Why it’s good to be a geek

No longer the insult of playground bullies. Geek chic is bigger and better than ever.

When I was at school, if someone shouted ‘geek’ across the playground, it was the ultimate insult.  It meant that you were probably spending time doing something that was totally un-cool like perfecting your hemming in the home-ec room during lunch – or that you didn’t have the obligatory Ton Sur Ton school bag or were wearing a pair of shoes from somewhere other than Dolcis – and shock of shockers, they didn’t have big silver buckles on the front.

These days, it’s a term of endearment – baking, crafting, knitting and of course blogging are all far more popular hobbies.  It has finally become desirable to have your own personal interests – the quirkier the better, and fashion and parenting blogs have made it far more lucrative to pursue such a hobby.  At last, it’s good to be a geek.

Today, being a geek means you’re pretty damn good at something; you’re an expert.  In its simplest form, take a Gleek – totally and utterly obsessed with Glee, probably a member of the fan club, owns every box set and could answer even the most obscure trivia question on this jazz-hand waving earth about the show.  Apply that to any given passion, hobby, interest or profession and being a geek is a pretty good place to be.

And when you reach the age when you’re finally comfortable in your own skin, you set about exploring your inner-geek a little more.  Hell, I’m 32 and I want braces on my bottom teeth – they’ve always been slightly crooked and as a teen I couldn’t stand the thought of top and bottom train tracks so settled for top only.  Now, I see it as an expensive cosmetic procedure (downside) but not that unfashionable at all (upside).

Look at Ugly Betty – she’s flipping good at her job and makes a totally different style statement in her industry.  Ok so I’m talking about her as if she’s a real person….

I look at what I’m wearing today; big glasses, grey shorts and a slouchy cardigan and from this spot at my desk I am sitting here thinking ‘yes, long live the geek’. More power to geek chic!

I’ve wanted to wear glasses for as long as I can remember – always trying on frames in the opticians, wondering which pair I’d pick – I even had a pair with clear lenses in for a while – people would say ‘I didn’t know you needed glasses?’ to which I’d reply ‘I don’t’ and receive many a confused expression in return.

Now finally, years of computer use have damaged my eyes to a suitable level and I now proudly step out in a chunky pair of Gok Wans.  I might not have braces on my teeth, but Betty – eat your heart out.

So, if you ever doubt what you choose to wear in the morning because it’s a bit different, or you wonder what people will think of your new hobby – just do what Frankie did.  Relax – and channel your inner geek – it will be far happier  out than in.