Leonid Fridman "America Needs Its Nerds"

545 Words3 Pages
In the passage from “America Needs Its Nerds” the speaker, Leonid Fridman, argues about how students who study a lot and socialize less are rejected by their society; “Nerds are ostracized while athletes are idolized”. He gives examples of how nerds are treated in a bad manner and how they can’t be honest about how much they actually study because they will be made fun of. He emphasizes that that must stop happening by the use of logical and emotional appeals. Throughout the passage, Fridman uses reason to develop his argument by the use of various examples of how nerds are compared to people who bite off the heads of live chickens. He mentions how students, especially in America, who prefer to read books and study rather than going to parties, become social outcasts. Fridman , during the first four paragraphs uses a rather narrative and calm tone, while explaining to the audience how and why kids are treated the way they are. However, once he reaches the point at which he says “Enough is enough” there is a noticeable change of tone; from calm to an argumentative one. It is because Fridman uses the power of reasoning that he presents his argument so well. He emphasizes how everywhere around the world, university professors are the most knowledgeable and prestigious positions except in America, where average ballplayers are more respected and better paid. Undeniable facts like how long would America remain a world power and still be able to compete with its rival countries if students who have the will and potential to study, are compared to people biting off chickens’ heads, help Fridman demonstrate how important of a problem that might be, and ultimately knock some sense into people who do that. “It is high time to face the persecutors who haunt the bright kid with thick glasses from kindergarten to the grave” demonstrates Fridman persuades the readers by
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