Behaviors Nerds (and Everyone Else) Should Avoid

J.D. Hancock - Rebels Suck

While you should never be ashamed of your nerdiness, there are a few behaviors that have unfortunately become nerd stereotypes that nobody (nerd or non-nerd) should engage in. Here are a few tips on being a better nerd, a better human, and helping the rest of the world view nerds in a positive light.

Elitism and Condescension

Maybe you've been ostracized and socially persecuted, but that's not a license to be an ass, it's a learning experience on how not to treat other people. Always use your nerd power for good not evil.

If you don't like something, that's OK, but let other people enjoy their pleasures. That guy who plays football or can't wait for the NCAA playoffs isn't necessarily a dumb jock, and he's got as much right to enjoy sports as you have to enjoy a Marvel movie.

Misogyny/Misandry

Turn off that switch lighting up the boy/girl indicator in your brain. Women and men and girls and boys are just people. He's not a mysterious alien life form and she's not a trophy. Treat people like people and everything else will take care of itself.

Whether they're male or female, no one needs to prove that they're nerds. It doesn't matter if they only cosplay once a year, watch The Real Housewives, and can't name every character in Westeros; let them be who they are and their nerdiness will prove itself.

Treat everyone the way you want to be treated—give them a fair shake before you make any judgments, show respect for their accomplishments, and don't offer false praise just because they're the opposite sex.

Cynicism

There's a lot wrong in the world, but instead of adding to the problems by complaining, put your brain to work coming up with solutions.

Poor Me

Being different is difficult, but it's not a quarantine. (If you're still in high school, I'm sorry, but it will be over soon and you'll have your chance to really shine.) Embrace your differences and you will attract other people who share your unique view of the world. You may feel like an outcast sometimes, but even if you're one in a million that means there are over seven thousand other people in the world just like you. It's up to you to find them.

Poor Hygiene

Let your nerd flag fly, but keep it clean. Wear your periodic table tie, dance like a robot, quote Yoda...embrace your differences but take the time to take a shower. Rebellion against convention is great, but you won't make friends if you don't bathe and brush your teeth.