Then, those photos are posted to the Internet. I understand the appeal of a quality photo, as well as the appeal of interesting architecture. However, what I usually infer from these photos is not the fact a nerd is genuinely interested in the Apple Store in question, but rather wants to show everyone in the world where he or she is.
This is no revelation. Most people share a similar desire to create jealousy among their peer groups. What fascinates me about nerds, in particular, is their choice of the Apple Store as a symbol.
Before I get too mean or nice, I should point out I use a Mac, although I still manage to irritate true Mac nerds. That’s right, I have Microsoft Office installed on my MacBook Pro. I’m using Word to write this right now, and I’m enjoying it. Mac nerds think I’m an idiot for using Office and anti-Mac jerks think I’m a dolt for spending so much money on a computer. I’m low on both groups’ lists of respect, and that’s fine.
It could be a product of whom I follow on Twitter, but I don’t see people posting photos of various McDonald’s locations throughout the world. Why is the Apple Store so special?
Symbol of Nerdity
Apple is a sign of true nerdity. All the nerds have to use Apple products and will typically purchase anything that begins with a lowercase i (except the copywriting services of iamjef). This shows solidarity among them. So, when a nerd who doesn’t live in New York goes to New York and sees the Apple Store, that nerd photographs the Apple Store and posts it to the internet. This tells all other nerds, “Hey, look at me, I’m in New York.”
I got a gun. Let’s go to a Broadway show.*
Still think people are merely photographing aesthetically pleasing architecture? Let’s go further. Do these Apple nerds truly love the Apple Store? Of course not.
Have you ever been in an Apple Store? Usually, the clientele consists of oblivious people who are either interested in getting a glimpse of the fancy products or parents of whiny children who need the latest iWhatever. How many true Apple nerds do you see in there (not counting some of the employees)? None.
Here’s the thing about true Apple nerds: they already know everything they need to know. They know more about Apple products than the employees of the Apple Store. The Apple Store is beneath them. The customers annoy them. And yet, they still take photos and post them to the Internet. Likely, they don’t go inside.
Why? Because they want the other nerds to know where they are.
This is nothing against nerds (although I do realize they like to be called “geeks,” and for anyone offended by my use of “nerd,” I apologize, but “nerd” is a funnier word). As mentioned earlier, everyone has a similar desire to create jealousy among his or her peer group, and traveling the world is a worthy pursuit.
I merely find it fascinating that nerds use, as their official symbol of status, photos of stores they don’t even patronize (I’m not counting apple.com as an Apple Store for the purposes of this sentence).
Likely, there are some nerds who legitimately post photos of Apple Stores without needing everyone to know where they are in the world. In fact, the photo posted today (not here) that inspired this pile of words falls into that category. In general, though, it doesn’t make any sense. A symbol of status that’s beneath those sharing the symbol.
There’s no conclusion here. I don’t understand.
*Garth
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