Revenge of the Nerds
In print and in movies, I frequently encounter the cliche about the nerdy kid, beaten up in elementary school, who grows up to become a phenomenally-successful entrepreneur.  Of course, he’s not really happy because he’s a jerk now, still having the insatiable need to humiliate his former bullies.
To put this myth to rest, I have my friend H here, who is visiting from New York. We went to school together. H was beaten up all the time by bullies.
Me: H, are you very successful now?
H: Â Â No.
Me: Â Â If you could, would you seek revenge on these bullies?
H:Â Â Maybe. Â (SIGHING)Â Â But what can you do?
Me:Â Â Have you ever encountered any of these bullies since elementary school?
H:  No…well, actually, indirectly I do know something about one of them.  He went to Queens College, became a teacher, and now he teaches my cousin’s son’s second grade class in Tucson.   How ironic is that?
M:Â Â How does that make you feel?
H:  Good.  At least I know that asshole makes less money than I do.
M:Â Here’s what teachers make in Tucson.
H:Â (strong curse)
Another myth busted. Â Â Not all nerdy kids beaten up in elementary school grow up to become successful entrepreneurs.
