This week, a geek was crowned Miss USA.
A model and the former Miss California, 21-year-old Alyssa Campanella described herself as a “huge history geek” and “a huge science geek” during the pageant. She loves to read, loves Star Wars, and was one of the few participating beauty queens who believes in evolution. She loves to watch Game of Thrones and The Tudors (not surprising, since she is dating one of the lead actors on the show). But does that make her a geek?
Lots of people are questioning Miss USA’s geek cred and female geek bloggers are coming to her defense. “Why does being a beauty pageant contestant mean you can’t also like Star Wars…?” asks Jill Pantozzi of Has Boobs, Reads Comics. Action Flick Chick managed an enormous discussion on the subject herself (and even linked to me!) Their point of view is clear: we shouldn’t question Miss USA’s geek cred just because she is gorgeous.
However, this time, it’s not about looks.
There’s a completely different reason I question actresses who describe themselves as “total geek[s]” and suspect them of pandering to their nerdy fans. It’s not because they’re stunning; it’s because they all say the same thing as if prompted — they like Star Wars — and then neglect to elaborate. Does that mean she has a 1:1 scale model of Han Solo frozen in carbonite in her living room? Maybe she’s addicted to playing Force Unleashed? Perhaps she just throws an annual Star Wars viewing party? Of course, it might not be any of these things; maybe she just watched Star Wars once and enjoyed it. But in that case, there’s a difference between being a fan of Star Wars and being a full on Star Wars geek.
Maybe Miss USA didn’t have enough time to explain. There wasn’t exactly time during the pageant to debate whether she believes Han or Greedo shot first. But the reasons she listed for defining herself as a “huge geek” weren’t very, well, geeky. While reading books and believing in evolution make her an egghead in the pageant world, it’s not how most people would describe a geek.
Some of you will still accuse me of being too tough on Miss USA because she’s so attractive. Some people say that when regular unattractive people claim to be geeks, we take them at their word, but we don’t give the same treatment to attractive people or celebrities. I disagree. For example, I just finished Wil Wheaton’s book, Just a Geek
“Are you really a geek?”
The difference is that Wheaton’s answer wasn’t “Sure, I love Star Wars.” (For the record, when Slashdot posed that question to him, he answered with a line of C++.)
Right now, geeks are big. With the rise of high-grossing superhero movies and video games, everyone wants to be (or at least appeal to) a geek. The incentive is there, so it isn’t a big step to suspect people in the public eye of trying to cater to geeks. Now, no matter how somebody looks, if they say they’re a geek and don’t give any examples, I get suspicious.
But let’s get to the heart of the matter: Why do I even care? Why does it upset me when celebrities suddenly and publicly come out as “huge geeks” to the applause of millions? Because for me, being a geek was hard. I got teased a lot. When I was eleven, two girls would follow me home from the bus stop trying to pull off the Gundam Wing keychains on my backpack. There was a point in high school where I actually stopped watching anime because I wanted so badly to fit in. Only recently, in college, did I decide to accept my identity as a geek. It was a hard road and it makes me mad that, now that there is no stigma attached, everyone else wants to come out and say, “Me too!”
It’s wrong for me to say Miss USA needs to “prove” her geekiness before I accept her. If I say that, I’m no better than the kids who picked on me in school. If she says she’s a geek, that should be enough. In fact, I should be happy that a beauty queen who represents the USA has chosen to identify as a geek.
But forgive me if I seem a little wary.
Read more:
I can’t be a hot girl and a nerd. Geek culture won’t let me.: My first take on the topic. I’ve really finessed my vision since then.
On Geekdom and Privilege: Sympathy For The ‘Pretty’?: This is one of the most insightful pieces I’ve read on this topic.
When Geeks Become Bullies: Very different from my take, and that alone makes it worth reading.
Well, one thing I can say is that on that stage during the Miss USA pageant was a real live beautiful geek who happened to also be Miss Oregon.
Anna Prosser is the real thing, and I know this because I’ve been interviewing and filming her as part of my latest documentary project, Good Game, which is about professional “esports” athletes who play video games for a living. She works with the team I’m following and their sponsors, she produces content and interviews for their websites, and generally has been one of the most amazing geek girls I’ve ever known.
Knowing Anna, I have to say that I’m willing to believe that a beauty queen can be a geek, because I know one who is. I understand the wariness, because I have the same reaction to the actresses who like to play at being a geek to get a fan following. I just also know that it’s not always being faked for the cameras.
(Despite being at Miss USA this week, I didn’t meet or talk to Campenella, so I can’t speak to her geek cred, I’m more speaking in general that it’s entirely possible for a beauty queen to be a huge nerd).
Thanks for the signal-boost and the kind words!
These days, being a geek is also a bit fashionable. Not “real” geekiness, but the kind of geekiness that drives women to wear hideous fake Rick Moranis glasses with their frilly muumuus and hip belts. I’m sure that has something to do with it.
