Robots and Nerds

The Black Nerd. A common character type, the nerd will always be very interested in all things nerdy: science, video games, mathematics, etc. In an continued effort to combat stereotypes, the Black Nerd will be lack athleticism, probably being asthmatic (the nerdiest of conditions). The Black Nerd will dress smartly, suspenders and bow ties. They’ll always talk smart too, using proper English with complex words.

Now, I don’t have a problem with a black character being a nerd, indeed black people are a people; we aren’t all the same and we all have varying personalities. The problem I have is that too often we see a distinct disconnect between Blackness and the Black Nerd. The Black Nerd doesn’t listen to hip hop or rap, only classical music. The Black Nerd only has white friends, the only other black characters are into not nerdy stuff. The Black Nerd never ever uses AAVE at any time in any context.

Well @dumbey, seems we’re in similar boats

I had the amazing opportunity to visit one of the places of projeto Tamar, which is a project that is actively trying to protect marine turtles (and other marine species too). At the beach in another location, there was a marked spot for where a turtle had laid their eggs. All of those nests are monitored by the organization. They watch as the turtles leave the shore, and rescue turtles and other marine animals when they get hurt or stuck.

I always amazed at their commitment to protect marine life and you can see that people working there are passionate about what they do. As someone who is in awe of the ocean every time I see it, and who loves animals, it feels me with hope.

People were on the beach cheering for them, and I literally cried because they were so cute, so tiny, and so brave, and it is amazing to think that despite everything going on in the world there are still people heavily committed to preserving the lives of animals and the environment they live in. It fills me with hope. And I still get emotional every time I think about those little turtles.🐢

short form writers look at people writing 100k+ fics as though this is some sort of talent given as part of a fae bargain, that the commitment required shows some sort of ungodly mental fortitude.