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America Needs Its Nerds Summary

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Within “America Needs Its Nerds” by Leonid Fridman, the author discusses the treatment of intellectuals in our society who are also referred to as “Nerds”. The author talks about the treatment of nerds within early education through college. In addition, the author mentions how America is behind within the society of the world when treating intellectuals in the 21st century compared to other countries. The author is exact when talking through this article by discussing kids in elementary, Harvard students, and the economy. They give good points that will make anyone agree with at least one of their points throughout the article. The author, Leonid Fridman, has a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the Institute of Control Science, Moscow, Russia, …show more content…

He knows how it can affect you to be seen as a nerd and be thought of as less than by others when the people around you might just not understand you. Fridman uses Pathos and Logos at the same time to speak to the readers' emotions within paragraph 2 when they say, “Nerds are ostracized while athletes are idolized.” He uses this to show extreme difference between treatment between Nerds and Jocks as well as in paragraph 3 when the author says “many are deprived of a chance to learn adequate social skills and acquire good communication tools” telling us that because these children are seen as “Nerds” they are being left out of their school social network and are less developed socially which can mental stress on them, which is damaging. Friedman also uses Logos in a large portion of the article, such as when he says “How long can America remain a world-class power if we constantly emphasize social skills and physical prowess over academic achievement and intellectual ability?” in paragraph 6. Fridman uses this to tell us that if we keep up this social construct for long, it will take the nation down heavily and can even put us in danger if we are not

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