Category Archives: Geek Life

Over the past six months with the blog (has it really been six months?!) I’ve spent quite a bit of time traveling to various geek events and mingling with other geeks in large groups.  I thoroughly enjoy my interactions with my fellow geeks, but there are a few things I want to point out, especially to the ladies of geekdom.  Many geek females complain that they are not taken seriously, or that they are downright degraded by other (often male) geeks.  Unfortunately, a woman has no true power over the choices or responses that others make toward her—only her own reaction.  To make the geek world a better place for herself and other geek women, I say to her, “Respect your physical health; respect your mental health; and respect your appearance.”

Respecting one’s physical health can be tough for a woman whose job AND recreation of choice are pretty stationary.  Both Andrew and I will be the first geeks to tell anyone that we could use a little more exercise a little more often.  Unfortunately, a vibrating X-Box controller is not a substitute for a Shake Weight™.  Many studies have proclaimed the benefits of just half an hour of walking per day to boost energy, metabolism, and even a positive outlook.  It is easy to take some time on a break at work, or perhaps just before or just after—before starting a Star Trek marathon on Netflix.

Looking good doesn’t require conforming to ridiculous standards of female beauty.

Respecting one’s mental health is a little bit more difficult.  Specifically, I often see and hear from geek women who hear negativity and really take it to heart.  They are upset that anyone would feel enough hate to actually say something out loud—and rightfully so.  However, my advice is to let the frustration go.  The only emotions anyone is responsible to change are their own.  Learning to live life happily regardless of what other people think is the first step to true personal freedom.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, respect your appearance.  I’m not telling women to starve themselves to be skinny, or wear extensive amounts of makeup, but there is a distinct line between attempting to adhere to silly ideas of female beauty, and just not looking like a slob.  For this, I offer the following tips:

• Please bathe regularly.  This seems like an understood, but I have been forced to sit next to multiple women who smelled bad enough to put me off my feed for a while.  This is just basic courtesy to others, and also falls under the first category of respecting your physical health.
  

  I love the sentiment… the color scheme, not so much.

• Double check those faded t-shirts.  I’m not sure why, but the favored color for t-shirts proclaiming fandom of almost anything is that bizarre camel brown, with dark brown words/pictures (or sometimes the reverse).  Sadly, there are very few people on whom this actually looks good.  Here is a great website for determining which colors will actually compliment your natural skin tones and eye/hair color. 
  
• While I’m on the subject of faded t-shirts:  if your clothing has faded from the wash, or is shrunken or stretched with age, it’s time for it to retire.  I have a fabulous shirt with a Lord of the Rings style riddle that I adore, but it is no longer acceptable for public wear.
• Dress for the occasion.  There is no need to wear a little black dress to a comic convention or trivia night at the local dive.  By the same token, jeans and a t-shirt (although my very favorite outfit) are also not always acceptable forms of dress.  Pajamas are never acceptable for wearing in public.
• Dress according to your body type.  Certain women will always look good in sheath dresses, but many others look much better in an a-line.  Spend some time getting to know different styles, and how they should be worn.  Unfortunately, all body types are not the same.  Something that looks good on a comic book character or an actress will not necessarily complement every woman’s shape.  Choose the clothing that looks best on you.
• Never underestimate the power of looking good to change how you feel about yourself and how others treat you.  It isn’t always fair, but it is true.

So why should you respect yourself enough to take care of your physical abilities, mental health, and appearance?  Quite honestly, it is because no one else will do it for you.  As geeks, we tend to focus entirely on cranial capacity—and while I firmly believe that is an incredibly important focus, I also believe that appearance and outlook also matter.  Ladies of Geekdom, take care of yourselves!!  You’ll gain a new appreciation for yourself and others will too.