The Gendered Geek: Performing Masculinities in Cyberspace

The concept of geek and the specific traits that make the geek are a contested ground in media and within various forums in cyberspace, but one element that is common to an overwhelming number of definitions of geekiness is masculinity. This work is intended as an exploration of the role of masculinity in the construction of geek identity, as well as an exploration of the concept of geek itself. Far from being a strictly modern invention, the origins of the geek can be traced back to such diverse conceptual origins as circus freaks, mad scientists and even cyborgian figurations. These roots create a cartography of the geek, which is shown to be inevitably entangled with a gendered performance - the performance of masculinity. This network of origin metaphors and figurations serves as an aid in understanding what geekiness means for the subjects who willingly assume geek identity, subvert it, distort it, or reinforce it.