The Muppets have got to be one of the best inventions of the Twentieth Century. Just say “Gone with the Schwinn” in a crowded room and everyone says “Muppet Movie”!
When Kermit the Frog sang “It’s Not Easy Being Green” on Sesame Street back in 1970 during that show’s first season, he changed pop culture in a unique way.
“In the song, Kermit begins by lamenting his green coloration, expressing that green "blends in with so many ordinary things" and wishing to be some other color. But by the end of the song, Kermit recalls positive associations with the color green, and concludes by accepting and embracing his greenness.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bein%27_Green
Aspies are much the same way. It’s not easy being different, but there are so many positive additions they make to our NeuroTypical world that I can’t imagine life without them.
What’s funny is that my husband’s favorite color is green, but he is mildly color blind and can’t tell that I have green eyes! He thinks that they are hazel or brown. So I am wondering what things are really green to him. I know that in our world green = nerd.
Wikipedia defines the term nerd thusly:
Nerd is a derogatory stereotype of a person typically described as socially-impaired, obsessive, or overly intellectual. They may spend inordinate amounts of time on unpopular or obscure activities, pursuits, or interests, which are generally either highly technical, or relating to topics of fiction or fantasy, to the exclusion of more mainstream activities. Other nerdy qualities include physical awkwardness, introversion, quirkiness… Thus, a nerd is often excluded from physical activity and is a social outsider. In the stereotypical high-school situation, they may be either considered loners by others, or they tend to associate with a small group of like-minded people.
The stereotypical nerd is commonly seen as intelligent but socially and physically awkward. They would typically be perceived as either lacking confidence or being indifferent or oblivious to the negative perceptions held of them by others, with the result that they become frequent objects of scorn, ridicule, bullying, and social isolation. Nerds can either be described by their hobbies and interests, or by abstract qualities such as personality, status, social skills, and physical appearance.
In addition to having low social status, a nerd can also be one who has a social or communication problem that holds him back. These include:- Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, such as showing extreme interest in rules.
- Asperger syndrome, due to the tendency to engage in intense, specific interests and to experience difficulty in social situations.
My personal nerd is learning that he can excel at being green. Being different. Being himself. He is learning new techniques in communication. He is pushing himself to improve on his social skills.
He is learning to ‘Go Green’. Hopefully Wikipedia will soon update their definition to read, "Nerd was once a derogatory stereotype..."
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