Revenge of the Nerds: A Case Study

Revenge of the Nerds centers around a star-studded cast of "nerds" as they wade through the highly-categorized world of college. A host of freshmen, including protagonists Gilbert and Lewis, arrive at Adams College, only to find out that they are displaced — no, not to the Rutgers hotels, but the gymnasium — because the Alpha Beta fraternity burned down their own house.

Gilbert and Lewis and their host of "nerd" friends decide to create their own fraternity to seize their own housing. But only Lambda Lambda Lambda — the tri-Lambs, a black fraternity — offers them a chance.  The rest of the plot revolves around self-identity and misadventure in college, as well as handling crisis with Alpha Beta, a stereotypical athlete fraternity.

While the film understandably magnifies certain issues and stereotypes, including the high-profile parties, bullying and sex drive, its underlying themes still hold merit.  New Student Orientation plays host to a wide spectrum of students, including those commonly identified as "nerds."

It's important, though, to realize that common misconceptions occur daily, and they shouldn't affect orientation leaders' ability to give each student a fresh perspective.  Self-identity is arguably the biggest intangible concern for most first-year students as they arrive at college, and how others view them affects their own self-image.

While Gilbert, Lewis and the tri-Lams show incredible resolve and the power of self-confidence in the face of institutional laissez-faire approaches, most students do not.  They are self-conscious, anxious and sensitive.  It is important for orientation leaders to understand students' needs, ensure they are met in some capacity and avoid pre-labeling.