Geek Pride Week | Meet Swipe's Top 5 Geeks

May 29, 2020

Geek Pride Week | Meet Swipe's Top 5 Geeks

If you’ve been following our social media updates, you would know that Swipe iX has dedicated this entire week to geeks. From writing posts in Klingon, to sparking an all out fan war between DC and Marvel enthusiasts, it’s clear that we advocate for Geek Pride and all things geeky. To end off this amazing week, we decided to celebrate the top 5 geeks at Swipe!

Jan Paul Barnard (alias Motorhead)

What does #GeekPride mean to you?

For myself, #GeekPride is a celebration of seemingly niche interests; honoring the stories & adventures that had a profound effect on my childhood and the fantasy thereof not always understood by greater general public.

Why do you identify as a “Geek”?

I identify as a ‘Geek’ based on my deep investment in stories and characters that is shared with few people and not seen as ‘dinner table conversation’.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

My favorite fictional character is Spawn, he is a brilliant anti-hero set in a dark world with a rich and unique story.

Lourens de Villiers (alias Pops)

What does #GeekPride mean to you?

It means embracing the things I enjoy no matter the medium. Just because it's animated/anime or even a video game, doesn't mean it's suited for kids. Plus I can't wait to geek out with my son when he is old enough!

Why do you identify as a “Geek”?

Simple, I loved Dragon ball Z when I was younger, and I still do 15 years later. Some of my fondest memories still was playing Battlefield online with complete strangers until the sun came up.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

Goku. There is just something about seeing him rise to the occasion and push the limits. Also let's face it, nothing beats him reaching Super Saying the first time. If only it was possible in real life, heck I'd even settle for over 9000.

Rudolf Joubert (alias Tiger King)

What does #GeekPride mean to you?

It’s ok to be a geek.

Why do you identify as a “Geek”?

I like computers, video games and sci-fi.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

Currently it’s Billy Butcher from “The Boys”. If you haven’t watched The Boys you really should.

Meg Otto (alias Megatron)

What does #GeekPride mean to you?

Geek Pride means owning the things that people laugh at you for loving. It means proudly standing up for your quirks and weirdness.

Why do you identify as a “Geek”?

I’m a Geek because I like weird things and I talk about them to everyone who will listen!

Who is your favourite fictional character?

My favourite fictional character is Matilda from Roald Dahl’s Matilda - I would KILL to be able to read as much as she does (and the telekinetic powers are pretty rad, too)!

Hendri Lategan (alias Kingpin)

What does #GeekPride mean to you?

For me #GeekPride means never having to be embarrassed about being able to name almost every superhero's alter ego off the top of your head. Or not having to feel bad about the fact that you'd rather be staying in to watch the E3 livestream over going out for a beer. In short #GeekPride means knowing the things you like and liking yourself for knowing them.

Why do you identify as a “Geek”?

I wouldn't say I identify as a Geek per se. But while we're here I did want to take a moment to remind you all that Linux is NOT an Operating system. Linux is merely an open source kernel structure based on the UNIX kernel, which is utilized by Operating Systems to allow hardware to communicate with applications, and other hardware. So please stop calling it an Operating System you guys.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

Probably Cyclops from the X-Men. Specifically from the 90s animated series. The movies never really did his character justice. As for why - I would say because he is a strong (albeit sometimes flawed) leader that always tries to do what's best for his team and fights for what he believes in. He didn't always know exactly what he needed to do but he always knew he needed to do something.

Over the years, the term “geek” has been transformed from a derogatory term into a full blown, proud-to-have label. Society has flipped the switch with numerous individuals proudly proclaiming their geekdom and forming online communities to connect with other geeks, no longer ashamed to let their geek flag fly high. At Swipe iX, we encourage uniqueness and realise that each team member’s quirky traits only contributes towards the incredible company culture we have built over the years. We challenge you to embrace your inner geek and be proud of your geeky attributes, and who knows, maybe then this generation will finally experience the proverbial Rise of the Geeks.

Jacques Fourie

Sharen van Lill

Digital Marketing Specialist

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