Why are ppl who watch star trek seen as nerds?

[Dusty]

Seriously why?

I mean most people who watch don't qoute it or greet like a vulcan. I can't even do my fingers like that. So why are we lumped as nerds?

[kongurous]

Star Trek is science fiction, and science fiction has long been the realm of nerds. However, most nerds started with science fiction and moved deeper into the nerd experience. It's mostly just a stereotype, like all Asians can't drive and all black people like watermelon, fried chicken, and can't speak proper English.

[Ender]

Star Trek RULES, and those who think we're nerds simply don't understand...

*Ender examines that statement.

Okay, we're definitely nerds.

[Biohazard]

I've always been a nerd/geek/loser when it comes to fantasy/science fiction

Mostly people are considered nerds when they wear 'trekky' shirts, or learn to speak Wakka, or those who correct the fact that I probably misspelled 'trekky' and that Wakka's aren't actually a 'race' in Star Trek.

[own3d0406]

I've wondered the same thing. I think Kong has given the best answer.

[hammocksleeper]

Live with it dude. It's not a stereotype, it's a culturally-applied label: the reverse of a stereotype. If you watch Star Trek -- I don't care if you wear the t-shirts or make references to the show in conversation or if you only watch it at 3am when all your roommates are asleep -- anybody finds out about it, you are a nerd. Not even I can argue with that, and I'm usually one who tries to butt against perceived social norms. There's a stigma attached to watching Star Trek.

[IrishDutchman]

Well, people tend to look down on individuals that take a show with talking hairy monkey dudes and actors with 10 pounds of make-up on their face seriously.

[GrassDragon]

People like Protoss_Honor further the stereotype for the rest of us.

[Neo]

I prefer being a geek myself. Nerds are like wannabes.

Its because star trek is considered something that "normal people" don't watch, or some such bullshit. but with the recent shout out to TOS from Heroes (check the license plate of the car Takei drove in the show) it shows that even normal people watch trek.

The problem, I think, stems more from those vocal minority jock/dumbasses who think if you watch anything but sports on tv, your a nerd... or it could just be the media.

But, with Star Trek being on SpikeTV, it shows that its popular with guys, regardless of what they are personally like -- hell even my dad whos a vet, does construction work all the time, likes star trek -- and he can't understand why the shows on primetime tv suck so bad, heh.

Personally I think its one of those "everyone watches, but no one admits to it" -- and even people who think star trek sucks have to admit that its a pretty epic thing. Even though I don't like Kirk's Star Trek (TOS), you have to admit that they did a lot back then that was pretty "out there" especially with having a Black Women on the bridge, not to mention Chekhov, which was when, what, all russians were "commie bastards"? -- ah well.

I think a lot of people really get into Deep Space 9 as well, seeing that much of the last 3-3 1/2 seasons deal with War.

-Kupa

[Dusty]

Ya my dad is in the Freaking army. He had TNG seasons 1-5 in his DVD collection! Though I think TNG was a bit more lofty in its topics while DS 9 showed the reality of how perilous the Galaxy really is for the federation.

[Protoss_Honor]

The problem is that not everyone is openly a Trekkie, but those that are open, they are the ones that dress up as ST Aliens and characters and go to conventions and speak alien languages and all this other stuff that makes people judge them as nerds. And since these Trekkies are nerds, they assume all Trekkies are nerds.



People like Protoss_Honor further the stereotype for the rest of us.And just what does that mean? As far as I can see, anyone who was not here in the first year or so that I was here, would not know that I am a Trekkie. Now back around when I first joined maybe I was an obvious Trekkie, but these days I make very few, if any, Star Trek references, etc. In fact, I have a hard time believing I am a Trekkie. And as far as I know, I am not a nerd. So I really am not seeing what you are talking about.

Now maybe I am making too much of an innocent comment that was just meant as a joke, but I personally do not like it.

[GrassDragon]

PH, you're a hardcore Trekkie; don't act as if it's new to you. No need to get so upset over a little joking comment.

[own3d0406]

Well, people tend to look down on individuals that take a show with talking hairy monkey dudes and actors with 10 pounds of make-up on their face seriously.

