Geek Chic

Is it just me, or are nerds cool these days? Geekiness is increasing in popularity. Being a nerd is going mainstream, and people are really embracing all that is dorky.

Nerd pride is sprouting up in the least expected places. Chick lit (the literary equivalent of the chick flick) has finally recognized the nerd-loving market. You know dorkiness is trendy when they start writing romance novels about it. For those that like to display their nerdhood in gold or silver, there is jewelry for every nerd occasion - for making the subtle or the not-so-subtle statement. Dorks have a new uniform with a variety of clothing options for outerwear and even underwear. Even the artists are flaunting their geekocity. Whether musically or otherwise, nerdiness is infiltrating every aspect of our lives. I, for one, like it.

Best Buy started its own Geek Squad. Dweebs on the move in a nerd version of the Batmobile. Electronic-age superheros. Instead of a utility belt, they wear pocket protectors. Instead of masks, they wear Harry Potter glasses. Women swoon over their computer-maintenance prowess. (Wait, is that women, or just me?) There is no shame is driving the souped up VW Beetle with “Geek Squad” proudly blazing down the side. The slogan on the Web site is “Available 24/7. We don’t date.” So am I wrong, or are dorks on the rise?

I, for one, have my fingers crossed that this trend with continue. I think we could all use a little more nerd.