Blog 2, "America Needs Its Nerds" by Leonid Fridman;

[Angelann Stephens]

Read the excerpt from "America Needs Its Nerds" by Leonid Fridman.  Then select ONE RHETORICAL STRATEGY to discuss Fridman's argument.

Due Date:Sunday, September 21, 2014 by MIDNIGHT

I will shut down the blog at 12:01AM!

[Aziza Abdul-Aziz]

Aziza Abdul-Aziz

September 14, 2014 Pd: 3B

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: System of values in society addressing nerd and geeks.

Type of text: Article

Strong verb: Denounce

In this article, writer Leonid Fridman discusses the wrong set of values America has placed on athletes instead of those who are seekers of knowledge which are “nerds and geeks.”  Fridman’s purpose is to shine the spotlight on the true heroes; the nerds and the geeks and to denounce the high pedestal that athletes have been set upon. Fridman effectively uses cause and effect as a rhetorical strategy to expose America’s obsession with superiority which nowadays is found in sports. Athletes are idolized and anyone who doesn’t fall into the sports category is deemed as “basic” or “inferior”. The reason why Fridman writes this article is to show that if we as a nation continue to praise athletes and outcast nerds and geeks for “reading books rather than playing football” our nation will not be equipped with the “technology race with Japan.”  If America continues to display an appeal to those who wear jerseys rather than those who enjoy reading “Weber” in their spare time, we as a nation will cease to “remain the political and cultural force in Europe….and a world class power.” In this article Fridman effectively gets his points across and allows the reader to see the consequences of belittling the “nerds and geeks.”

[Derrick Lyons]

Fridman’s passage, “America Needs Its Nerds,” argues that America criticizes nerds instead of idolizing them. Fridman uses the rhetorical strategy compare and contrast to effectively show that America is wrong for its condescending attitude towards our most brightest individuals. Fridman compares how people's attitudes are towards nerds versus athletes.  In the passage, he says, “Athletes are idolized while nerds are criticized.” Fridman compares nerds to the athletes, which further signifies his argument by showing that athletes are treated far better than the intelligent. He explains,  “Children who prefer to read books rather than play football…become social outcast.”  America is making our intelligent people become anti-social, while we laud football players.  Fridman emphasizes that we make our smart kids and children feel bad while we give all of the credit to the football player.More money is invested in sports rather than a book club, technology club etc. Fridman continues the comparison by saying that “professors and teachers are much more respected and applauded than America. He says, “Professorships are the most  prestigious...rewarding positions. But not in America… .” This further compares us to other countries and what they are doing that we are not, which is applauding our bright people, showing them that they have a place in society, and that they are worth something. There are other countries that are getting their brightest people to stop being afraid to pursue who they are, America should do the same.

[Derrick Lyons]

this was a sufficient essay although there could have been more analysist and more detail but you explained the quotes very well. just add more to the essay

[Jayla Baptist]

Well- known writer, Leonid Fridman, in his essay, America Needs Its Nerds, argues the shameful outlook that is looked upon our intelligent peers and the effect it has on our society. Fridman's purpose is to acknowledge the important roles that "geeks" and "nerds" play. He creates a tense tone in order to persuade his readers that there is something wrong with the system of values and its use of derogatory terms towards the academic savvy. He appeals to the aggravation by stating, "there is something very wrong", that although attending a prestigious college, "many students are ashamed to admit... how much they study." He joins in this time of annoyance to unify the nation and make known that while athletes are idolized, nerds are ostracized. This outspoken argument conveys logos as its appeal, using facts and details to thoroughly explain the importance of school and the knowledge it offers. In conclusion, the author explains that our society finds it embarrassing to read books and study, over going to parties and football games. The thought of America being a "world- class power", and only giving credit to social skills and physical prowess, not only determinants our peers, but us as a nation.

[Angelann Stephens]

Are you analyzing tone or logos?

[Cesaria Banks]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman
Occasion: Persuasion on change and realization.
Type of text: Essay
Strong Verbs: intellectual, provocative
Leonid Fridman provocatively used logos in this essay to illuminate the problems in our society's way of thinking towards cleverly, bright-minded people such as "geeks". Although not widely done, academically advanced people are much discarded in today's world of entertainment and popularity even as it comes to be that they are the same people who grew up to become top leaders in things like, for example, technology. He says, "How can a country... Be expected to compete in the technology race with Japan?" This statement goes on to sort of ask; to what extent will you continue to let yourself go on this way? In definitional terms, the word "geek" is merely," ..a street performer who shocks the public by bitting the heads off of live chickens". This humiliating representation is a mockery, mockery which is shown in the schools of the U.S. In some counties other than the U.S, they encourage the development of interest and acknowledge the advancement in academic studies. Compared to them, typical parents are seen as doing nothing but indulging ignorance, bringing about no change. Sure, having power in strength is shown in sports, but being that they are games of smarts, they also show the importance of being mentally fit. The way that Fridman portrayed the style logos in this essay compliments his argument and makes it suitable in his persuasive efforts.

