Exactly, it becomes a race to define the most narrow circle of who is "in" and who is "out" and since nerd identity is defined by consumption, it becomes a race

Exactly, it becomes a race to define the most narrow circle of who is "in" and who is "out" and since nerd identity is defined by consumption, it becomes a race to see who can consume the most obscure thing in an effort to keep people out. This is why gamergate is so threatened, it's diluting the only identity they have because they're so empty of meaningful personhood otherwise.