Rhetorical Analysis Of Jocks By David Fridman

This statement actually shocks the reader in a humorous way when they finish reading. The statement pulls the reader in and allows for curiosity to build as they continue to read. He conveys this message even further/creates a striking example by using irony to express the severity of the problem at one of America’s most academically rigorous schools/prominent educational institutions – Harvard. Students are embarrassed and afraid to admit the hours spent studying. Instead, they focus on fitting in and being popular. Leonid Fridman uses a continuous comparison between nerds and jocks. The comment also paves the way for one of his argument in the case that American culture applauds the jocks, while they make fun of those who accelerate academically. Although Harvard is an elite, Ivy League school that prides themselves in academic excellence, students there still pick on nerds. The audience is meant to feel empathy and remorse, resulting in them eager for change.
Instead, athletes are held higher than the academic. Sports participation has consistently risen while American educational rankings continue to plummet in comparison to the rest of the world. The U.S. has won more gold medals in the Olympics but places 31st math, 23rd in science, and 14th in reading when compared to other global countries (mla).
Fridman also includes a …show more content…
These two questions drive home his purpose and really persuade the reader to see his true purpose. He asks the reader to consider why they should be ashamed of their kids who are more interested in studying rather then sports. This is an important question because it really targets an older and almost parental audience. The second question then strengthens his point by emphasizing how American people always emphasize socializing their kids rather then educating them. How can America remain a “world-class power,” if we are constantly downgrading very educated