I see it as Nerd Identity politics, their entire self-image is wrapped up in being a nerd so everything gets evaluated solely on whether it increases or decreases the power and status of nerds in society.
“Nerd identity politics” brings to mind the phrase “nerd blackface” which was invented as a criticism of the show big bang theory. Nerds are insufferable and simultaneously want nerdiness to be cool and gatekeep it at the same time.
Altman mentions the Social Network as a film that inspired people to start tech startups. I haven’t seen the film, but the Social Network is also quite critical about startups and tech bros, isn’t it?
Zuck is an antihero at best in The Social Network. It is not a sympathetic portrayal and it’s not subtile. Trent Reznor did the soundtrack ffs.
Quite the roller coaster of the author swinging wildly on both ends of the sneer line.
