Had an interesting thought today (while I was in the shower). A little insight into the mind of the nerd; the mind of a gamer. Why do geeks/nerds like video games so much? It's a stereotype, really. The more of a nerd a guy (or girl, 'cause girl gamers exist too) is, the more he plays video games. In a way, it's the Nerd Richter Scale. I think I'm a size 7 or 8. But back to the question: why?
A psychologist or psychiatrist might have more insight into this than I do, but I think it's all about power. In high school, a nerd has little bargaining power. The powers that are respected are physical power (jocks), charisma or attractiveness (prom kings/queens), and popularity (cliques). The power a nerd has is intellectual. The power of the mind is not as well regarded in high school as the hotness factor of Katrina the Prom Queen. Especially if she's a bit of a tease (but not a slut).
So nerds turn to video games. In those, we rule the world. We can become powerful, acquire powerful artifacts and weapons, be attractive and popular, find attractive (and gravity-defying) mates/lovers. In those worlds, the power of the intellect translates into physical power, charisma, attractiveness, and popularity. We can, and do, have it all.
It's kind of sad, really. But we all crave power of a sort. It just comes in differing levels for different people. I grew up with intellect, but I wasn't physically powerful and didn't think I was very handsome. I also wasn't popular. Ever. It's probably part of why I'm a gamer. I based my above thoughts on my life. Since coming to college, my views have changed a little. I discovered that I'm somewhat good-looking. I made a lot of friends, so I guess you could say that I've become popular. I've developed some charisma (as three years of peer advising will show). Physically, I'm still not that powerful. Haven't bothered to work out. It's popular. I'm a nonconformist. Go figure.
But, I'm still power-hungry in my own way. What kind of power do you have? And what power do you crave?
The only "power" I seem to have is in design. Even then I wish for more and better creativity.
ReplyDeleteHow 'bout cooking? Or wordplay? How 'bout encouragement? How 'bout good times? You have more power than you might think.
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