10 Lessons You Can Learn From a Nerd | Jordan Dinwiddie | TED #bigIdeas

Explore the celebratory world of fandoms with Jordan Dinwiddie in this insightful talk.

Jordan Dinwiddie shares 10 lessons she’s learned nerding out on all kinds of things and unpacks the joy, creativity and community that comes from being a fan. 

Defining fans as individuals wanting to rejoice and keep alive the stories they adore through various creative means.

In contrast, fanatics tend to take their devotion to an extreme, potentially crossing into toxicity.

Celebrate fandom not merely as a process of passive consumption, but embrace it as active participation.

This might include activities like cosplay, writing fanfiction, or videogame creation to stay engaged with beloved worlds.

When you love what you love out loud, that is audacious. When you love what you love unapologetically, it is beautiful. – Jordan Dinwiddie

Fans promote inclusivity, aiming to share their passion without imposition or quizzing others on their knowledge.

This is contrasted with fanatics who tend to create barriers and gatekeep newcomers who don’t fit their idealised fan image.

Fandoms make for excellent teachers, imparting important life lessons.

The example of sports teams fandom demonstrates patience-building and enhanced respect for women in sports.

Harnessing the power of fandom could have impacts far beyond box office numbers.

Reflect on ten personal lessons acquired from various fandoms.

These extend from leadership and representation (X-Men), the vastness of own world (Star Wars), body positivity (Wonder Woman), to writing one’s own narrative (Harry Potter fan fiction).

Fandom is a community of people that share a passion. – Jordan Dinwiddie

Fandoms can also serve as tools for cultural education and historical knowledge.

The example of being introduced to Black superheroes conveys a deeper understanding of one’s past, underscoring the educational possibilities inherent in fandoms.

The act of unapologetically loving what you love is both audacious and beautiful.

Embrace your passions and fandoms, and engage freely with the stories you adore in unique and personal ways.