For better of worse, a lot of us communicate largely in emojis these days. It’s the easiest way to get a sentiment across without tons of words, and it makes messages more engaging, at least visually speaking. That’s why the emojis we use matter, and 10-year-old Teddy thinks Apple is getting it wrong at the moment, especially when it comes to its “nerd” emoji with glasses. That’s why he’s started a petition to get Apple to change it.
The “nerd” emoji has buck teeth and glasses.
Teddy, from Oxfordshire, says that the “nerd” emoji having buck teeth and glasses, which gives the wrong impression — one that’s “offensive and insulting.”
He started his petition to hopefully make Apple aware that this emoji is upsetting to many people, not to mention misleading.
“We want to change this – Apple are making it absolutely horrible for people wearing glasses,” he told the BBC.
“They’re making people think we’re nerds and it’s absolutely horrible. It’s making me feel sad and upset, and if I find it offensive there’ll be thousands of people around the world that find it offensive too.”
He wants Apple to change the emoji to something a little more welcoming.
Instead of writing the emoji off as a “nerd,” he believes Apple should call it a genius emoji and change the way it looks.
“It’s got thin lenses and thin frames… and then it’s got a little smiley face instead of the horrible rabbit teeth,” he says.
“I like wearing glasses because they make me see a lot better, and they look good and stylish.”
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Teddy came up with the idea after texting with his cousin.
When he realized how the nerd emoji made him feel, he talked to one of his school teachers who helped him get his petition started around the school and then online.
“I love his inquisitive mind, and the fact he fights for what he believes in,” Teddy’s teacher, Lisa, said. “He’s quite vocal about it but in quite a grown-up way, and I think that should be supported, encouraged and commended as well.”
At the time of writing, the petition has 964 signatures. If you’d like to sign it, you can do so here.
