Posted by KT- at cc1077596-a.mcmb1.mi.home.com on September 20, 2001 at 19:11:09:
In Reply to: This is just like high school. posted by Reverend Slappy on September 20, 2001 at 18:25:16:
Role-playing geeks are not beatniks. If you're going to stereotype, get it right.
I am a longtime observer of the role-playing geek in its natural habitat. My oldest brother, his friends, and some of mine all fall within this stereotype. Update your notes:
Their preferred drink is usually Jolt, Mt. Dew or a similarly caffeine-loaded pop, used to pull all-night adventures. A major feature of dress is the trenchcoat (which started up amongst our geekier schoolmates before Clinton was even in office). Musical instruments, if played, are the uncool ones from band class (clarinet or trombone vs. drums or sax). Those trying to be more individual will attempt something more RenFest-style, like the dulcimer. Hair is usually long on males and females alike. Beards and goatees are half-heartedly attempted (males and females alike - nyuk! A joke). Denny's, Ram's Horn/Horn of Plenty, Coney Island, or a similar chain of cheap 24-hour diners is the hangout.
Trust in my knowledge. I know these geeks. I am friends with some. I am related to one. And I love my little Nerd Herd. I even share some of their interests, like Anne McCaffrey novels and ElfQuest comics and old-school Final Fantasy (pre-PSX). I even gave role-playing a shot, but spending three hours rolling up a Shadowrun character just isn't my idea of fun.
Geeks are one up on the likes of you. Most of us trash mainstream movies, music, and TV in an attempt to be individuals. You may say that Britney Spears sucks, but you probably know how at least one of her songs go. You may hate Friends, but when someone says "Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey, Ross", you know who they're talking about. Geeks don't. They've never heard of this shit, because they're too busy watching Sailor Moon on DVD (subtitled AND Japanese translation) or listening to Ookla the Mok.
You follow EVERYTHING that's mainstream so that you can bash it to prove how mainstream you're NOT. Geeks just don't follow it at all, because they just don't care. Because they ARE individuals.
Suck it, jock. Go to Abercrombie & Fitch - they're having a sale! OOH!
KT