The Likings of A Nerd

With my glasses on, my nose pasted to a textbook, and my laptop at close bay, I remind myself of those individuals that in junior/senior high-school that we deemed as “Nerds.” Looked upon (and unfortunately, sometimes not so favorably)—have I now become “one of them?” To throw myself into that category, it can’t really be all that bad—or can it? With that burning question in mind, I set out to find or discover the makings of these mysterious individuals. With my own research and extensive help from Frank Barnicle, a former newspaper columnist, this is what we have determined:

“Nerds come in every size, shape, and color. Some are good-looking, others are less than ordinary in appearance. You’ll find nerds neatly attired for the most part, avoiding the extremes in dress often indulged in by their peers. The names of Nerds appear regularly in a number of places. They’re on honor rolls in elementary and high schools, on deans’ lists at colleges and universities and on records that indicate membership in churches and synagogues. Conversely, their names are notably absent from police blotters and lists of students who have been cited for violating school regulations.

In group conversations, Nerds are generally quiet and attentive. When they do speak, however, everyone listens.

Nerds enjoy spending time in libraries in the company of such illustrious parsonages as Hemingway, Dickens and Manchester. However, you may be hard-pressed to find one hanging around a barroom with John Barleycorn or frequenting those neighborhoods where drugs are known to be available.

Here are a few more little-known facts about these men and women who indeed are a breed apart:

No nerd has ever been accused of burning the American flag. Nerds seldom become involved in fights or brawls. They will, however, battle long and hard in support of causes they feel will lead to a better life for everyone.

Contrary to belief, Nerds enjoy fun and good times as much as the next guy or gal. But if choice must be made between attending a party or spending a few extra hours studying for that upcoming exam, you can bet the rent money that a Nerd will opt for hitting the books.”1

Mmmm, taking into consideration the above findings, do I resemble the likings of a Nerd? There are some similarities and yet, some obvious differences. For those that know me well, you’ll easily be able to distinguish those differences. However, what I have found to be true—if I were to fall into the category of a true-blue Nerd, I think that I may be in good company. With that being said, “Let’s raise our glasses high in toast to all of the Nerds of the world—may they never change or compromise their values. Their contributions to society are as endless as time itself.” 2

1,2 Frank Barnicle. Life, Love, & Laughter—What is a Nerd?  Southern Heritage Press, St. Petersburg, FL 33733. 1997

Addendum:

How funny! Today (Sept. 7), one of my “friends” on FB posted a recent speech given by Bill Gates entitled, “11 Rules Your Kids Did Not and Will Not Learn in School”--Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.