I've started reading Neal Stephenson's Anathem. I'm about 200 pages in and so far nothing much has happened, though it's a fairly pleasant sort of nothing. But there's something about it which I'd characterize as self-indulgent, and it's reminding me of the tenor of some long-running internet discussions about social justice related stuff.
The common thread I've noticed among some people who identify with geek subcultures is that they think of themselves as totally free of prejudice, and also they experienced social exclusion as kids / teenagers (often to quite a severe extent), and therefore understand what it's like to part of an oppressed minority. Both these assumptions are partly true, but taking them as absolutely axiomatic in all circumstances leads to a lot of frustration.
( speculation )
I think what I'm saying is that sometimes admirable working principles can lead to negative practical consequences. I hope that if I write this down it will help me to appreciate all the positive things about geek culture, without falling into the trap of feeling superior to non-geeks or thinking I am knowledgeable about stuff I'm really ignorant of! Or perhaps I'll just annoy everybody, I'm not sure.
The common thread I've noticed among some people who identify with geek subcultures is that they think of themselves as totally free of prejudice, and also they experienced social exclusion as kids / teenagers (often to quite a severe extent), and therefore understand what it's like to part of an oppressed minority. Both these assumptions are partly true, but taking them as absolutely axiomatic in all circumstances leads to a lot of frustration.
( speculation )
I think what I'm saying is that sometimes admirable working principles can lead to negative practical consequences. I hope that if I write this down it will help me to appreciate all the positive things about geek culture, without falling into the trap of feeling superior to non-geeks or thinking I am knowledgeable about stuff I'm really ignorant of! Or perhaps I'll just annoy everybody, I'm not sure.
