February 2012
Behind the Scene
By Randy Limbird Fortunately for me, the words “geek,” “nerd” and “dork” had not yet gained mass popularity during my high school days many decades ago. Our associate editor, Lisa Tate, is almost a generation younger than me, and by her high school days these words were commonplace.
“Geek” has now become a badge of pride as Lisa’s feature story this month demonstrates. For Lisa, the term broadly embraces the fanboy/fangirl culture of comic books, fantasy, science fiction, costumed role-playing and even zombie walks.
My earliest recollection of “geek” was an insulting term that apparently was a rhyming cousin of “freak,” both of which came from the era when some sleazy traveling shows relied on human oddities as an audience attraction. A “geek,” according to Wikipedia, was “a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts.” The most common example was the geek who bit off chicken heads. Pro wrestler Freddie Blassie immortalized this usage of “geek” with his comedic ballad, “Pencil Neck Geek.”
Science fiction writer Robert Heinlein, in a 1952 short story, is credited with inventing the modern usage of “geek” as a science/math/technology enthusiast, Wikipedia notes. Heinlein apparently had a knack for coining new vocabulary; the word “grok” (meaning to understand someone deeply and intimately) comes from his famous novel “Stranger in a Strange Land,” and became a popular slang term during the 1960s.
“Nerd” is a related term, but this time the credit goes to Dr. Seuss, who used the word in 1950 for a creature in an imaginary zoo. There are other theories for its origin, but they all led to “nerd” referring to socially challenged people. There’s a bit of overlap — geeks often tend to be nerds, but you can still be a nerd without being a whiz kid in science. The “Revenge of the Nerds” movie series helped give nerds some pride in the name. I know one young woman who regularly schedules “Nerd Nights” with her friends.
“Dorks” and “dweebs” fall into the same category of disparaging terms associated with teens, but they have fewer redeeming qualities. Nobody has made a “Revenge of the Dorks” movie or invites friends to a “Dweeb Night.”
*?*?*
Ten years ago, Avance, a non-profit agency that serves disadvantaged children and their parents, staged its first heart auction. Artists created unique heart-shaped creations that are sold at silent and live auctions at the gala “Toma Mi Corazon/Have a Heart” fundraiser. This year’s will be the 11th annual event, beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Camino Real Hotel.
El Paso Scene has provided advertising support since the beginning, and along the way we started the tradition of the “Heart of El Paso Award.”
This year’s winner is Rob Mack, whose “Chilly Days” is featured on this month’s cover. The title of his artistic heart recalls last year’s auction, which was held on the coldest day in modern El Paso history. The temperature was in the single digits that night, but plenty of people still came to bid on the hearts.
My wife and I now have several of the hearts in our house. It’s a great way to collect art and at the same time support a good cause.El Paso Scene MONTHLY
This month's listings, stories and columnsFeature story
Roundup
Music
Dance
Here's the Ticket
Program Notes
On Stage
Sports
Southwest Art Scene
At the Museum
History Lessons
Nature
Film Scene
Keep on Bookin'
Becoming Bicultural
Liner Notes
Stage Talk
Gallery Talk
Better ParentingCopyright 2012 by Cristo Rey Communications.