In this case, however, labels serve a purpose - they identify someone as a member of an ingroup. There is, unequivocally, a "nerd culture." (What that is, of course, is a matter for much debate.) Identifying or presenting as a nerd communicates that the signaler considers themself a part of that culture or community.
Finding communities amongst each domain can be difficult. Luckily, there is a culture that embraces and celebrates domain specific knowledge regardless of the domain. Members of that culture signal to each other by identifying as "geek" or "nerd."
In this case, however, labels serve a purpose - they identify someone as a member of an ingroup. There is, unequivocally, a "nerd culture." (What that is, of course, is a matter for much debate.) Identifying or presenting as a nerd communicates that the signaler considers themself a part of that culture or community.
Finding communities amongst each domain can be difficult. Luckily, there is a culture that embraces and celebrates domain specific knowledge regardless of the domain. Members of that culture signal to each other by identifying as "geek" or "nerd."
Doesn't this make the voluntary label okay?