Rhetorical Analysis Of America Needs Its Nerds

Author and Harvard graduate, Leonid Fridman, in an excerpt of his article, America Needs Its Nerds, points out America’s anti-intellectualism. Fridman’s purpose is to inform the reader of the contempt held for the intellectually curious and call for a change in the country’s attitude. He adopts a condemning tone to make the reader aware of the issue and encourage them to change their mindset.

Fridman begins this excerpt with a strong claim. “There is something very wrong with the system of values in a society that has only derogatory terms like nerd and geek for the intellectually curious and academically serious” He begins with his claim, clearly stating what the excerpt will be about, without any pretense or pomp. Fridman likely chose to

go without an introduction to catch the reader’s attention. American culture discourages the quest for knowledge by demeaning and belittling those who seek it. This strong claim sets up the tone and theme of the rest of the excerpt.
The initial claim in then followed by data from Webster’s New World Dictionary.

The dictionary is not biased or affiliated with any single mindset. It is an exceptionally strong source because of its renown credibility and unbiased material. By including this in his piece, Fridman strengthens his claim significantly and makes the following backing more meaningful to the rest of the piece.

Throughout the excerpt Fridman uses plural first person pronouns. His continued use of “our” and “we” creates a bridge between him and the readers. Though the association is a negative one it still creates a significant bond. The assumed audience is American and so is the author. Fridman emphasizes and utilizes this information by uniting the reader with him under this banner of anti-intellectualism. The effect of this purposeful word choice is to make the reader consider their own role in the demonization of learning. It effectively links the reader, not only with the author, but also with the presented issue.

The next piece of data used is from Harvard. Harvard is known as a home of scholars and highly intelligent individuals. Fridman challenges this connotation by citing the “rampant anti-intellectualism” within the college. This data and the backing that follows has a profound effect on the reader. If even the highest point in America’s intellectual scene has been poisoned by this stigma then the implication is that nowhere is safe for those seeking unbridles

knowledge.
A small and unsupported claim is included within Fridman’s piece.

He states, “Nerds are ostracized while athletes are idolized” The rest of the piece does not address this crucial claim and yet it still supports the overarching theme of rejecting intellectual pursuit. Americans are known for their preference of physical prowess over intellectual pursuit and Fridman acknowledges that however briefly. It is likely he chose to touch on the subject for only a moment because a further analysis would derail the purpose of the passage.

Fridman pulls examples from across the educational spectrum, from elementary school up through college. This variety of examples emphasizes the widespread and deeply engrained prejudice expressed throughout the United states. The sheer size of his example highlights the enormity of the issue. If this ostracization occurred only in the lower academic level it would not be considered an issue. Fridman’s variety of examples discourages argument that this could be an isolated phenomenon.

Halfway through the except the tone changes from pointing out a flaw to calling for a social change. “enough is enough. Nerds and geeks must stop being ashamed of who they are.” Though the paragraph has not changed, this new claim shifts the focus and tone of the piece. The rest of the excerpt is a call to action where the first half only drew attention to the

issue.
Fridman uses the first half of the excerpt to strengthen his call to action in the second half. The way the passage has been arranged first engages the reader and then asks for its help. If the order were reversed the writing would not have as strong an impact or as much emotional backing. By beginning with an evaluation of the problem the reader is encouraged to reach a place where they want to help before the call to action is introduced. It is in this way that the order is most effective.
America, overall, likes to be the best. Fridman uses this to his advantage by using data that shows, because of the anti-intellectual mindset, America is not the best when compared to other countries. Though this is logical data it appeals to Americans’ emotions. The nationalist desire to be the best and the need to beat those who are better are provoked by the presented data that America is not the best. This is a skillful blending of logical data and emotional appeal that strengthens the reader’s desire to respond to the call to action.
Fridman’s final block of data also plays on two of America’s most highly regarded principles: respect and money. Fridman points out “[in America] average professional ballplayers are much more respected and better paid than faculty members of the best universities.” While playing on concepts of respect and honor, Fridman is still highlighting the American habit of honoring athletics over intellect. This is the final and possibly most powerful data presented in the excerpt. By this point the reader is expected to have a sense of what the situation is and be ready to answer the call to action.
The passage ends with a series of rhetorical questions. These questions return to the American desire to compete globally and the overarching theme of the country’s habit of favoring physical skill over mental. The questions are a rhetorical cherry on top, teasing the reader and tempting them to make a change.
Though it is only a paragraph, the excerpt from Leonid Fridman’s piece “America Needs Its Nerds” clearly conveys the toxic mindset prevalent in American society and asks his readers to view things differently and make a change. This is achieved with the use of strong emotional and logical appeals and powerful data to sway the reader to think differently.