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I really enjoyed this book:

NERDS: Who They Are and Why We Need More of Them

by David Anderegg, PhD.

Have any of you read it?

No, but it sounds interesting. What's it about? (aside from the obvious...)

The author talks about the effect of the "nerd" stereotype on kids and its historical context in our culture.

He asserts that labeling people as "nerds" is not just harmless fun.

Here are some links about the book:

http://www.drdavidanderegg.com/page.php?PageID=464&PageName=New+Book%3A+Nerds

http://www.amazon.com/Nerds-They-Ne...mp;s=books&qid=1211083680&sr=8-1

I have to be honest and say I was disappointed in the book. I felt that the author rambled and didn't make his point clearly. At the end of the book, I was scratching my head and asking myself if he ever actually came out and said why we need more nerds. (I don't disagree that maybe we do, but he didn't seem to get to a solid conclusion)

I see the book as a first draft that was rushed through publishing. It lacked direction and polish.

Well, he did say that the modern tech economy will put nerds in demand. I see what you mean about rambling, it is like a collection of musings on the topic but I still found it interesting. I did wonder why he downplayed the "smart" aspect of the nerd identity. I have a feeling that the average IQ of "nerd-labeled kids" is probably higher than the general population but the author doesn't really talk about how nerds lack intellectual peers.

I haven't read the book. I think the stereotype of a "nerd" is someone who is awkward in social settings, unaware of their appearance (Clothing mismatched, pants too short, bottle-bottom glasses taped together in the middle. Their heads may be buried in a book, but it doesn't mean they're smart, but maybe uncomfortable conversing with other people casually. I think the winning combination is to have a very smart, hardworking person who is also socially comfortable. I try to impress on my sons that they should aspire to have good hygiene, wear reasonable clothes, and be witty and interesting. I'm not happy with the "nerd" label.

I'm not either! It is interesting, though, that often people who are labeled "nerds" do not actually fit the description you gave. It seems to be a label used to put down people who are regarded as intellectual. The question is: Why do so many people consider it acceptable and even funny to use the label "nerd" when the same people wouldn't dream of using an ethnic slur or other demeaning label?

I always think of nerds as the fasion clueless (they are always candidates for the DON'T picture) Not higher in intellectual capacity.

Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are both brilliant, but I wouldn't call either one a nerd.

On the other hand, Bill Gates...he would go for days without showering. But then the same rumor held for Brad Pitt.

So what exactly is the definition of a nerd.

(See what you write about when you get up at 4 am to talk to the UK and then don't know what to do with yourself until DD wakes up? Though sit ups would be a good idea.)

Ren

I see Bill Gates as more of geek, than a nerd.

I think the author is confusing geek for nerd, maybe.

I'd rather not be called names, but I'd choose geek over nerd.