King Kong meets Miss USA?

And just what does that mean? As far as I can see, anyone who was not here in the first year or so that I was here, would not know that I am a Trekkie. Now back around when I first joined maybe I was an obvious Trekkie, but these days I make very few, if any, Star Trek references, etc. In fact, I have a hard time believing I am a Trekkie. And as far as I know, I am not a nerd. So I really am not seeing what you are talking about.

Now maybe I am making too much of an innocent comment that was just meant as a joke, but I personally do not like it.
Go put on a tampon.

(It's a joke. Please don't kill me.)

[Protoss_Honor]

PH, you're a hardcore Trekkie; don't act as if it's new to you. No need to get so upset over a little joking comment.Well technically, I was a Trekkie. I left Star Trek for Star Wars. I still like Star Trek alot, yes, but my heart belongs to Star Wars now. And that was pretty much the whole point of my previous post, I am not the Trekkie I was when I joined WB two years ago, and I am not a nerd. I never have been. And as i said before, I really didn't like your "joke". Is there a problem with that?




Go put on a tampon.



(It's a joke. Please don't kill me.)Shut up.

[CrazyTom]

What interests me is why there is so much less of a stigma attached to Star Wars fandom - I dunno, maybe the action and violence in SW makes it more attractive to a wider audience than Star Trek, which generally focusses on social and personal reactions to technological advancement and interaction with cultures and forces that are fundamentally different to humankind.

How do you define a nerd, anyway? And where do you join the line between a geek and a nerd? I'd say I was a geek (lolz) but I've been told that typically a major element of geekdom is being comically unaware of your condition, or how you appear to other people.

Furthermore, ... I don't really have anything more to say, I just wanted to type the word 'furthermore'.


This needs a different thread over in IR, methinks.

[Protosschick99]

Well then--I'm a nerd. Cuz I love ST and SW :D

But then you could classify me as a geek as well because I like my pencil protector's and if it is not organized--Then I must organize it! lolz :P

But then you have to remember--They also classify ppl in marhing band as geeks when there are A LOT of ppl far from being a geek.

I was in marching band in high school as well so I guess...Yeah--I'm a straight up nerd/geek, whatever ya wanna call me ;)

And I will loudly proclaim it, lolz :P

[Dusty]

Lol. I think of geeks and Nerds as the same thing basically. Though why can't I cry over Data dieing in piece? :( god.

[Protosschick99]

Data died??

NOOOO!!!! He rocked! (Never saw that episode >.<) Remember when his twin brother hopped aboard and tried to impersonate him and take over the ship? That was crazy :P



lolz :P

[bobboy]

Hey, learn to live with it. I have people screaming "GET OFF THE ROAD!" When I'm on the road and insane people coming up to me and saying that I have a small penis >_> . Sigh. And then there is the Chi Chong talk.

[Protoss_Honor]

Data died??

NOOOO!!!! He rocked! (Never saw that episode >.<) Remember when his twin brother hopped aboard and tried to impersonate him and take over the ship? That was crazy :P



lolz :PHe died in the TNG movie Nemesis. Not in a TNG Episode. Wow, you are behind in the times girl.

[Protosschick99]

Never saw the movies because no one would take me or wanna go with me :(

I'm the only Trekkie in my house and among my close friends, lolz :D

[Neo]

Nerds are wannabes.

rofl. or something like this. I proudly proclaim I'm a geek, however, I will tear you a new one if you call me a nerd.

Maybe its just a personal preference.

And star trek could get pretty graphic, hell even in TNG that one infestation epsiode where they blew that dudes head off -- that gave me fucking nightmares for awhile.

-Kupa

[Black.Ice]

I love Star Trek, but I'm not a nerd, nor do I consider myself one. Sure, I'm a computer science major but I get along with a wide variety of people. Wait a second. I'm a f'n moderator an on online forum.

I think I have to reevaluate myself here.


