A Nerd, a Geek, and a Hipster Walk into a Bar

Abstract

Bodner, in an experimental, auto-ethnographic study, examines the often confused but separate identities of nerds, geeks, and hipsters. She focuses, initially, on what it takes to be a nerd or geek, then explores possible personal delineations between the two identities. Bodner then walks the nerd, geek, normal, and hipster into two bars and explores what happens when these four groups interact. Recounting tales of bigotry, exclusion, and the blurred lines of social acceptance, the chapter allows the reader a chance to examine their own experiences and reasons why a social group no one likes is more accepted than others.