Essay On Definition Argument:

Nerd

It’s a word used widely and in many contexts to describe one who is:
Different from others.
Seen as exceedingly odd.
Obsessive about subjects that are not widely accepted by others.
Set apart by behavior(s) that do not conform to the status quo.
The descriptive noun “nerd” is a moniker that has been affixed to many individuals as a
of labeling and thereby ostracizing them from what is considered the “cool” or “acceptable” people that otherwise are considered to be normal and well-adjusted. Nerds, by extension of this, are thought to be glasses-wearing, goofy-looking, math geniuses that have little if any social life and in general are excited more about academics than any other type of social activity that might otherwise be considered acceptable. This is a stereotype that has existed in one form or another from generation to generation. Normally used as rather mean-spirited descriptive, the term “nerd” usually referred, or refers to those who would rather study and read rather than party and have fun with their peers. It is by and large a catch-all term used to define anyone that engages in activities that are considered beyond the normal scope of what society considers to be average and normal.
The word has also been attributed to those who are weaker than others, excessively thin and un-athletic types that must suffer such labeling despite the fact that they might very well be athletes of some sort. To some this word is a catch-all that describes anyone different from them, an easy label to slap on those they cannot understand or else perform acts or engage in activities that they do not find appealing. A great example would be the event known as Comic-Con, a very diverse event in which people are known to dress up in all types of outfits and costumes to emulate their favorite TV shows, video games, books, graphic novels, and other forms of media.
This would be what some would call a “nerdfest”, a truly inspiring event in which people who might seem as ordinary as any other passerby on any other day find the time to showcase their creative talent and deep love for fantasy of one type or another. This is a prime example of the criteria that some would use to label people as nerds, and yet it is seen in a very positive, very creative light more often than not. While it is off-putting to some, it is highly evocative and quite interesting to others. One has to wonder if that would make those interested in such an event, but do not engage in it, nerds as well? That is a question best posed to those who engage in such activities, but also one that would likely be met with either great pride or inflamed debate.
So what then really is a nerd? There are many definitions throughout many different cultures, but essentially they are all relatively the same. A nerd is someone that is different, is intelligent, that excels in areas that others might rarely think of as important. They are the masses that study hard, enjoy science fiction, are reputed to have an odd, quirky sense of humor, and above all those who fit the overall stereotype.
Many would take this word as a derogatory term, a means of insult that is designed to lower self-esteem, deride those who it is affixed to, and separate the cool crowd from those they deem as different. From real life to the media, the term nerd has taken on several different meanings, many of them falling to one side of the line of morality or the other. In some terms it is quite comic, a stab at the inequities of some whilst still finding humor in the fact that they are in fact quite different.
A perfect example is the movie, Revenge of the Nerds, a title that spawned three sequels within a ten-year period. The movie is quite easy to understand, as the stereotypes of jocks and nerds are well outlined and displayed prominently throughout the film. As with the first film however the line that divides nerds and everyone else is continually crossed, evening out the derogatory notions that nerds are weird, glasses-wearing, nose-picking, sex-driven deviants that are known for being exceptional at math, science, and any other academic subject known to man. Within the movies the message carries through that although they are nerds, they are proud of it, and rightfully so. Typically at the end of each movie the nerds win whatever altercation has been initiated, hence the title and those who once harbored ill feelings towards them are either humiliated or end up joining them.
While it is not the absolute perfect example, being that it is a hyped up media dream concocted by Hollywood, Revenge of the Nerds is still a good source of insight when looking upon the world we live in. Despite not adhering strictly to the movie standards, most people would agree that there is a very clear division between one type of person and another. Whether it is the love of science fiction and cosplay, or the overwhelming rate of success in academics, people who are considered nerds are often lumped into their own group for the simple sake of identifying who they are and how they are different.
Another great example of this is to compare television shows. For instance, compare a show such as The Bachelor to a recent emergence to television, King of the Nerds. While both are touted as reality shows there is a decided difference between the two; mainly that one is considered more high-brow, more socially acceptable, and the other is just a show for nerds. Yet for all that hype, King of the Nerds, hosted by two iconic figures that actually starred in Revenge of the Nerds, showcases people that are proud of their differences, and fully embrace their love of being able to express themselves in such a fashion. Is it odd? Maybe. Is it sometimes a bit laughable? Of course, that is the main premise of the show, but regardless of that, it is still a matter of what is deemed nerd-like and what is not. A show such as The Bachelor might not be a show geared towards “nerds”, but likely as not there are several who would be deemed as such that watch.
The term “nerd” is quite normally used in a derogatory fashion, and meant to bring people down and make them feel ashamed for what they do, who they are, and what they believe. Historically it is a word that does not denote kind feelings, social acceptance, or even a hint of emotion other than disdain. Yet for all that, the word has evolved since its inception, becoming instead of a purely negative descriptor a key term in describing the activities that one engages in, the media they enjoy, and even the manner in which they live. At least half of the time that this word is uttered in this day and age it is done so with mild affection to musing appreciation, a quality that some actually have come to enjoy and find endearing.
Our society is generally one of tolerance, though imbalances do occur more often than is desired. Words that are used in a negative fashion do have the possible effect of causing emotional and mental harm, but as of the turn of the new century the term “nerd” has taken on new meaning and therefore more acceptable uses within our society.