Through Being Cool

In the past few weeks, I was part of an online conversation on a social network (or, "the intertubes", as the teenagers say) where one active fan had indicated a lack of support for another organization's activities, and a third wondered, "Why can't we all just get along since we love the same thing?"

(Yes, I'm deliberately being oblique, because I want to avoid singling people out, especially with what I'm about to say)

Ironically, one of the things that bothers me most about geek/nerd culture is the automatic lack of critical thinking - that somehow we are automatically "above" such petty things because "we like stuff". That somehow, we should always get along for no other reason other than....well, we're nerds, and that we're this homogenous group that meets a certain set criteria rather than, say, a diverse group that shares certain traits. In regards to this conversation, one of the organizations involved has a high respect for its particular fandom, running its events professionally; the other runs a variety of events for a variety of fandoms, claiming that it's the "be all and end all" for each fandom. (Call it the "Wizard World School of Fandom", focusing less on the overall event experience and more on "volume, volume, volume", treating geeks/nerds as a commodity).

It permeates its way into discussions of media - rather than looking at how things work as a whole, there is this sense that any aspect of plot, direction, writing, etc., is some kind of personal offense rather than simply "something that doesn't work". (When you experience another's online temper tantrum around a plot twist in a movie....well, it's enough to want to reach through the internet to deliver a splash of cold, hard truth). It's almost like a dysfunctional relationship - instead of seeing things as they are, we see them as perfect, and how dare anyone criticize it? (Or, even more perversely, we join in the we-must-fire-this-particular- person argument because the only problem with a given piece of media is....well, all down to one person, rather than allow that person to have their own creative agenda. As someone who is engaged in more creative endeavors, I admit to some trepidation - but I also think that we need to collectively gain some perspective.

(Speaking of creative agenda, I have to admit - my offline activities have resulted in me spending less time on this blog, but it also means that my blogging can be more focused on championing those things that I enjoy, and that I can go off on rants like this. And yes, I'll fill you in on some details early next week).

As a side note - can we all agree to lose the term "nerd blackface"? It is offensive on so many levels, as well as being insulting, inaccurate, and disrespectful towards an entire group of people who actually have experienced discrimination and who have had their rights violated on a consistent basis. I believe in respecting everyone, but some well-needed perspective: I can honestly claim that no one has ever burned a TARDIS in front of my apartment simply because I was a Doctor Who fan. For me - and others - to suggest likewise with such a term is simply preposterous.

Yes, I've been rambling, but what's the point? Perhaps it's this: I'm tired of being part of a subculture that sees itself as entitled to its own opinion. As a group that prides itself on its intelligence, I'm a bit concerned about the lack of critical thinking. I'm tired of the use of "feels" as a noun. I'm tired of my fellow fans, geeks, and nerds placing unrealistic expectations on each other, and not calling each other out on shenanigans.

In short, I'm through being cool, to quote Devo.

Cheapskate Film Festival: KINSEY/IN THE COMPANY OF MEN

(Please note - parts of this post may be NSFW)







To be completely honest, I had a hard time writing this post. Part of it was that originally, I had conceived of it as an "Open Letter to the Geek Community"; it actually began as a discussion in a Facebook group. There was a meme going around comparing sexism in popular culture vs. "geek" culture; needless to say, it forced me to confront my own attitudes in a positive way, to look at my own assumptions.

So today's entries in the festival are a pair of films - one which shows male behavior at its worst; the other a film that suggests that perhaps frank talk about sexuality and sexual roles can be simultaneously constricting and liberating.

In all honesty, In the Company of Men is a film that I have a hard time viewing....yet it's one of my favorite movies. It's simultaneously enjoyable - and difficult - because despite it being labelled a "black comedy", it's also one of the most unflinching looks at male "douchebag" behavior.  (Think of this as Aaron Eckhart doing a less obviously-satirical take on his character in Thank You For Smoking). The setup is relatively simple: two guys at an office decide to find a completely vulnerable deaf woman, build her up, and then break her heart....just because they can.

(This is, of course, from the same creative mind that not only remade a classic British horror film, but felt that it needed to include a scene where Nicholas Cage punches a woman while wearing a bear suit. I wish I didn't type that last line). 

But what's fascinating about In the Company of Men is that it is unapologetic in showing the two male leads in an unsympathetic light - there's no nod to the audience that "yes, these guys are lovable" (although one comes out slightly more sympathetic than the other. It's almost as if most male geeks/nerds/what have you saw this movie as a how-to guide for dealing with the other sex.

Which is a shame, because Kinsey, directed by Robert Condon (who also did Gods and Monsters) is a great antidote - yes, it's a biopic of Albert Kinsey, and in many ways, it hits several of the same story beats as any film about a "pioneer". However, one of the truly remarkable things about this film is its frankness - not only in its depictions of sexuality and sexual matters, but about the need for open and honest communication between genders....let's face it, open and honest communication between human beings.

