I hate how people call Magic “nerdy.”
What makes something “nerdy” anyway? What makes a person “nerdy”? It’s a hobby, just like a sport or collecting coins or something. Why is it treated any different from those? Like, you can say “I collect coins” and people are like “oh cool.” But if you play Magic you get laughed at and called a nerd (not necessarily in a malicious way, but still). It’s such a condescending word.
And then you’ve got the people who trumpet it around and say things like “lol I’m such a nerd.” No, you’re not. To paraphrase John Greene, you’re just saying you like things. You’re just like everyone else.
Maybe this all stems from the new “nerds are cool” trend that’s going on, which drives me insane. It’s taking a derogatory label (because the origin of the word IS derogatory) and making it mainstream and ok to say. UGH.
/endrant
While I do admit that some people throw around that they play Magic just to look nerdy, but I’m a big nerd and I believe know that Magic is inherently nerdy.
First off, it’s a card game designed by a Mathematics Professor, and it’s centralized mechanics involve math which is incredibly nerdy.
Secondly, it involves fantasy worlds where you summon powerful creatures and cast spells to overwhelm an opponent. Again, fantasy and sci-fi is nerdy.
And lastly, who make up the biggest base of Magic players? Nerds! Magic the Gathering is usually sold and most events are held at comic shops, because it is nerdy!
I don’t know about you, but I am a nerd.
Do I hate the influx of people who claim to be a nerd, but really aren’t? Fuck no.
Am I going to let them bother me? Again, I will say fuck no.
But why is it such a big deal anyways? Does it bother you to be labeled as a “nerd”?
I feel like playing Magic doesn’t really make one a nerd, unless they are incredibly obsessed with it (as I am), but it definitely does open the door.
