American nerd : the story of my people / Benjamin Nugent.

Author/creator Nugent, Benjamin
Format Book
Publication InfoNew York : Scribner, 2008.
Descriptionviii, 224 pages ; 23 cm
Supplemental ContentPublisher description
Supplemental ContentSample text
Subjects

Contents Pt. 1. A history of the nerd. What is a nerd -- The mark of greatness -- Newt envy, and were there nerds in the 19th century? -- The case against scientists in towers -- The rise of phys ed -- Dawn of the fan -- Sherry Turkle, T. S. Eliot, and the split between feeling and thinking -- The word "nerd" and the birth and growth of the guy in high pants and glasses -- Effeminate Jewish grinds, cyborg Asians -- Pt. 2. Among the nerds. Zack and Jack and high-school debate -- Case study: Darren from the ghetto of Amherst -- The cool nerd: superficial reflections on the hipster -- Nerd love -- The autism spectrum -- Pure pwnage -- The graying of the old-school nerd -- Coronation, or, Why group nerd events are necessary -- Why do people like Dungeons & Dragons and fake swords? -- Case study: Kenneth the Demonslayer -- My credentials.
Abstract An engaging study of the nerd in American popular culture and throughout history discussed in such contexts as the rise of online gaming, the science fiction club, ethnicity, Asperger's syndrome, autism, and high school and college debating.
General noteIncludes index.
LCCN 2008274215
ISBN9780743288019
ISBN0743288017

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks BF412 .N84 2008 ✔ Available Place Hold