Kinsey is also notable in that it features Liam Neesen - the current tough guy du jour - as, well, a bit of an awkward geek. He starts off with an interest in insects, and yet somehow manages to become the driving force behind exploring sexual behavior. There's a solidness to his performance, despite the fact that he's playing a man who ends up being known for all the wrong reasons. And the ending....well, without spoiling, it suggests that possibly, it is easy to find true connection despite any external activity.

So, geek/nerd contingent, here's your challenge - try watching these two films with others of different genders and orientations. Then have an open and honest talk.

Because that might be a good next step in moving away from geek stereotypes - that "kickass" women are the only alternative to "pretty" women; that bad behavior in men is OK, and the ultimate stereotype: that somehow, geeks and nerds lack basic social skills.

Because we all gotta start somewhere, so why not here?

Shameless Self-Promotion, Part One: Social Media

Because Michael Palin + Batman Suit = AWESOME

As many of you are aware, I've been engaged in doing some semi-regular freelance writing and consulting work. Rather than do a huge infodump on Friday (like I always do), I thought I would spread it out over two days, to give you time to digest (as well as give this blog two days of needed content.

So first and foremost, since I'm now the only organizer for Chicago Net Tuesday, I'm going to be taking a break, but also rethinking about how we connect. If you're connected in any way with social good, non-profits and/or tech, please join our Facebook group and our Google Plus circle.

(Seriously - I was told by someone that the community didn't "want" Net Tuesday, only because our meeting attendance is dwindling. So which is more arrogant - that statement, or me deciding to engage people to prove them wrong? Please leave your opinion in the comments!)

In addition, I'm also helping get the Chicago Astronomical Society set up on Facebook and Twitter. If you are so moved, please join and - more importantly - forward to those stargazing friends of yours. They'll thank you later. 

Finally, I'm now running the Chicago Geek Breakfast, and we'll be meeting on Thursday, June 21st, at 7:30 pm. For those with the initiative and the willingness to get your geek on, please RSVP at http://chicagogeekbreakfast.eventbrite.com.

More good stuff tomorrow.

My Usual Friday Blogaround

Right now, I'm currently prepping for a few upcoming personal appearances - first, I'll be presenting tomorrow at Chicago COUNTS (for non-profits and tech), and I'll also be gearing up for my first Chicago Geek Breakfast as organizer. So if you're in the area, don't be like several people on that "social media channel with the words book and face in the name".

Seriously, I was informed by one or two such people that if I made it a lunch, they might come. My attitude - if you're not willing to get up early and take initiative, you're part of the decline of Western Civilization. (And the event was created by someone else, and part of a national initiative - I'm just lucky, like with Net Tuesday, to be able to make it happen)

Speaking of which, you might want to give a listen to this week's episode of Zone 4. The crew wanted to talk about property crossovers; I think talking about them is a waste of time, because they always turn into a large pile of rhetorical waste products. I was outvoted. Please listen to hear my First Amendment rights be trampled, or something.

(Actually, I only kid slightly - I'm just starting to get a little weary of comic and pop culture fandom. We sometimes take ourselves a little too seriously, and act a little too obnoxiously. But please give the podcast a listen).

And for those of you who are professionally inclined, here's my latest Job Stalker post.

P.S. No special significance to this entry's picture - just thought it was rather funny.

My Who-Filled Week (Or How I'm Prepping for April 23rd)

Ok, yes, I know that this Saturday is the premiere of the new season of  Doctor Who.  And in that spirit, as I prepare to let go of some of my other commitments (mostly because, well, I am swinging way towards the busy-busy, and not the fun-busy), here are some Who-related activities that I'll be doing....and that I'm hoping you can join along with as well.

First, check out this month's TV Party at Comic Related - in my opinion, it's probably one of the best pieces I've ever written. Please let me know if you agree.

Tomorrow night, I'll be attending (or is it presenting?) the Doctor Who 101 event sponsored by the Chicago Nerd Social Club. It's a gathering of like-minded individuals engaging in nerdy pursuits. Rumor has it that the Prezi platform will be used, and that there will be copious handouts, because the teenagers are all into the handouts.

(And plus, just for former classmate/current pal Paul, some extra Pertwee)

Finally, I was fortunate enough to gain access to an exclusive screening of "The Impossible Astronaut" and "Day of the Moon" at the Landmark Theater. Working with the local Doctor Who meetup group, we're having a casual dinner and get together for those who are attending (as well as those who aren't, but need some Wednesday night activity). We'll be gathering at the Duke of Perth around 6 pm for dinner (all you can eat fish and chips!), drinks, and around 7, getting in line.

So please, mark your calendars, and set your coordinates and stuff.

Guess Who I'm Dressing Up as For Halloween?

Thanks to everyone who answered - and now, a little preview of what I'll be wearing on Nerd-O-Ween: