Sports enthusiast vs geek – is there really a difference?
In my group of friends, you have two types. First off, there are the sports fans. In some cases, sports fanatics. Every game is watched. Every games is talked about when together. Life is sometimes scheduled around “the game”, whatever game that might be. They go to websites, follow the draft live, post on message boards, and have ESPN.com as their homepage. Basically, die-hard sports fans.
The other group is me. I couldn’t care less about sports. I don’t dislike them, and I enjoy going to see games live. But if I was to get together with my friends to watch the super bowl, I would be there for the commercials.
I am really into music (both listening and creating), technology, and entertainment (movies and tv). With certain things, I get really excited about them. If Apple is having a press conference to announce a new iPod, you better believe that I am following it live online. In fact, when Apple opened a store at a local mall here in Atlanta, I got there 2 hours early for the grand opening. I didn’t even buy anything, I just wanted to be there for the excitement. You might be saying “Really Adam? An Apple store?” Exactly.
Because of those interests, I get a lot of crap. It’s usually in jest, but I am the “geek” of the group, always have been. But it got me thinking. What really is the difference? Let’s take the tv show LOST for example. With LOST, I will change my schedule to make sure I get to watch it. I go to websites that discuss the show, it’s mysteries, theories, and related stuff. So how is this different than being a die-hard sports fan. Not that much.
- BOTH do not effect one’s life directly
- BOTH are entertaining to watch and get involved in
- BOTH have off-seasons
- BOTH have people who devote a lot of time on the side to following what’s going on
- BOTH will cause people to rearrange their schedules to make sure they get to see them.
- BOTH are really fun to take part in with others that are interested.
The main difference is that society tells me that if I talk to much about LOST, Apple, my Xbox, or whatever else I am into, it’s overboard, and on the geeky side. If I talk a lot about sports, then I am “just being a guy”.
Personally, I don’t think there is that much of a difference. If you wear an Atlanta Braves shirt, it’s because you support the team. If someone wears a “Think Different” Apple shirt, he will quickly be labeled.
What do you think? Why is there such a difference to most of society in these two things?
