By G.P. Avants
What is that international language that is supposed to be the world language, Esperanto? I think that’s it. That would be a feat to get people speaking the same language.
Unless of course you are a nerd. Oh, by the way if that term still makes your eye twitch maybe the term a friend coined might sound a bit more palatable: Neek. So, just to give it a spin, let’s see how it works in this blog entry.
The world is full of Neeks. It is one element that is present in every language and every culture. It even has its own sub-culture in the world, the US included. There is a Neek, I believe, in every family in the world. So, when it comes to a connection that we can all relate to, I think Nerdatonium is in there.
What are things that Neeks have that bridges gender, race, or culture?
Let’s list a of ten things that I have observed. I am sure this is not an exhaustive list, so feel free the end of this blog to add your insights.
- They are original.
- Neeks don’t fit one mold.
- They’re the innovators and the visionaries.
- Neeks are dreamers and designers.
- They’re quirky and creative.
- A Neek stands out in a crowd, without even trying.
- They are deep thinkers and can be big-hearted.
- Neeks can focus to the point of obsession until their task is done.
- They can make good friendships that bridge across any man-made barrier including distance and time.
- They might be misunderstood at first, but at some point people began to value what a Neeks is ready and willing to share with the world.
In my novel, Chronolocity: A Fistful of Chrontons, Levy is in quarantine with other children from history. In this scene he is learning about patience by playing chess with neeks from another time.
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Anytime, now.” Levy drums his fingers, waiting for Tom to make his move.
“You can’t rush the brain.” Tom taps his forehead. “You are attempting to get into my head. It won’t work.”
Levy tries to be patient, but his mind is racing ahead.
Tom looks up from the board: “My mind is a place you do not want to go.” He chuckles like a mad scientist.
“I never really took the time to play chess before.” Levy wiggles in his chair.
“Uh huh.” Tom studies the board.
“I find that chess helps me focus my anger.” Junior stands with his arms folded behind his back studying both sides of the chessboard. “You have a lot on your mind, maybe this will help you.”
He is not an inventor, but he’s on to something. Planning a bit would save a lot of time and misdirected hair-brained ideas. Levy taps his forehead a number of times. And headaches.
Junior notices Levy’s distraction and snaps his fingers near his face. “Hello, Levy, are you with us?”
He raises his hand. “I need to be building my idea. It is bouncing around in my head like a swarm of bees.”
“Playing chess will help you with any idea or problem.” Junior raises a finger. “This is like food for your brain. Plan each three moves ahead and see where you want your pieces to end up.”
Wow, this guy knows how a mind works. Levy watches Junior move pieces around the board, explaining what each piece can and can’t do.
Junior puts a hand on his shoulder. “My dad taught me that before you begin, you have to get your head clear, your ideas prioritized, and map out a strategy.”
“Thanks, Coach.”
Junior smiles. “I like the sound of that.”
“Patience, my boy, patience is the key.” Junior does his best dad voice. He sticks out his gut and laughs deeply.
“Great Jabba the Hutt imitation,” Levy mumbles.
“Hey, whose side are you on anyway?” Tom glares at Junior.
Junior raises his hands. “Neither. You two are on your own.” He sits back. “Just leveling the playing field.”
Do you have a favorite historical figure who was a neek in their time? Who is it and why do you think they remembered as one?
God Among Geeks 