Anyways, Star Trek is a series that is considered nerdy because of the topics covered. They portray an almost utopian society and it's kind of nice to kick back and a watch a perfect world of exploration and all that fun jazz after being in this dismal life. A lot of the issues are not just fighting or drama, but they focus on something else. Humanity between rivals, cloning, artificial rights, etc. They make you think more then regular shows.

Then they throw in scientific jargon that makes it interesting. Except, Voyager went overboard with it...

Also, I believe the underlying reason why SW is not considered nerdy is because it's a movie and while ST is a show. People who are ST fans watch it every week, where as everyone loves to go watch a movie. If you play basketball 6 times over a span of twenty years, you are not an athlete. However, if you play an hour every week, you'll be more likely to be considered an athlete.

[Cpt.Chronic]

I'm pretty sure this is the reason:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/skurf101/Trekkies.jpg

[PC1210]

First and foremost, the question I have is what makes people who watch Star Trek nerds and not people who watch Grey's Anatomy? The fanaticism is nearly the same, go to ABC.com and look at the blogs for Grey's Anatomy. My wife loves that show, but no one's called her a nerd for it.

I saw someone on this thread mention jocks, and that probably could be part of it. Kids in school are pretty rough and mean, and if you're not liked in the "in crowd" you're labeled as an outcast, nerd, dork, whatever word they use now. Maybe it's because Star Trek was never a fad on the runway in Paris.

I'm not particularly a Star Trek fan, but I've seen my share of episodes - when there's not much on TV I'll watch. I'm not ashamed to admit that. No one should be. I honestly believe if there is nothing in life you enjoy the way true "Trekies" enjoy Star Trek.. I feel bad for you. Life is short, you need to live it up. If you like Star Trek and that makes you a "nerd" to a minority of the population, good for you. Heck with them. You have something you're passionate about. Who knows, maybe they're jealous.

I don't think it's fair to label any one group as a nerd. To call yourself a nerd and joke about it is one thing, but I know there are people that have dislike behind the word nerd when it comes to certain groups of people. People who are die hard Star Trek fans are no different than a group of die hard Chicago Bear fans, a group of die hard 50 Cent fans, you name it.

At any rate I guess my point is I don't know why Trekkies are labeld as nerds the way they are, but I don't think they should be.

[Protosschick99]

I'm pretty sure this is the reason:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/skurf101/Trekkies.jpg

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I'm a trekkie--But not THAT much, lolz :P

I'd dress up--But only if my costume were cool and I looked like the real thing. But ummm...That's just ugly, lolz :P

[Neo]

How is that any different then the thousands of people who cosplay anime stuff?

-Kupa

[GrassDragon]

How is that any different then the thousands of people who cosplay anime stuff?
It's not, they're nerds too.

[Protosschick99]

Do you dress up Neo??

It's okay--I won't make fun of you :D I'm gonna go as a Ninja with my cousin this year actually, lolz :P

[Neo]

No but when I was younger I really wanted a ds9 uniform. Instead I opted to wear a really nice communicator pen (it was metal/gold) everyday.

-Kupa

[Black.Ice]

Younger, as in 20 right?




:P

[Neo]

Younger, as in 20 right?




:P

Back during my freshman/sophmore days in high school.

-Kupa

[Dusty]

Wearing a Communicator pen to school is Social Suicide right?

At th pic. Those ppl almost make me stop watching Star Trek

[hammocksleeper]

Wearing a Communicator pen to school is Social Suicide right?

I can't speak for Neo specifically, but yeah I would say so.

[PrestonBurke]

First and foremost, the question I have is what makes people who watch Star Trek nerds and not people who watch Grey's Anatomy? The fanaticism is nearly the same, go to ABC.com and look at the blogs for Grey's Anatomy. My wife loves that show, but no one's called her a nerd for it.


One sterotype i hate that people make about Greys Anatomy fans is that there all chicks! And the sterotype that Greys Anatomy is a chick show!

That just makes me furious, for one thing:

Its a medical drama. Just because the word "drama" is involved does not mean its a chick show. I mean ER is a medical drama, but is it a chick show? No.
Which reminds me of a ignorant friend that said "whats the point of watching it if its not funny or has action? drrr i'm a retard."
The show was written by men, so its meant to be viewed by both sexs. Not just one.
There are shows that can actually recieve the label "chick shows" like "Men in Trees", yet Greys Anatomy is still considered a contender for chick shows.
I watch it, and if i say its not a chick show, it isnt. (Because my Word is God. :D)


Bleh. Whatever.

