I Just Love A Man In Uniform
Article by Wahini of Fire, Babe of Desire: Blue --- Read more from this authorSo this morning my latest Think Geek purchase arrived in the mail. Ah, the joys of unwrapping new swag! Woot! It’s l00t! Who knew that 3 t-shirts would be so heralded. It made me think about the time my dad called me from GenCon.
I was born and raised in Indianapolis. Most of my family still lives there, including my father. Some years ago, Dad went from high caliber systems analysis geekery to the life of a limo driver. Apparently there are geeks out there who enjoy taking a stretch with wet bar to GenCon. My dad had a few clients in the area and called me during his down time.
“So, you know about geeks. Can I ask you something?” Dad asked. “Why does it seem there is a uniform to be a geek?”
Other than the typical Stormtrooper or Red Shirt #354 attire, it does seem that there is a definite “uniform” for those of the geek culture.
“They’re everywhere,” Dad said. “They’re either really big guys or really skinny…very few in between. Sneakers, white socks pulled up high…shorts and black shirts with something dorky/funny or pun related on it. Then there are the people in costume. Most of them have glasses, long hair and goatees.”
I told him that he pretty much described everyone I know. Then, I did the unthinkable… I sent my dad a link for Think Geek. I opened up the geek closet so that Dad could see where we get our uniforms.
Our shirts with funny/punny dorkish things on them are badges of honor. It’s how we find our kindred in a pack of thousands like you’d find at GenCon. Hell, I know some people who use their “geek wear” as a litmus test for future friends/mates. If someone looks at your shirt quoting the Princess Bride and says “huh?” you know they either lack a sense of humor or are in dire need of education. Rent them a DVD. If someone asks you what “Chaotic Evil” means, you know you need to buy them dice. And if you have to explain why “there are only 10 kinds of people in the world (those who know binary and those who don’t)” is still accurate… well, you know.
Ancient cave men left drawings on walls. Now, the geeks have inherited the earth (how else do you explain that the Woz is still on Dancing with the Stars?) and we wear our hearts on our sleeves. Splashed across our chests is our tribal war paint. Movie, anime, gaming, math, science, computer… and more… all the schools of Geekdom! It’s all there!
My father understands. He gets it. Now… to work on my stepmother…
Tags: Geekery, Think Geek.