insult anyone you don’t feel is “good enough” to be in that group, you are being a bully.

Now, I have teased friends for not being “geeky enough” for not seeing TNG. My mom gives me crap all the time for not watching Stargate. But its all in good fun.

Assuming that someone you don’t know isn’t good enough for your clique and criticizing them for it without giving them the benefit of the doubt is bullying.

How many of us have been bullied? How many of us have been made fun of, judged or excluded, just for being who we are?

Hot girls can’t be geeky? Are you kidding me? That’s like saying a gay man can’t be into sports. It’s idiotic and small minded.

Why is everyone so freaked out that geek interests are becoming “mainstream”? What are you afraid of? Because that’s what this is. Its fear and insecurity manifesting itself in judgement and exclusion.

Are you afraid that once the kids who used to pick on you join in our geek world that they will band together and somehow take it away from us? Is that what this is really about?

To me, being a geek is about being allowed to be a child forever. To take passionate joy in your interests.

Life is hard. It just is. But being a geek means that we let a part of ourselves believe in magic, heroism and the best of humanity.

No wonder the rest of the world wants in. No wonder people are discovering the pure joy and fun that we have always embraced.

The “mainstreaming” of geek culture is not insidious. It’s not going to lead to us being pushed out of our own world.

It’s simple. Our world is awesome. More and more people want to be a part of that. And I, for one, would never begrudge anyone their chance to feel the joy, abandon, passion and community that I am lucky enough to feel every day.

Update: If you’d like to read Part 2, it’s HERE