[Jzanee Matthias]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: The values of nerd and geek in society

Type of text:Article

Strong Verbs: Intellectual/ostracized

 

In the article of "America Needs Its Nerds", Leonid Fridman reveals the injustice done by the U.S against nerds and geeks, who are "intellectually curious". As a rhetorical strategy,Fridman uses cause and

 

effect, bringing to light the american nation on how it denounces the role nerds and geeks play. Fridmans purpose is to  gloss over the heroes that were around since the beginning of history; the nerds  and geeks 

and to deprive the athletes, who are  standing on their high standing pedestals. Nerds and geeks are acknowledge as "freaks" , while  Athletes are being idolized on their "physical prowess and social skills". 

Fridman wrote this article for a number of reason, but the main reason was to emphasize the importance of  having acknowledged our nerd and geeks. Saying if the american nation does   

not acknowledge them now,how can we be expected to remain and uphold a world-class standard. That in time  american and its meaning will begin to cease and  will not be able to compete with the "technology 

race with Japan" or even lead the "political and cultural force in Europe".  Fridman is effectively getting his point across is this article, showing his readers the consequences of the decry of the nerds and geeks. 

 

 

[marrer...@gmail.com]

Speaker : Leonid Fridman
Occasion : Fridman's view on "Nerds" in society
Type of Text : Essay
Strong Verb : derogatory , obstructed

Well accredited author and scholar , Leonid Fridman , in his essay on the misconstrued values of an athlete and the lesser thought of an intellectual individual in today's society as they are known as "nerds" and "geeks." Fridman begins with providing the definition of a "geek" as a street performer who who shocks the public by biting of the heads of live chickens. "...someone who is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge is compared to a freak..." Fridman argues for the "nerds" by pointing out how derogatory terms are used to represent an individual who is held to a higher academic status than the average person. Fridman continues to validate his point by adding "Nerds are obstructed while athletes are idolized." This just further proves that no matter what a scholar does, they are no competition to someone who can play professional football. Fridman compares the U.S. to the rest of the world, where the U.S. still idolizes the way of anti-intellectualism. He also uses the cause and effect rhetorical strategy to reveal America's superior thought of an athlete over a scholar. He shows this by emphasizing the power of America will decrease, if everyone can throw a football, rather than converse intellectually with another individual.

[marrer...@gmail.com]

I like how you used rhetorical strategies and the right context and provided the correct examples to follow them.

[marrer...@gmail.com]

The blog had lots of details and correct usage of rhetorical strategies. I also like how you began your blog differently from others.

[Dominique Rivers]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: Smart people should be honored

Type of text: Essay

Strong Verbs: address/engage/reveal/defend

Professor and writer, Leonid Fridman, in his essay, “America Needs Its Nerds”, addresses that society shames the intellectual. Fridman’s purpose is to reinstate “nerds” and “geeks” in America. He adopts an earnest, but informative tone in order to engage with his readers’ emotions and inform them of facts they are familiar with. Fridman begins his 8^th paragraph by revealing that other countries acknowledges intellectualism, contrary to the U.S. where “anti-intellectualism” runs high. To justify, he uses a compare and contrast strategy. For instance, he says “In many parts of the world, university professorship are the most prestigious and materially rewarding positions. But not in America—“. Fridman uses the compare and contrast method to accomplish his purpose by showing America’s hierarchy between a person who is academic and a person who is athletic. Also, using the same method, Fridman ask his readers “How long can America remain a world-class power if we constantly emphasize social skills …over…. intellectual ability?” compelling them to reflect. Fridman defends “nerds” and “geeks” and urge America to recognize the importance of our smart people.  

[Dominique Rivers]

Your blog was very enticing. I think you did a good job pulling excerpts from the essay and your blog was very clear to read.

. 

[Jayla Baptist]

Well- known writer, Leonid Fridman, in his essay, America Needs Its Nerds, argues the shameful outlook that is looked upon our intelligent peers and the effect it has on our society. Fridman's purpose is to acknowledge the important roles that "geeks" and "nerds" play. He persuades his readers that there is something wrong with the system of values and its use of derogatory terms towards the academic savvy. He appeals to the aggravation by stating, "there is something very wrong", that although attending a prestigious college, "many students are ashamed to admit... how much they study." He joins in this time of annoyance to unify the nation and make known that while athletes are idolized, nerds are ostracized. This outspoken argument conveys logos as its appeal, using facts and details to thoroughly explain the importance of school and the knowledge it offers. In conclusion, the author explains that our society finds it embarrassing to read books and study, over going to parties and football games. The thought of America being a "world- class power", and only giving credit to social skills and physical prowess, not only determinants our peers, but us as a nation.

