I'm a Trekker!

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Title:	I'm a Trekker!
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I'm a Trekker! is a poem by Sheila N. Griffin.

"I'm a Trekker!"

It was printed in Illogical These Humans!! in 1980.

Some Topics Discussed

• fans being proud to be fans
• internalized shame, shaming others
• fans disliking being put down by other people due to their fannishness
• makes the distinction between a "Trekker" and a "Trekkie"
• is an example of geek hierarchy as it wants mundanes' respect, but then turns around and disses other Star Trek fans aka "I'm a geek, but not as geeky as that!"
• is specific in explaining what is a good fan vs a bad fan
• the poem addresses males (uses "Sir," and "his" and "he")

Descriptions of Good Fans (Trekkers)

• collects triva
• waits patiently in line for autographs
• devotes herself and uses any means necessary to make the world a better place
• can foresee the future

Description of Bad Fans (Trekkies)

• are like children
• live in fantasy worlds
• can't tell the character apart from the actor
• is pushy in lines
• thinks that she (as a self-inserted character) can be the one who can teach Spock how to feel

The Poem

Oh, how it greatly irks and annoys me

When some thoughtless, ignorant fool

Refers to me and my long-held fanship

So slightingly that I lose my cool!

I'M A TREKKER!

And to look down from his lofty heights

At my e'er sincere devotion and sneer

While poking his finger at my "Trivia"

Painstakingly collected year after year!

I'M A TREKKER

Of course, he must complete his hatefulness

With an appellation that's become a curse

By addressing me in that tone as "trekkie"

He could not make me feel any worse!

I'm A TREKKER

A "trekkie", you see, is much like a child

Living in a world of fantasy that is unreal

Pretending to herself that Nimoy is Spock

And that she is the one who can teach him to feel!

I’M A TREKKER!

A "trekkie" also, like most all of her fellows

Must push and shove to be the very first in view

For that precious star's autograph or his smile,

Not thinking of the others who wait for one, too!

I'M A TREKKER!

But a Trekker, my friend, is already fully grown

No matter what her age,and can appreciate

The differences which make Spock the ever alien

And Nimoy the actor both interesting and great!

I'M A TREKKER!

And a Trekker devotes herself to this worthy aim:

To use any means or any manner of employment

To make the future a far better world and time

And to make the present one much more enjoyable!

I'M A TREKKER!

So, dear sir, the next time you feel superior

And want to look down your nose at me

Please just stop a moment and start to think

Of the marvelous future that we Trekkers can see!

I'M A TREKKER!