In Emily Webb’s “You Can Call Yourself a Nerd, but You Have to Prove It to Me”, she argues that nerd subculture has changed from what it used to be. According to Merriam-Webster, nerd is defined as an, “unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person; especially: one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits.” However, this stereotypical definition might need to be rewritten based on Webb’s interesting points using both common media outlets and anecdotes to support her claims. I support Webb’s thesis that the nerd subculture has become increasingly popular, the nerd identity has changed, and that being a nerd is not skin deep.
Over the past few years more and more people have jumped onto the nerd bandwagon. Shows like Big Bang Theory and movies based on comics such as Avengers have become increasingly popular. According to Nicholas Fernandes, a reporter for New York Post, “print and digital comic book sales total about $935 million a year” (Par. 3) If anything this shows that nerd subculture has become a multimillion if not billion industry. This supports Webb’s claim that being a nerd is “becoming increasingly desirable and cotemporary.”…show more content… Although many people can dress up like a nerd for Halloween or other event; simply wearing nerdy paraphernalia does not make anyone a nerd. As Webb stated, “outward appearance does not make or break one’s status as a nerd” (6). Webb’s statement about outward appearance carries over into any type of stereotypical identifier and shows that a person’s actions and self speak louder than what they wear or say. According to Barbara Markway, a professional phycologist, “judgment is a natural instinct” (Par. 4). Everyone makes assumptions of other people based on how they dress or look its simply natural. However, judging someone based on their appearance does not define them it defines you. Therefore, always remember to “not judge a book by its