[Black.Ice]

Star Trek is also a drama. A good plot can kick humor's ass.

[Neo]

I was already a geek/loner at that point so it didn't really matter all that much to me.

Besides I was also poor in a, mostly, rich area (high school) so i was already fucked as soon as I walked in the front doors.

-Kupa

[xodkrm]

House > Grey's

[own3d0406]

One sterotype i hate that people make about Greys Anatomy fans is that there all chicks! And the sterotype that Greys Anatomy is a chick show!

That just makes me furious, for one thing:

* Its a medical drama. Just because the word "drama" is involved does not mean its a chick show. I mean ER is a medical drama, but is it a chick show? No.
Hidden Text
Which reminds me of a ignorant friend that said "whats the point of watching it if its not funny or has action? drrr i'm a retard."
* The show was written by men, so its meant to be viewed by both sexs. Not just one.
* There are shows that can actually recieve the label "chick shows" like "Men in Trees", yet Greys Anatomy is still considered a contender for chick shows.
* I watch it, and if i say its not a chick show, it isnt. (Because my Word is God. )

I didn't know you were a dude. O_o

Whatever.

[hammocksleeper]

One sterotype i hate that people make about Greys Anatomy fans is that there all chicks! And the sterotype that Greys Anatomy is a chick show!

That just makes me furious, for one thing:

Its a medical drama. Just because the word "drama" is involved does not mean its a chick show. I mean ER is a medical drama, but is it a chick show? No.
Acutally, yeah, ER is a chick show. Why else would George Clooney be so popular?

The show was written by men, so its meant to be viewed by both sexs. Not just one.And a man is the VP of the Tampax division. Tell me, what's your point again?

It's OK to watch a chick show dude, if you are willing to take the heat from your buddies. Nothing wrong with that. But it is a chick show. ;) If you want a good example of a medical drama that the guys won't give you shit for, try MASH, Nip/Tuck, House, or Scrubs. That last one (and to a lesser extent, House) have an additional appeal which is to nerds. But recently Scrubs has gained greater popularity and shaken off much of it's nerd stigma and House never really had one.

[Neo]

wtf, nip/tuck? Isn't that that show about plastic surgery? bah.

Scrubs is hilarious though.

-Kupa

[PrestonBurke]

Nip Tuck is pretty good. My brother introduced me to that show a year or two ago, and i was hooked. But unfortunatley, I dont have Cable to watch it.

I really dont like House for some reason, it can get really cliche sometimes. Plus the Doctor House seems way to big of an asshole to be considered a real doctor.

[own3d0406]

I really dont like House for some reason, it can get really cliche sometimes. Plus the Doctor House seems way to big of an asshole to be considered a real doctor.

If you've seen one episode, you've seen them all.
This is how all the episodes go:
Patient is sick
House finds a diagnosis while making witty remarks
House treats patient
Treatment fails
House tries another treatment
Treatment works! Yay!

[Pisces]

First and foremost, the question I have is what makes people who watch Star Trek nerds and not people who watch Grey's Anatomy? The fanaticism is nearly the same, go to ABC.com and look at the blogs for Grey's Anatomy. My wife loves that show, but no one's called her a nerd for it.

The content of star trek is nerdy while grey's anatomy can be described as a chick flick, and there is a term for every other type of fanaticism too, whether you choose to be offended by the term is up to you.

On a related note, the manager of the Law Library at one of the universities here is a total star trek fan and she has put labels around the staff tea room with star trek names of them, such as the microwave is called the replicator, the light switch is called the control panel, the bathroom is called the medical bay and so on; its great:)

[xodkrm]

If you've seen one episode, you've seen them all.
This is how all the episodes go:
Patient is sick
House finds a diagnosis while making witty remarks
House treats patient
Treatment fails
House tries another treatment
Treatment works! Yay!
Better than making up some corny "crime" to go with it.

