CAW CAW MOTHERFUCKERS

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

Image 1: Reply from @dumbey on Aug 29 reading "Omg this is so crazy and I don't mean to derail the conversation but I noticed this happen with Asian characters as well! In almost the opposite effect. They want to avoid the "Asian nerd" stereotype so there's been these Asian Characters that are hot, dumb, and mean. London Tipton, Trixie Tang, etc, opposite from the timid nerdy Asian stereotype. So it's very interesting to have someone bring up a similar thing for black characters as well."

Image 2: A screenshot of DMX, a black American man, and Jet Li, a Chinese man, from the 2003 action film Cradle 2 the Grave. They stand in front of a fish tank, locking eyes and with their arms interconnected. There is a handcuffed man lying in the fish tank.

"But that was our thing"

Eyes