Breaking the Geek-FIRST Bias

[KelliV]

I don't think that we should try to appeal to people just by shaking off the "geek" title... If someone wants to join FIRST they should do it becuase they want to... not because the team travels, gives you extra credits ( at least at my school it does),or offers a chance to be on a winning team, unlike most of the others at RMHS. Why should FIRST be flooded with people that do not want to work and just want to ride along on the other team members coat tails. Who cares if we are geeks, dorks, or nerds.
Being in a club won't change a status title. For example I was the cheerleading captin for two years and a FIRST team leader but even with the cheerleading title I am still pegged with the geek name.
Geek in our school has become accepted... being a geek is better than being a jock, cheerleader, or a loaner in our school. I like to think that FIRST has had a part in changing this. After our team started to win way back in '95 the school shifted gears and became more accepting of people with the geek name. My teacher even has a stamp that reads geek. The clubs that are being signed up for are no longer cheerleading and football although those are still very respected people have started to join debate, speech, student council and our now 67+ member FIRST team.
I guess what I am getting at is for people to try and make people accept the "geek" name... not try and change it, you never know what might happen!

[suneel112]

There should be some "cool" activities if it really was worthwhile to prove yourself.
I like the IRI talent show (deferred, wha wha!!), especially Dean Simmons and the Kamens, and even though I spent most of my time laughing at them, there was one good solo.
There should also be a rap-off. One thing geeks are stereotyped as is being "polite" and not using vulgar language. We have to be graciously professional, but a good, semi-clean FIRST rap (without bad language) would instantaneously break the image of Geeks and Nerds.
Then again, we should show some geek pride. wha wha!

[phrontist]

Originally Posted by suneel112

There should also be a rap-off. One thing geeks are stereotyped as is being "polite" and not using vulgar language. We have to be graciously professional, but a good, semi-clean FIRST rap (without bad language) would instantaneously break the image of Geeks and Nerds.
Then again, we should show some geek pride. wha wha!

That would be the most awkward thing ever.

[aaronbr28040]

I never really worried about the being called a geek. I'm in college now and try to help out with my former team when I can and I dont really care if people give me a hard time. I guess I got over worrying about being called a geek early on. In anything you do there will be sacrifices. I really dont see why people worry so much about what their friends and others will think about them if they join a FIRST team. If they are really your friends then it wont matter to them. I can honestly say that joining the FIRST team at my high school was the best thing that I ever did. It has already helped me in college and also helped me land a part time job here on campus.
-Aaron