On Fri, 31 Dec 2004 23:25:18 -0500, Ph. D. <phild@...> wrote:

> Personally I find the use of "geek" to describe someone who is
> knowledgeable about how system software works as a bit of a slur,
> somewhat analogous to calling gay persons "fags" or "queers." I for one
> will not help someone with his computer problems if I have ever heard
> him refer to computer people as "geeks."

> --Ph. D.

Well, glory be. Sorry! I never meant any harm by using that term, and have
referred to myself as a geek now and then. I'm probably isolated enough
socially (in the direct person-to-person sense) to have been almost
unaware of that word as a pejorative. I did attend the Geek Pride Festival
in Boston a few years ago, but despite the name of that gathering, I
didn't make a connection with the likes of "fag". I'm out of touch, most
likely.

Indeed, people with the powerful and mean-spirited anti-intellectual
attitude that's all too common in the USA probably use that word as a
pejorative. I have very little contact with them.

I hope I don't forget your comments!

Best regards, and my apologies, again.

--
Nicholas Bodley /*|*\ Waltham, Mass.
The curious hermit -- autodidact and polymath
Using Opera 8 public beta 1