Leonid Fridman's America Needs Its Nerds

Leonid Fridman argues that academic achievement and intellectual abilities should be valued over social skills and physical prowess. In America Needs Its Nerds Fridman carefully and cleverly develops this argument; he first demonstrates the problem in America and ends his argument with rhetorical questions. This strategy captures the audience’s attention and coaxes them to reflect on personal values; accordingly, Fridman promotes appreciating academics in order to better America.

Fridman demonstrates a problem in America by providing contrast to other countries. In America academics are not as rewarded as sports, but around the world “university professorships are the most prestigious and materially rewarding positions”. Fridman includes this contrast to provide an example for what America should value. In other industrialized nations, studious children are shown as an example to other students. Americans …show more content…
Without nerds or geeks, America would not be advanced or developed. However, America may not be living up to its full potential as children with these qualities are often social outcasts. Children are “deprived of a chance to learn adequate social skills and acquire good communication tools”. Anti-

intellectual values will destroy America, as those who are intellectually advanced are ashamed and will not assist further progression of advances in America.

Ending his argument with rhetorical questions, Leonid Fridman leaves the audience to reflect on their morals. To change the values of America, Fridman must influence the values of Americans. Fridman aims to change the thinking of Americans and fight the “anti-intellectual values that pervade our society”. The questions persuade the audience to think logically and recognize that academics are an essential element in a growing