[noobymodder]

I think Protoss_Honor was ovulating when they made jokes and he got a little worked up about it.

people who call people nerds and geeks for watching StarTrek probably tried watching it once but could not understand and to hide the shame and emberassment they call people who do get it nerds.

Voyager bearly counts as a StarTrek show.

DS9 is probably the best StarTrek because its not so surreal and based on such fantasies as no more currency or peace for all. But instead had war, prejudice, gambeling, and all that good stuff to make it less "nerdy" but still be a smart peoples show.

People who actually take the time to learn kilngon and dress up like characters are goin a bit overvoard but its cool with me how they can be so secure with themselfs and passionate about something. Live long and prosper guys.

Starwars is not considerd so nerdy because theres no real science in it like ST. ST has people talking about actual facts, scientific theories and all that technical, scientifical mumbo jumbo. SW has action but alot of nonsense, I mean a teenager blowing up a station the size of a moon. A little kid accidentaly blows up a hugh station and a dumb fish with the IQ of mustard saves the day and becaumes a general by triping and destroying a bunch of robots. ST is more thought provoking and not so corny like SW because its a bit more adult oriented and instead of just putting things together for you and makeing things easy to understand like SW.



If being a "nerd" or "geek" as the "cool" people say means being smart and actually using the big noodle in your head then yeah im that.

I've met popular guys and girls in school who in a private conversation admited to watching ST but asked not to let other people know. These are the wanna be's that are "unique" and suposably original that only do what they want and are not affraid of letting everyone know but only do and say what other aprove of to maintain their reputaion.

I let people know I like ST if they ask or if it come up somehow. I dont go arround quating Spoke or Data at every chance i get put if theres a need for it i will and when asked by a teacher or other student where i got that from I say startrek not i dunno or a band.

And people who dress up like anime characters are something else. They realy are wierd. Trekkies at least mimic a show with intelligence and moral as well as a something that impacted real life. Like the cell phone based on old communicators, and quotes used by proffesors that hold truth ex. reveange is a dish best served cold or the needs of the many outway the needs of the few or the one. Anime people dress up as little furry monsters who shoot rainbows that can destroy a 60 foot monster or samuries with cat ears that go arround doing all sorts of crazy childish stuff shooting pink energy from their ass and what not.

Kinda went of topic. But usefull to help answer the question. That is one hard to answer.

[IrishDutchman]

people who call people nerds and geeks for watching StarTrek probably tried watching it once but could not understand and to hide the shame and emberassment they call people who do get it nerds.

That was hilarious. If you weren't serious, I'd +rep you for that. :tup:

[Neo]

Voyager bearly counts as a StarTrek show.

No, Enterprise barely counts as a Star Trek show. Leave Voyager alone damnit, at least they didn't fuck with canon.

As a side note, I just watched Star Wars Episode 4, and high holy hell its fucking corny.

-Neo

[IrishDutchman]

Hey, sweet! Kupa out, Neo back in!

[Dusty]

I like SW and ST don't fuck with either of them plskthx

[Ubergopher]

No, Enterprise barely counts as a Star Trek show. Leave Voyager alone damnit, at least they didn't fuck with canon.

Yes, thats it Neo. Hate Enterprise because after 40+ years of canon material to draw on (including possibly hundreds of contradiction in THAT time) they made a couple mistakes. One of those things is probably the "phase pistols" instead of "laser pistols" and to that I say this grow the fuck up, its a fucking name. OMG, they switched laser and phase. Cry me a fucking river.
However, if you love shows that have uninspired acting, half assed plots, and almost zero character development, and the Almighty reset button that Voyager used at the end of every single episode, except for the two parters (and then the reset button was applied at the end of the two episode "arc", then you'll LOVE Voyager.

