Arup Kurien is a geek. The kind who may forget his trousers, but won't step out without his spectacles, floppy disc case, and virus protection software. You get the picture.
Now, the thing about Arup is, he actually belongs to a select group that the rest of us have yet to understand. Some of us call them nerds; others, geeks. And most of us share a number of prejudices when we discuss them, if at all we do.
But that was in the recent past, before the 'Geeks of the World, Unite' call came through.
Today's new-age geek is a man or woman proud of his or her geekiness, and not afraid to shout it out to the world. Like The Geek Code advices, the first step is to admit to yourself your geekiness: "No matter what anyone says, geeks are people too; geeks have rights. So take a deep breath and announce to the world that you are a geek. Your courage will give you strength that will last you forever."
Frown if you want to, but these guys remain undaunted. They offer a 'universal Geek code' that, apparently, allows geeks to let other un-closeted geeks know who they are in a simple, codified statement.
Go figure.
There are lots of other places geeks can visit, on any of their unlimited meanderings through cyberspace. The official website for 'wayward nerds,' GeekandGuru, claims to celebrate nerd culture and news. It's where you can expect humour in the form of columns titled 'Tales from the Hard Drive.'
Taking the cake and everything with it is a competition called Sexiest Geek Alive, now in its second year. To call it popular would be an understatement, considering the fact that its first year alone saw over 18,000 participants registering from all around the world.
It started off as a 'men-only' event, but changed profile after around 274 women filled out the online application and officially entered the competition too. Women geeks are now beginning to demand attention, we are told and the competition also has an 'unclassifiable' entry for the select few male geeks who want to enter in drag.
From the many who register, three will be chosen for this year's finals in California, on June 21.
The point being made, at the Web site, is an interesting one: "....It (Sexiest Geek Alive) meets the geek population on its own terms. It celebrates rather than banishes the stereotypical geek image. Scrappy nerds and brainy outcasts of the past are forcing the world to accept a new concept of beauty, as opposed to conforming to the old one."
This, according to the contest's creator, is how history is made. With all the 'nerd glory' it didn't have before.
Those who want to participate are free to do so. For others, there are chat rooms where you can meet the finalists, a newsgroup, 'Geek Personals' and even free @sexiestgeekalive.com email. Just what the doctor ordered, yes?
A good way of rating your own chances is by checking out the SGA 2000 winner, Tony Northrup.
Arup, my friend, I would suggest you apply. And, if you win, don't let success go to your head. Keep in touch. After all, not many of my friends are the sexiest geeks alive...
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