What Do You Get Latino Nerds For Christmas?
By Eres Nerd
Like many Latino Nerds, I don’t have children. Going to college and several years of graduate school delayed the biological process. Dressing like a nerd for many years could have aggravated the situation, too.
But, despite not having children, I buy presents for them throughout year. I have a plethora of nephews, nieces, friends and co-worker children — not to mention the occasional quinceañera — such that societal norms dictate I buy presents. Christmastime presents are the biggest expense, and most thought-provoking: what should I get them?
I gravitate to nerdy gifts. Most of the items would be things I would enjoy and would think are cool. Without my own kids to indoctrinate into nerd culture, other peoples’ children become my pupils. I have gotten kids periodic table blocks to learn their ABCs, along with the elements. Countless Dr. Seuss and Silverstein books have been given, since I enjoy their poetry and subtle subversiveness. Though, this type of indoctrination presents the problem that some children will not like my selection (although none have complained yet).
Still, since I was a previously a kid and did like mindless cool gifts, I worry sometimes whether the kids will complain about the yogurt bacteria-stuffed toy. I watched countless hours of cartoons, “Full House,” MTV when they played music videos, and was exposed to endless amount of commercials selling me “cool stuff” stuff.
Most cartoon shows had product lines such as the Pound Puppies, GI Joes and Transformers. Most of the cool gifts were based upon violence. I really wanted the Nerf Guns and played solider, saving the world from the evil Cobra Commander. I am a nerd despite those gifts. I justify getting the nerdy education gifts because most non-nerds will give them the mindless cool gifts.
Being a Latino presents additional thoughts about promoting healthy views of one’s culture. Some of the book gifts were bilingual, so kids can learn phrases in español, since many don’t speak it. I have become a fan of “Dora The Explorer” and the Handy Mandy toy lines, where the toys are designed to expand a child’s mind while showing positive role models for Latinos. My nephews are big fans. I never had a Latino toy as a child, except for a Tito Santana action figure that frequently clashed against Hulk Hogan.
Is there a cool mindless, educational, and Latino toy? Don’t know but I will continue fostering the next generation of Latino nerds, like Jorge Narvaez is doing with his daughter.
I believe that one needs to expose Latino youth to nerdiness. Most nerds didn’t originate alone, we had something, someone that encouraged it.
Should I be the one to help them along, with a nerdy gift that will develop their intellectual curiosity? Or should I be the cool uncle by buying them the hottest toy of the season? What about a gift that will encourage pride in their Latino culture? I’m open to suggestions.
Eres Nerd lives a nerdy life in the borderlands of Estados Unidos and Mexico.
[Video By realitychanger; Photo By asenat29]