[dunchy]

And you guys wonder why people who like star trek are viewed as nerds :)

[Neo]

Yes, thats it Neo. Hate Enterprise because after 40+ years of canon material to draw on (including possibly hundreds of contradiction in THAT time) they made a couple mistakes. One of those things is probably the "phase pistols" instead of "laser pistols" and to that I say this grow the fuck up, its a fucking name. OMG, they switched laser and phase. Cry me a fucking river.
However, if you love shows that have uninspired acting, half assed plots, and almost zero character development, and the Almighty reset button that Voyager used at the end of every single episode, except for the two parters (and then the reset button was applied at the end of the two episode "arc", then you'll LOVE Voyager.
i've no idea what your bitching about, in the way of enterprise at least. I meant it literally that it sucked as a prequal to star trek canon.

However, on its own, it was pretty fucking good. It was like some kind of fan-fic or something with elements from star trek. Phase pistols? Dude I don't even watch TOS because I think it sucks. I was so into the Mirror Universe arc from ENT, and then it ended with a fucking TOS-Style ship. I just couldn't take it seriously from that point onward. I mean wtf? I'm not the only star trek fan who dislikes ENT in this fashion.

could you explain your hatred for Voyager? because I certainly enjoyed it once i watched it through and gave it another go. i think voyager used the reset button, like majorly, once or twice, for the year of hell story arc. otherwise, you can't really claim that the Kes stuff is a "reset button" -- there is more time traveling in voyager then in ds9 and tng granted, but thats not the only thing.

and ffs, they are now making another fucking prequal chronicling Kirk, McCoy and Spocks days are the academy (or at least flashing back to it?) -- What the fuck? Give us a fucking DS9 movie -- or make a movie that could potentially launch a new series! I mean really!

-Neo

[Dusty]

Riker and the Titan >.>

[dunchy]

Seriously why?

So, I really, really hope you have your answer now. Take a look at the last 2 pages. We've gone from a simple question to a arguement over...canon. That's right, canon. Nobody else out in the real word knows or cares what this word means. That's because canon refers to 1 of two things: Star Trek, and Star Wars. Actually 3 things, the third being Warhammer. Who else that's male (and red blooded here) says canon? Can you see this taking place?

"Mattias, I can't believe you didn't score with Ashley this weekend!"
"She seemed ok, I should have. Talking with her was great, she sure knew her canon."

If anyone, anyone uses that word or thinks of the word canon, it's instant geek which you can't break. You may as well go to the Hilton in vegas, buy a sulu outfit and walk around with your phaser and try to get gang-banged by some klingons saying 'kahplah' since you're never going to break that mold.

Geeks argue over trivial shit. And it's just SHIT too. Look at last page.... 'star trek enterprise bla bla bla phasers instead of lazers'. I close my eyes and shake that old head.

I hope you have your answer cesear :)

[Dusty]

Yes but I don't care about canon. And I still watch Star Trek.... So not everyone is a geek. Just the members on this forum :P

[own3d0406]

Yes but I don't care about canon. And I still watch Star Trek.... So not everyone is a geek. Just the members on this forum :P

I can just picture GA now, with his huge glasses and pencil protectors. :P

[IrishDutchman]

http://www.warboards.org/showpost.php?p=249416&postcount=194

That's GA. :o

True, though. Not everyone with geeky interests like WH40K or Starcraft is a nerd per se. Look at Schwitzer and GenocideAlive, if you'd see them in a bar, they don't seem nerdy at all.
It could also mean that nerds can sometimes be good looking. =/ Meh.
Then again, Schwitzer and GA aren't the ones bitching about canon either.
...whatever. Screw you guys, I'm going home. :P

[PrestonBurke]

Wow thats GA... hmmm. Didn't expect him to look so "skin-headed"ish.

On a side note, with a new mini-tv in my room i can stay up late and watch tv. Finally got to see what M.A.S.H is really about, and i think its pretty funny stuff.

[Neo]

dunchy you're an ass, and fyi, we've already established that I'm a fucking geek.

Oh, and btw, there are actual FEMALE Geeks as well. So bite me.

And note: I'm not the one who start bitching about fucking pistols or whatever, or generalizing an entire show based of like 6 episodes out of a over a 150 or so.

GEEK AND PROUD

-Neo

[IrishDutchman]

So...people who watch Star Trek are seen as nerd because Neo watches it?

This isn't really going anywhere.