Maybe they should have a Miss Geek USA and screen them for ultimate geekiness.
Seriously though, I agree with everything you said about how celebrities define a ‘geek’. Ok, so you like Mario Bros? You can a billion other people around the world. It wouldn’t be such a hit otherwise. Do you own a collection of Mario figurines and did you camp out to buy New Super Mario Bros? Ok, now you’re getting warmer.
I think you REALLY hit the nail on the head, on several points. First…it kind of all depends on how one wants to define a geek. “Geek” is in…at a certain level. It’s very cool to like everything Miss USA likes. It’s considered smart and fun – and hey, EVERYONE grew up/is growing up on the Star Wars (the prequels and CN’s popular animated series). That is entirely cool and on the fringes of geekdom.
But really, REALLY begin a geek – when we get into card games, science fiction novels, and character worship – these things are not cool and probably never will be.
There’s an imaginary geek scale – geek chic to peak geek. Maybe it can be seen as “real geek” to “pop culture geek.” To tell you the truth, I’m more on the fringes of geekdom than really reveling in all that the culture has to offer.
I think that, maybe, the recent popularity of at last some geeky stuff will do something for kids that are getting bullied or otherwise feeling shamed, like you did. Hopefully, the popularity of comic book movies and Naruto mean that someone who can talk hours about Star Trek goes from being the object of ridicule to being “that offbeat boy.” Maybe imperfect, but it’s certainly better than the alternative.
@Charles, “these things are not cool”… or are they? If geeks are the ones calling the shots, isn’t an actress who reveals she paints Warhammer miniatures in her free time going to have a brighter career than one who doesn’t? However, as the Racialicious article I link to at the bottom of my post calls out, this is about the privilege of the beautiful. As long as you’re traditionally gorgeous, you can reclaim uncool things with no stigma.
@brokeotaku, look no further than the Miss Klingon Empire beauty pageant — http://pageantcenter.com/pageants1/pageant-news/the-2011-miss-klingon-empire-beauty-pageant/
@2DT, I’m honored I wrote a post that made you want to comment! Yes, geek chic will go in and out of style, along with punk, goth, mod, and everything else. In every case, the clothing has nothing to do with the lifestyle, but at least gives them the limelight for a season.
@Art, no problem! I’ve been a huge fan of Racialicious ever since Latoya Peterson took time out of her busy schedule to cover me and my fellow maids at the Katsucon maid cafe.
@Mary, that is so fantastic! I am a huge fan of documentaries that focus on geek subculture. When will I be able to watch yours? I’m so impressed to hear about Miss Oregon and I am even more excited to find out whether Alyssa Campanella will represent the USA with her geek flag flying.
I guess the real question I’m getting from your post is “What makes a Geek?” is a geek merely someone who is deep into a fandom? Or is a geek the sum of all their experiences? Are you born a geek or are you turned geek? (okay I was being a bit silly with that one)
I think its good to be a little wary. I mean I tend to be wary of any girl who tries to make it seem like being a girl and being into geeky things is an oddity, but you never know what someone’s experiences have been.
Please don’t take offence when I say, as far as geeky fandoms go, you’ve got it easy with what is girl friendly. I don’t think any male anime fan would say “You’re a girl and you like anime? That’s weird.” But a lot of girls I know deal with that in the comic/videogames/sci-fi fandom crowds.
Ultimately what I think I’m trying to say (very poorly, I apologize) is, you’re right to be wary about a beauty queen who claims to be a geek, but does it really matter? I don’t think this will change the world’s views on geek culture. I, and many other geeks, will continue to not care about Miss USA (not just cause I’m Canadian) and the geeks will continue to be picked on throughout high school, then come to realize high school was stupid and surround themselves with awesome geeky people.
Just be proud that geeks are something people even find worth pandering to.
Extra bit: I can second what Mary is saying. Anna Prosser is a geeky beauty queen, and while I’m way into e-sports, she still doesn’t get me to care about Miss USA.
@Patrick, it’s weird to me that your sci-fi loving female friends have a tough time. Especially since the first Star Trek conventions were mostly female! Gamers, I can understand. I’ve heard about the sexist or even harassing comments girls get when they use female names and avatars. This isn’t a problem with women though, it’s with men!
Thanks for agreeing with me about being wary. It’s definitely unlikely. But the minute she shows up in public in a cosplay or something, I’ll be sold.
[...] Otaku Journalist Post: The “Hot Geek Girl” debate: this time, it’s not about looks by Lauren Rae Orsini: “If she says she’s a geek, that should be enough. In fact, I should [...]
There is a lot to be said about this controversy.
I’ll start with something that is generally ignored but important. The mainstream tends to interchangeably use the word nerd and geek to the point where just using a computer automatically makes you a geek. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that real geeks would ask questions before chanting “one of us!”.