On Sun, Sep 21, 2014 at 1:11 PM, Jayla Baptist <jaylas...@gmail.com> wrote:

Well- known writer, Leonid Fridman, in his essay, America Needs Its Nerds, argues the shameful outlook that is looked upon our intelligent peers and the effect it has on our society. Fridman's purpose is to acknowledge the important roles that "geeks" and "nerds" play. He persuades his readers that there is something wrong with the system of values and its use of derogatory terms towards the academic savvy. He appeals to the aggravation by stating, "there is something very wrong", that although attending a prestigious college, "many students are ashamed to admit... how much they study." He joins in this time of annoyance to unify the nation and make known that while athletes are idolized, nerds are ostracized. This outspoken argument conveys logos as its appeal, using facts and details to thoroughly explain the importance of school and the knowledge it offers. In conclusion, the author explains that our society finds it embarrassing to read books and study, over going to parties and football games. The thought of America being a "world- class power", and only giving credit to social skills and physical prowess, not only determinants our peers, but us as a nation.

On Thu, Sep 11, 2014 at 4:08 AM, Angelann Stephens <stephens...@gmail.com> wrote:

Read the excerpt from "America Needs Its Nerds" by Leonid Fridman.  Then select ONE RHETORICAL STRATEGY to discuss Fridman's argument.

Due Date:Sunday, September 21, 2014 by MIDNIGHT

I will shut down the blog at 12:01AM!

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[Zachary Thomas]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: Value and appreciation of nerds and geeks in society

Type of Text: Article

Strong Verbs: ostracized, intellectual, pervade

In Leonard Fridman's article "America Needs Its Nerds", Fridman expresses the importance of how nerds and geeks are portrayed in America. He starts off the article with an eye-opener, by stating the definition of a geek, which is " a street performer who bites the head off of live chickens". In the first two paragraphs, Fridman is rebuking America for defining people who are academically and intellectually serious as "freaks". A rhetorical strategy Fridman uses is compare and contrast, when he uses examples of countries like East Asia, where students who excel in academics are supported and appreciated by everybody. What Fridman is telling us in his article is that America tolerates sports instead of academics, and he is saying it is wrong that America is allowing and tolerating the injustice of nerds and geeks. He ridicules the way America is handling this situation by stating, "in many parts of the world, university professorships are the most prestigious and materially rewarding positions", but in America "average professional ball players are much more respected and better paid than faculty members of the best universities". His argument conveys logos as his rhetoric appeal, because he uses facts and details to explain the effect of injustice on nerds and geeks in American society. Because of the ostracism against nerds and geeks, they are deprived of the chance to have social skills, and Fridman is saying that America has had enough. In conclusion to his article, Fridman finishes by saying America cannot remain a world-class power if we don't emphasize how important education is. In order to stay on top, we need to stop criticizing the people who can help America in more ways than one.

[Zachary Thomas]

I like the way you used your rhetorical strategy, and how you managed to stay on topic with compare and contrast. You added detail to your blog, and you did it very well

[Tymishia Adams]

Speaker:  Leonid Fridman

Occasion: Addressing how the term “Nerds and Geeks” are used.

Type of text:  Article/Essay

Strong verb: Engage/defend/derogatory/ostracized

In this article and or essay “American Needs Its Nerds” professional writer Leonid Fridman is very disenchanted in how society used the terms nerds and geeks. Society has made being a nerd/ geek seems like such a disgrace name while athletes are idolized by their peers. The rhetorical strategy that is being used is compare and contrast. He compares how America is anti-intellectualism while the other countries show more appreciation for their scholars. In his article he quoted, “how can typical parents be ashamed of their daughter studying mathematics instead of going dances….. How can they expect to compete in the technology race with Japan or remain a leading political and cultural force in Europe?” Fridman end his article by asking a rhetorical question saying “how long can America remain a world-class power if we constantly emphasize social skills over academic achievement and intellectual ability?

[Jzanee Matthias]

I liked your choice of words(diction) and  how you used quotes from the text to get the readers to see your point on why you choose compare and contrast as the rhetorical strategy. 

[Thierno Diallo]

I like how your rhetorical analysis fits your quotes but aren't we suppose to use one rhetorical analysis   

[Cesaria Banks]

I like your analysis because it, to me, perfectly explains the side of view that he sees. It gets to the point and kind of summarizes his text, but does not limit any of the intellectual talk in his stance. Your analysis also focuses on the real speech of the essay and it peers deep into what information is being presented and inferred from Fridman.

