I’ve come to the conclusion that from time to time, we should all just give in and embrace our Inner Geek. Really, it’s true. Trust me: You’ll feel better when you do it.
For example, I’m secretly a “Power Rangers” lover. It’s true, and I’m not afraid to admit it, despite the fact that I’m no longer in elementary school. Every once in a while, I wear my “Power Rangers” track jacket out in public, and it really brings me joy to do so. I get a lot of laughs and comments from people, but it’s worth it because during that second that people are commenting on my jacket, they’re at least acknowledging their Inner Geek.
I’m also a big fan of video games, and yes, I play “World of Warcraft.” Playing such a game certainly has a stigma attached to it, as any “South Park” watcher will tell you, but I’m willing to take that risk. And even though none of my friends have even the remotest interest in video games, I’m still willing to take that risk.
I love finding out about people who either are, or used to be, geeks. I know at least two of my friends used to be huge “Star Trek” fans. Like hard-core “Star Trek” fans. I work with a number of people who take part every week in intense discussions on the ramifications of that week’s episode of “Lost.” And my older brother has probably read every “Star Wars” book there is. For some reason, tidbits like that bring me such joy.
I like to think that if we all just abandoned out Inner Geek, we would be a bunch of boring sheep. We would all wear our suits, go to work, go home and sleep. But instead, some us go home and log on to “World of Warcraft” or get on the Internet in eager anticipation of news on the next “Spider-Man” movie.
Hell, any Harry Potter fan will tell you that the Inner Geek is nothing to be afraid of. These seemingly normal people will show up at theaters and bookstores, wands in hand, visibly displaying their geekiness. And there’s nothing wrong with that, because it gives them something in common with the other Potter fans next to them in line.
Whether we’re willing to admit it or not, geekiness gives us a sense of community. I’ve been reluctant to expose my love for video games in the past, but I’m plenty open about it now, and the more that I share my passion with others, the more people I find with whom I can discuss my Wii or the latest developments to come out of E3. Like Martha Stewart says, “It’s a good thing.”
And to be totally honest, embracing our Inner Geek gives us the chance to make fun of ourselves. After all, if I didn’t find the fact that I play “World of Warcraft” at least slightly funny, and instead saw it as my life goal to reach level 70, I might become the friendless fat loner in my mom’s basement that people believe “WoW” players to be.
So really, let’s all grab our Legos and exercise our Inner Geeks from time to time. We don’t want them to become fat loners, do we?