Awesome geeky show: The Big Bang Theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the television show "The Big Bang Theory," focusing on its portrayal of geek culture, humor related to physics, mathematics, and computer science, and the characters' behaviors. Participants share their personal reactions to the show, its jokes, and its representation of nerdiness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express enjoyment of the show's humor and its geeky references, suggesting it offers educational value.
  • Others feel uncomfortable with the portrayal of characters and the reliance on cliches, indicating a lack of authenticity in the representation of nerd culture.
  • A few participants argue that the show exaggerates the nerdiness of its characters, particularly in the context of academic professionals.
  • Some express frustration with the show's humor, noting that it often relies on repeating common definitions rather than showcasing true intelligence.
  • There are discussions about societal perceptions of intelligence and the value of learning, with some participants sharing personal anecdotes about their experiences in academia.
  • Participants highlight the show's character dynamics, particularly between Sheldon and Leonard, and how these contribute to the humor and themes of the show.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views on the show's humor, character portrayals, and its implications for societal attitudes towards intelligence and learning.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the limitations of the show's portrayal of nerd culture, suggesting that it does not accurately reflect the diversity within the community. There are also mentions of the show's reliance on stereotypes and cliches, which some find off-putting.

  • #31
RocketSurgery said:
the inevitable voice of reason:biggrin:

:smile: I do agree with what you said about laziness though. As new technology comes about and older tech becomes more and more affordable, I think it somewhat takes away the drive from people (the majority) to innovate. Going back say, 100 or 200 years, people had to innovate more and were forced to learn, otherwise they couldn't get a task accomplished. Having to hand-make farm equipment and tools rather than just buying what they need as an example. I somewhat see technology as a two-sided coin... there's the people that it makes life easier for (less innovation) and there's the people that make or maintain the technology (more innovation). A slow, widening of a gap, if you will.
 
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  • #32
RocketSurgery said:
Yeah everything I learned about human relationships I learned on MTV. Just kidding:rolleyes: :smile:

Hahahaha:smile::rolleyes: It does show you how NOT to be or act, lol :biggrin:
 
  • #33
mcknia07 said:
You are right though, and I'm sure you are reliable, I'm not saying that you aren't.. I'm sorry if it came across as that. It's just really cool tha you are into math and stuff, I hope more kids do become more interested, it's a great field :cool:
No it didn't come across like that. It's just that I don't really hang around with, how shall I put it, "intelligent people" so my experience with impressing people is probably a whole lot different than others. That's why I said it is unreliable. :smile:

I've been self-studying mathematics since I was twelve and I've been enjoying it all the way. Unfortunately most people don't see why, but that's their loss.
 
  • #34
Darkiekurdo said:
No it didn't come across like that. It's just that I don't really hang around with, how shall I put it, "intelligent people" so my experience with impressing people is probably a whole lot different than others. That's why I said it is unreliable. :smile:

I've been self-studying mathematics since I was twelve and I've been enjoying it all the way. Unfortunately most people don't see why, but that's their loss.

It's ok, I don't either. They always make me feel like the smart one of the group, but I just feel like one of them, lol.

Wow, that's pretty cool. Well keep up the good work, and maybe one day, they will see...:biggrin:
 
  • #35
mcknia07 said:
It's ok, I don't either. They always make me feel like the smart one of the group, but I just feel like one of them, lol.

Wow, that's pretty cool. Well keep up the good work, and maybe one day, they will see...:biggrin:
Me too. :smile:

Let's hope so!
 
  • #36
Back to the show - did they like cancel it after a couple episodes? I know they showed it on TV in my country (South Africa) and then *poof* .. it disappeared.
 
  • #37
Shahil said:
Back to the show - did they like cancel it after a couple episodes? I know they showed it on TV in my country (South Africa) and then *poof* .. it disappeared.
No, I just saw the latest episode.
 
  • #38
New episode is coming up this Monday! If you can't get it in your country check Cbs website. They have em there online.
 
  • #39
I'm like so watching the new episode :biggrin:
 
  • #40
I think that intelligence is relative to some.
I also think that this show did a great job choosing different types of "geeks" to be friends.

Wolowitz is the fantastical, delusional romantic aspect that some "geeks" are known to display. There is a video I watched today of a Japanese man "marrying" a character from a video game.

Raj has a pathological complex with which he cannot speak to women. Although this might not be a common complex, many persons with a high IQ are shown to have awkward social tendencies.

Sheldon also portrays a social awkwardness by not being able to tell when one is being serious or sarcastic, although he can understand the inner workings of quantum mechanics like the back of his hand. He also has obsessive compulsive disorder, which may be a handicap, but possibly enhances his analytic nature and adds to his "genius".

Leonard is also a physicist, but seems to display a more sociable personality, and therefore adds a certain dynamic/bridge between the geeks and the "normal people", per se.

In conclusion, I do not believe that the intention of the show was to be as exact as possible, or even as realistic as possible, or even to "make fun of geeks". It was simply intended to show people how diverse and inaccurate the definition of "geek" is. The show would not be as much of a success if a single character had been excluded.
 

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