To add to the fire, the likelihood that a beautiful woman is also a geek is quite low. Why such a low probability? By now it should be obvious that most geeks really care very little about their appearance. And those that do, wouldn’t ever even dream of competing in a pageant. But I am not going to say they don’t exist, but it does raise suspicion that a beautiful woman would claim to be a geek.
I agree, we could debate the definitions and nuances between “nerd” and “geek” for DAYS. I am using a mousepad right now that my dad got me that says “geek: obsessive computer user.” I kind of love it, but we know that’s not the only type of geek!
The longer we stay on this topic, the more beautiful geek girls I think of. There’s the Nerdy Bird and Action Flick Chick, Lily Stitches and Yaya Han, LOTS of cosplayers, the Frag Dolls, at least a few female M:TG qualifiers, and Kotaku’s Leigh Alexander. But I never felt like I needed “proof” from any of them about their geek cred — it’s already obvious!
As someone who does spend a lot of money on hair color, is grossly overweight but still wants to look dignified, and won’t leave the house without at least being able to say that she’s going for a certain look, and also as someone who is friends with PLENTY of women (attractive women, at that) who would absolutely qualify as geeks who also spend time of their appearance, I take some umbrage with this.
Maybe we just travel in different circles, but I’d actually say that most of the women I’ve befriended though the pursuit of geeky hobbies do in fact care a lot about their appearance and actually wanting to look cute/pretty/attractive, though to different degrees. Maybe the difference is in the execution. There’s that very Barbie-ish type of Miss Beauty Queen/Miss Spooge Material type of woman with a tan and blown-out hair (see: Miss Howard TV monthly pick) which none of my friends go after, ostensibly because that’s just not the look they want to portray (every woman who shows up on G4, I’m looking at you). I look at Miss America and I see that same sort of generic “this is what is beautiful according to dudes who wear Axe Body Spray” and I can’t help but wonder if that’s what you’re considering to be the level of maintenance that means a woman cares about her appearance, i.e. a level of maintenance that’s more about what guys want to see than what women want to be. It’s not what I think of, and it’s not what any of my friends are trying to go for and I don’t think want to ever go for.
Did you catch Patton Oswalt’s piece in Wired several months ago? Too lazy to look at archives and see if you did, but:
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/12/ff_angrynerd_geekculture/all/1
What you’re saying and what he’s said jibes in some ways: when people like Miss America claim to be geeks for reasons that have NOTHING TO DO WITH BEING A GEEK, it cheapens the word. I think of myself (a person who just used a ruler to make sure that she had extremely-straight highlighted lines on a printout of a spreadsheet to keep track of annual report abstracts that are ALSO being kept track of in a folder on my desktop computer with the use of color-coded file labels who ALSO has a carefully ordered spreadsheet on her iPad of all the Pullips that she owns or would like to own) as an actual, self-loathing-yet-unapologetic geek. Not someone who casually cops to liking Star Wars. Not someone who never spent a moment worrying about what sort of torment s/he’d endure today from peers. In short, screw those people. TAKING IT BACK.
@Mara, you’re hardworking enough to actually have MADE the search engine on this site, but are too lazy to use it? =D
I did read Oswalt’s piece. The part that resonated with me the most is that today, everyone is an otaku. It was at a time in my life where several people were suggesting that I stop calling myself “otaku journalist” since they didn’t believe I was an otaku. I think it’s great that being a geek is cool now and I don’t have to worry about getting picked on (my coworkers do give me a tough time for playing Magic: The Gathering, but the fact that they all know what that means says something!) but I still get suspicious sometimes. Especially since I’m the kind of person who read about your meticulous organizing skills and felt jealous.
Let me add my two cents.
Right now geek is hip, as the trappings of geek culture are hip (as is the fact that in the IT age one of the trappings is MONEY). So it’s a cool thing to be.
I think however that being a geek is not something that you are casually – and that’s part of the problem of the whole “casual geek” thing. And perhaps this woman is indeed a geek – in some ways I think the core subject is the concept of geek in today’s culture.
Being a geek is hard, now not in the way that there’s social issues, but the fact that when you’re a geek you Are Into Something. You are hardcore, you are knowledgeable, you are dedicated. Geek is a LIFESTYLE and you ain’t just a geek on the weekends, you live it.
Though the word gets thrown around now, in times some people will loose interest in it as a hip thing and it won’t matter. Core Geekery is passionate enough -and in the spotlight – that any hangers-on will fade away or find a hip new thing. You can only be a faux-geek for so long.
So me? Not worried.
But I am kinda glad we’re hip right now.
Thank you. You managed to put in to words what I could only sputter and whine about.
This is such a great point and I agree with you so much me. Because of being a nerd Middle school was a living hell and high school was awkward, my life became awesome during college and has been awesome since but I agree. Seeing a pretty person cashing in on “being a nerd” when they were probably one of the bitchy “mean girls” picking on the nerds back in high school is pretty disgusting!
(Who knows maybe she is a late bloomer and was picked on too, but I fucking doubt it)