How Sports Have Changed The Way We See "Nerds"

When Russell Westbrook came walking into a press conference on Tuesday June 12, 2012 most people thought he was just being humorous. In the midst of a championship series versus the Miami Heat that was tied at a game a piece, Russell Westbrook stole the headlines off the court. Instead of focusing on the insane talent and tight series that was involved in this series, the media was more focused on the strange fashion of Westbrook. What no one realized however is that by wearing the short sleeve buttoned shirt and tie with oversized glasses without frames, Westbrook was starting a trend that would have an impact for years. 

Before Westbrook walked into that press conference on June 12, 2012 pro athletes were looked upon as the top of the food chain. These athletes were as masculine and athletic as they come. Unfortunately, what people looked at as the opposite of these pro athletes were nerds. 

People didn’t expect the popular kids, or the athletes, to wear the big glasses or the super hero clothing. Nerds were the ones walking around in suspenders and bow ties. Nerds wore the thick glasses and the patterned button down shirts. This was all until Russell Westbrook walked into that press conference dressed as the "nerd."

Since Russell Westbrook’s headlining press conference, the “nerd” look has come a long way. In the sports world today almost every press conference has athletes wearing bazar clothing. Big glasses and odd designs on clothing is the biggest fashion trend in sports. Athletes like LeBron James and Dwight Howard aren’t seen in public without their best nerd apparel on anymore. One of the biggest contributors to this fashion craze is Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. Wade takes the big glasses and bow ties to a new level every time he sees the media. Wade always impresses, wearing his best suit and vest with his thick glasses, sometimes with designs. Although no other athlete has yet to surpass Russell Westbrook’s eccentric style, players try again and again to bring out the “nerd" look.

With athletes such as LeBron and Westbrook presenting themselves with this look of the nerd, the fashion crave has spread to almost everyone. Thick glasses, suits, and suspenders have made their way around the country and are worn by people of all ages. Most stores sell fake glasses with or without lenses and people are seen wearing them almost everywhere.

This new fashion that has swept the country is doing a lot more than just changing how people dress. Because of the look and appeal of these athletes, many people look up to the so called nerds.  In both college and high schools students are trying to be nerds. Even college athletes are adopting the nerd trend and are constantly seen wearing the same apparel as the pros. This change in fashion has completely changed the way people view nerds. Before this trend started, nerds were viewed as the intelligent ones with the big glasses with tape in the middle. They were perceived as television characters like Steve Urkel from Family Matters or Stuart Minkus from Boy Meets World. However, since Russell Westbrook started this fashion trend nerds are looked at the same as everyone. People no longer picture the Steve Urkel as someone they can make fun of, they view him as someone they’d like to look like.

One of the most significant impacts this fashion trend may have on society is bullying. Although no one can know if this fashion has any impact on bullying, it has changed the way many people view nerds. These athletes haven’t ended bullying or convinced students to become any more intelligent. What they did do was take pressure off of people who don’t dress like everyone else. By wanting to dress how they picture nerds, people remove one reason on why to bully them. There is always more people can do to prevent bullying, but by changing this small aspect, pro athletes have made a big impact on ending bullying.