Shin's Blog of Random Thoughts

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 will give you beasts from my favorite manuscript:

weirdest contender #1: beaver cutting its own bawls off

weirdest contender #2 and also coolest contender #1: pelican feeding its babies its own blood (<-due to the allegorical meaning of the pelican)

coolest contender #2: the humble roly poly

cutest: my smiley bat and mole and also this little blob newt