Editor’s Note: Today’s Guestpost comes from Jeremy at http://www.stylinonline.com/ who shares how he believes the Big Bang Theory helped make nerds “cool again”. If you’re a nerd too, check out Jeremy’s shop for awesome pop-culture tshirts and more.
Eight Ways The Big Bang Theory Made Nerds Cool Again
Eight Ways The Big Bang Theory Made Nerds Cool Again
Geeks have taken over prime time television with their own show, and have lovers of all things nerdy and scientific tuning in. Ever since the first series premiered in September 2007, The Big Bang Theory has captivated and entertained audiences with its clever yet wholesome comedy. Centered on the social lives and work of a young group of scientists, the show revolutionized the way we see comedy and made being a nerd cool again. So, hold on to your pocket protectors, because, as avid fans of the hit television series, we have a comprised a list of 8 ways The Big Bang Theory Made Nerds Cool Again.
- It Makes Science Relatable
Let’s be honest. Most people only paid attention to science when we were still making volcanoes out of baking soda and vinegar. Very few can honestly say they genuinely enjoy sitting through a two-hour lecture on the “The History of the Periodic Table.” The Big Bang Theory, however, offers the audience a far more compelling and entertaining view of science and the world around us. In the first episode of season seven, when Janine was dealing with infidelity, Raj compares her marital issues to that of penguins who in the wild also have “commitment issues.” Humorous and oddly relevant, we learn an interesting fact while still enjoying this awkward moment of small talk.
- It Shows Nerds Can Find Love Too
We all know the universal stereotypes that most nerds will become forty-year-old virgins or live alone with their action figures or comic book collection, but The Big Bang Theory helps smash that concept. The plot thickens when Leonard, the experimental physicist at Caltech, ends up falling for and eventually marrying the hot girl next door. Even Sheldon, the socially awkward king of all things scientific and nerdy lands himself a girlfriend while still living life as a full-blown geek.
- It Makes Having a Big Vocabulary Cool
Despite the down to earth style comedy of the show, the audience find themselves coming across new words and important scientific terminology daily. Who would have thought that a show can successfully use words like “render” and “catatonic” in a joke, and it is still funny?
“Raj: I don’t like bugs, okay? They freak me out.
Sheldon: Interesting. You’re afraid of insects and women. Ladybugs must render you catatonic.” (Episode: The Jiminy Conjecture)
- It Makes Graphic Tees Trendy
Although one would not typically look at a modern TV sitcom for fashion tips, The Big Bang Theory does a lot to influence today’s style. With millions of viewers watching at home, the wardrobe we find the cast appearing in mimics the very own fashion tastes of today’s population. Sheldon, who is almost always sporting a graphic tee, not only expresses who he is as a character through his clothing, but also serves as a prime role model for casual, carefree clothing trends.
Novelty tees and other apparel are a growing trend in today’s fashion industry that even the producers of the Big Bang Theory are hip to.
- We Learn the Truth About Robots
Whether you are a self-declared nerd or not, one cannot deny the fact the idea of robots is kind of cool. With a bucket load of apocalyptic-style robot movies out, we cannot help but wonder “what if.” Fortunately enough, thanks to The Big Bang Theory we learn that although mankind has the power to create robots, they do not have the power to make them truly human. We are taught that the brain uses quantum mechanics to create consciousness, and robots are unable to do so, and therefore we can thankfully put to rest the fear of a machine-induced apocalypse.
- It Shows Pretty Girls Can Be Nerds Too
The Big Bang Theory is breaking down gender roles, one episode at a time. We tend to picture the average computer nerd as a skinny, acne-prone young man, but, contrary to popular belief, no one is safe from catching a cold case of “the nerd.”
During the second season’s third episode, Penny is introduced to the world of internet gaming and transforms into a full-blown, video game addict. She becomes consumed by online gaming, neglecting her job, hygiene, and health completely, submerging herself in the world of a computer geek. Eventually she finds release when she sees the errors of her ways, but, for a while, she was a complete nerd, reinforcing the idea that such roles are not solely limited to men.
- It Makes Fantasy Obsessions Cool
Let’s face it. Part of what goes into being a nerd besides extreme wit and high academic performance is the innate obsession with fantasy. The Big Bang Theory does an excellent job of making comic books and fantasy seem cool. So much so, that a lot of the action takes place at the local comic book store. Sheldon himself prides himself on his own personal collection of comic novelties and action figures.
Even during the first season’s sixth episode, when the authors showed off their Halloween outfits, we find the group of friends dressed as Frodo from Lord of the Rings, Robin Hood, Thor, and even The Doppler Effect, making eccentricity less bizarre and more expected when it comes to this group of nerds.
- It Makes Great Accomplishments Seem Normal
Usually a trip to outer space would seem like an opportunity of a lifetime and, in most cases, it is. During one episode of The Big Bang Theory, however, Howard returns home from space and, instead of being greeted with love and admiration, most of his peers are too busy dealing with things going on in their own lives. Because every character is used to dealing with each other’s greatness, what the audience may view as a major accomplishment is to the characters just another part of ordinary life.
In the end, The Big Bang Theory is more than just your average television sitcom. Its unique and intelligent humor sets it apart from any other comedy in its category, and brings its characters to life with its brilliant yet comedic dialogue and composition. Not only does the hit TV series bring validation to all those nerdy enough to identify with the main characters, but also transforms the way we ultimately view the world and one another.
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