10 Lessons I Learned From Being a Nerd | Jordan Dinwiddie | TED

The Power of Fandom

In this section, the speaker introduces the concept of fandom and how it can enrich one's life by building a community of like-minded individuals.

What is Fandom?

• Fandom is often associated with nerds, cosplay, fan fiction, and other related activities.

• However, it is more than that; it is a community of people who share a passion for something.

• There are different levels of engagement within fandom, ranging from casual fans to hardcore fans and fanatics.

The Difference Between Fans and Fanatics

• Fans want to bring joy and share their love for something with others.

• Fanatics, on the other hand, can become extreme in their devotion and may exhibit negative behaviors towards others who don't align with their views.

• It's important to strive to be fans rather than fanatics because fans create positive worlds.

Harnessing the Power of Fandom

• Fandom allows people to continue engaging with the things they love even after the story or movie ends.

• It encourages creativity through activities like cosplay, fan fiction, and video games.

• Fandom brings people together who may not have otherwise connected and provides opportunities for learning from different perspectives.

Lessons Learned from Fandoms

1. Storm from "X-Men" - Represents representation and diversity in media.

2. "Star Wars" - Expands our world beyond our immediate surroundings.

3. Wonder Woman - Teaches body positivity and strength in all shapes and sizes.

Conclusion

Fandom has the power to create communities, inspire creativity, foster inclusivity, and teach valuable life lessons. By embracing fandom in a positive way, we can enrich our lives and connect with others who share our passions.

The Importance of Being a Fan

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the positive aspects of being a fan and highlights how fandom can teach valuable life lessons.

Fans vs. Gatekeepers

• Fans are inclusive and want to share their enjoyment with others.

• Gatekeepers may try to exclude or quiz others based on their perceived level of knowledge or appearance.

Learning from Nerdy Places

• Fandoms provide opportunities for learning important life lessons.

• Examples include understanding patience through sports fandom and recognizing the value of women in power through women's sports.

The Power of Fandom

• Fandom, when harnessed positively, is greater than any box office number.

• It allows us to connect with diverse individuals and learn from different perspectives.

• Our personal choices in expressing our fandom, such as locker decorations or phone backgrounds, reflect what inspires and guides us in life.

Conclusion

Being a fan opens doors to new experiences, connections, and personal growth. Embracing fandom can lead to a more enriched and fulfilling life.

Lessons Learned from Specific Fandoms

In this section, the speaker shares ten lessons learned from various fandoms that have had a significant impact on their life.

Lessons Learned:

1. Storm from "X-Men" - Representation matters; seeing diverse characters can be impactful.

2. "Star Wars" - Expands our world beyond our immediate surroundings.

3. Wonder Woman - Teaches body positivity and strength in all shapes and sizes.

4. Harry Potter - Emphasizes the importance of friendship and standing up against injustice.

5. Doctor Who - Encourages embracing change and exploring new possibilities.

6. Marvel Cinematic Universe - Demonstrates the power of teamwork and resilience.

7. The Legend of Zelda - Teaches problem-solving skills and perseverance.

8. Game of Thrones - Highlights complex storytelling and the unpredictability of life.

9. The Lord of the Rings - Shows the value of friendship, loyalty, and overcoming adversity.

10. Pokémon - Encourages exploration, discovery, and building connections.

Conclusion

Each fandom offers unique lessons that can positively impact our lives. By embracing these lessons, we can grow as individuals and contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society.

Embracing Fandom for Personal Growth

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the personal growth that can be achieved through embracing fandom.

Fandom as a Source of Inspiration

• Fandoms provide inspiration for creativity and self-expression.

• They offer an escape from reality while also teaching valuable life lessons.

Building Connections Through Fandom

• Engaging with others who share similar interests in fandoms creates opportunities for connection and community-building.

• Online platforms and conventions provide spaces for fans to come together and celebrate their passions.

Overcoming Stereotypes

• Fandoms challenge stereotypes by showcasing diverse individuals who are passionate about various interests.

• They create spaces where people can express themselves authentically without judgment.

Conclusion

Embracing fandom allows for personal growth, connection with like-minded individuals, breaking stereotypes, and finding inspiration in creative pursuits. It is a powerful tool for self-discovery and building meaningful relationships.

Venus and Serena: Role Models for Black Girls

In this section, the speaker talks about how Venus and Serena Williams served as role models for her as a Black girl.

The Influence of Venus and Serena

• As a Black girl, the speaker was forced to watch Venus and Serena play tennis, even if she didn't initially have an interest in the sport.

• The accessibility of tennis on cable TV made it easier for her to follow their journey.

Sisterhood and Support

• The speaker considers Venus and Serena as her North Star because they always had each other's backs when the world was against them.

• She looks up to their bond as sisters and strives to be a good sister herself.

Lessons from Sneaker Culture

This section highlights the lessons learned from sneaker culture.

Quality and Detail Matter

• Sneakers taught the speaker the importance of quality and attention to detail.

• She acknowledges that sneakerheads are passionate about things like quality leather, even from past decades.

Writing Yourself into Stories with "Harry Potter" Fan Fiction

Here, the speaker discusses how "Harry Potter" fan fiction allowed her to write herself into stories.

Representation in Literature

• "Harry Potter" fan fiction taught the speaker that she could insert herself into any story.

• Being a person of color, she felt compelled to fill in gaps where Black characters were underrepresented.

• Additionally, she humorously mentions writing some explicit content (smut) within fan fiction.

Empowering Female Friendships through "Sailor Moon"

This section explores the power of female friendships depicted in "Sailor Moon."

Strength in Female Bonds

• The speaker credits "Sailor Moon" for teaching her about the power of female friendships.

Embracing Black Superheroes and Nerd Culture

The speaker discusses how her father introduced her to Black superheroes and nerd culture.

Appreciating Black Superheroes

• The speaker's father, a massive nerd, exposed her to Black superheroes like Storm, Black Panther, Luke Cage, and Misty Knight.

• This exposure helped shape her love for nerd culture and led her to become a self-proclaimed nerd herself.

Finding Confidence through Boy Bands and Wrestling

This section highlights the lessons learned from boy bands and wrestling.

Commanding Attention

• Boy bands like B2K taught the speaker to scream loudly in excitement.

• Chyna, a professional wrestler, inspired the speaker to be confident and command attention in any setting where she may be the only woman or person of color.

Embracing Your Voice: Don't Be Afraid of the F Word

In this final section, the speaker encourages embracing one's voice without fear.

Taking Center Stage

• The speaker emphasizes that when you love something passionately, you should express it boldly.

• As someone who often finds herself as the only woman or Black person in many rooms, she believes it is important to have something meaningful to say and take center stage.