This comment was by Bill in reference to the post – Are You a Nerd, Geek, Dork, Dweeb, Dorf, Drip, or Other?
I never had an interest in sports when I was a boy; but I did have a problem with low body self-image, which began early in my preteens. So, I’ve been amazed by the fact that I didn’t set foot in a health club until I was 57 years old.
There are several reasons why I was hesitant to join a health club. One of them has to do with stereotypes of subgroups of guys. I believe some, if not many, boys feel compelled to confine themselves to narrow stereotypes. (“Pumping iron is just for guys who like sports.” “I’m not a nerd; so, why should I want to go to a Trekie convention?”)
For example, when I was in high school, I believed that football players (whom I viewed with wariness) never cried because they thought crying was a sign of weakness. As for me (a slightly built guy in my youth), I felt shame when the movie The Diary of Anne Frank brought tears to me eyes. Likewise, the thought of pumping iron never occurred to me. Sadly, no one introduced me to bodybuilding when I was a teenager. I could have used the self-confidence at a time when I had none.
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