I will probably never be a consistent contributor to the blog or podcast. I would love for writing to come easier for me so that I could do it more often (and I don’t like the sound of my voice), but right now there are notes for work, and homework. So when I do write, it will probably because I had a thought that related to both social work and Geeking in Indiana. If you hear me on a podcast it will be because I’m one of several people, and I won’t listen to it.
I want to talk about how awesome the Geeking community is. High school for us was a little over 20 years ago, but I don’t think a lot has changed about the whole high school experience. It pretty much sucks for everybody, but more so if you are different. From what I hear there are just more things dividing us (not getting into politics today) and it is harder to feel like you fit in.
As a social worker and a mental health professional I can tell you that the sense of love and belonging is vital to survival for some (do you need suicide statistics here? You know it’s bad.), and for all of us to function in society as compassionate human beings. There is a deep psychological need to connect, it is the way we are built and the Geeking community fills that need for so many of us that don’t fit into other groups. From your local comic or game shop, to school anime clubs, blogs, podcasts, and conventions, we have many opportunities to connect.
There is this thing that happens when you provide a space and activity for a wide range of Geeks to enjoy. It strengthens the community. It brings a lot of socially awkward individuals together to geek out over Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel and DC superheroes, anime, YouTubers, voice actors, Pokémon, Doctor Who, My Little Pony, Steven Universe, and TONS of video games/characters. The list could go on forever here. Characters we love and love to hate, that we identify with, and stories we just really enjoy.
Whether you are heavily involved like our Head Geek here, are new to the scene, or feel like an outsider in any group there is a place for you. You might just enjoy your YouTube/show/movie/game on your own or with a small group of friends. You might be a closet Geek or let your Geek flag fly proudly. You might be a regular at your local game or comic shop or just stop in occasionally. You might have several fandoms or be really obsessed with just one or two. You might attend every convention you can or you may never go (though I really hope you grab a friend and attend at least one). You could be old, I mean I don’t know what there was before Star Trek, but it just turned 50 last year!!! You could be young and obsessed with YouTubers (I don’t get it but fully support your swooning over these guys and gals on the YouTube). You could be raising Geeklings, and making them watch all the things you love and helping them to find their own thing. You can be any race or ethnicity and we can all advocate for more diversity in our favorite media, because representation matters!
I’m glad to be part of this community, I am super glad it’s become cooler to be a Geek.
Ditto and Amen.
Community, whether via the internets, or face to fact clubs and organizations not only makes all things geek better, it makes a person’s life that much richer. Friendships and even love can be found amongst your fellow geeks when you get together and share you love and insights of all things geek.
P.S.
Before Trek… Batman first appeared in 1939 and Superman in 1938 – 78 and 79 years ago! 🙂
Before arcade games, my mother was a pinball wizard in the 50’s! I’m a second generation gamer at age 46! 😀 Geek on!
Well said, Lizz. As a fellow social work nerd, I can attest to the power of having a fellow group of outsiders to spend your time with. It was the kids in marching band, the kids that hid in the art room during study hally, and the kids playing MtG during lunch that kept me sane during high school and, dare I say, actually made my high school experience enjoyable. I was warmly ensconced by an island of misfits, in an ocean of people I couldn’t relate to.