by Kathryn Larlee, J.D., Hotline Attorney
When Star Wars came out with The Phantom Menace in 1999, I took my seven year old son to the midnight showing. . . with light sabers. Harry Potter book release at midnight? We were there, drinking butter beer and stocking up on Bertie Botts Every Flavor Jelly Beans. Geeks. If you have ever been called a geek, or if you know a geek, July 13 is an invitation to celebrate your status!
What makes a geek, anyway? Well, first there is a passion or obsession with something; Star Trek, Star Wars, computers, video games, Renaissance Fairs, dungeon games, comic books, the Society for Creative Anachronism, and many more areas of interest. Then, there are places where geeks get together and share concepts, strategies, and interests, such as gaming rooms, festivals, and tournament sites.
Dedicated gamers will build a computer system with the capabilities and specific equipment to enhance their gaming experience, and will often create multi-player cyber communities where they play and participate in trash talk that can range from creative to offensive.
The Society for Creative Anachronisms is an international society, that researches and recreates the clothes, weapons, arts, and skills of pre-17th century Europe. Members participate in tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, classes, and workshops.
So, whatever your passion, July 13 is a day to celebrate your unique geekiness. If you are interested in learning more there are a few websites that offer geek related content: Slashdot.org, SourceForge.net, and ThinkGeek.com.
Oh, and The Last Jedi will be coming out in December. Just in case you wanted to know.
Geek on!