A Short Illustrated History Of The Nerd [Pics]

Kuriositas presents an interesting attempt to chronicle the history of the so-called nerds–individuals often branded for their unusually passionate pursuit of esoteric knowledge–using images that display common stereotypes and representations.

We need to address the very term ‘nerd’. What exactly is it? We know that it usually has derogatory connotations (though that may be changing, little by little). Usually a nerd was someone whose life passions were not shared by the majority of the population. Their heroes were not shared by the ubiquitous man in the street. In fact most people traditionally saw the interests of a nerd as strange and somewhat weird. However, with the advent of the internet, nerds have increased in number exponentially. The nerd herd has arrived.

So, the nerd has come a long way in the sixty or so years since the word made its first appearance. What the next sixty years holds is anyone’s guess, but it promises to be more than interesting. Where the nerd herd goes next may well determine the future progress of humanity. Only time – and the internet – will tell.

[via Kuriositas]