On Sunday, September 14, 2014 9:34:46 PM UTC-4, Aziza Abdul-Aziz wrote:

[Michael Green]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: The use of the words "geek" and "nerd"

Type of text: Article

Strong Verb(s): Ostracized, Lauded

"America Needs It's Nerds" is an article written by Leonid Fridman, in which he intensely argues about how our "nerds" and "geeks" are being" excluded for their intelligence in today's society. Fridman gave the definition of what a geek is, but failed in telling what a nerd actually is. A nerd, as defined by dictionary.com, is a stupid, irritating, ineffectual, or unattractive person;an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit. Fridman effortlessly uses the rhetorical strategy of pathos. Personally, I consider myself to be a nerd and knowing the actual definition makes me angry. Seeing how the majority of my country would rather support an athlete than a intelligent person is truly sickening. I've never been ashamed of my intelligence, but this article makes me want to study even harder than before and become more social than ever to disprove the stereotype of nerds lacking social and communicative skills.

[Michael Green]

You did a good job of comparing and contrasting the educational beliefs of different countries.

[Hailey Sanders]

Michael, pathos is a good identification of the rhetorical device used; however, you didn't really explain how he did it. You just reacted to it but I love your voice in your writing. It is so passionate.
On Sunday, September 21, 2014 6:48:40 PM UTC-4, Michael Green wrote

[Dei Tafari]

You did A great job on your introduction. You also did splendid with stating all the important information that was said in the article 👍

[Dei Tafari]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: System of values in society addressing nerd and geeks

Type of text: Article

Strong verb: Ostracized

In this article, Extraordinary writer, Leonid Fridman displays to us how our society negatively values it's, "nerds and geeks" but instead, blissfully promotes it's "football and "baseball" players. Firdmans purpose was to give us information on how the people of our society ignore the importance of reading or studying on core subjects but instead enlightened the athletes. Firmans efficaciously uses the definition order in the very first sentence to set the tone, "a Greek, according to Webster's dictionary is a"... With the he not only displayed his knowledge but increased our vocabulary as we'll. In line 29 Firdman then went on to explain how because of Americas values, nerds and geeks feel ashamed of who they are due to the fact they are going to feel unaccpeted in this "physical prowess" society . America must open up there eyes to the true conquerors of this nation before it's to late.

[Jourdin Morris]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: Addressing the wrong treatment of "nerds" and "geeks"

Type of text: Article

Strong verb: Ostracize/Defend/Engage

       In the article, "America Needs Its Nerds", written by well-known writer Leonid Fridman, he explains his discomfort and frustration surrounding society's attitude towards "nerds" and "geeks". Fridman uses the rhetorical strategy compare and contrast, making a comparison between athletes to nerds and geeks. Fridman made an analysis suggesting that society is idolizing athletes because of their skills, while the "intellectually curious and academically serious," as Fridman puts it, are being ostracized. He explains " Children who prefer to build model airplanes than get wasted at parties with classmates...become social outcasts." This justifies that America is making our bright people become very reserved, making them feel ashamed of who they are, because society sits here and praises and gives all the credit to the athletes. Using the same strategy, Fridman goes off to compare America to other countries. "In many parts of the world...professorships are the most prestigious...rewarding positions. But not in America." He then explains how in America professional ballplayers are much more respected and better paid than faculty members of the best universities. Fridman then challenges his readers, asking them "How long can America remain a world-class power if we constantly emphasize physical prowess over academic achievement...?" leaving them to wonder if they did the same as other countries, maybe society would be better.

[Jourdin Morris]

I love your analysis! I feel that you dug deep and really made some good points throughout your blog and you got your point across successfully.

On Sunday, September 14, 2014 9:34:46 PM UTC-4, Aziza Abdul-Aziz wrote:

Aziza Abdul-Aziz

September 14, 2014 Pd: 3B

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: System of values in society addressing nerd and geeks.

Type of text: Article

Strong verb: Denounce

[Jabrie'l Thompson]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: Value of nerds in today's society

Type of text: Article

Strong verb: lionizes, downplays, 

      Writer, Leonid Fridman, calls attention to the problem plaguing our nation. The besmirchment of nerds. While nerds are the backbone of this nation, they are ostracized and often treated as pariahs. Meanwhile, athletes are idolized and put on a pedestal. He goes on expressing his disdain on the issue with phrases, such as  "prefer to build model airplanes rather than get wasted at parties" and "enough is enough." This creates a serious tone, imploring the audience to take this issue seriously. If this nation continues to lionize athletes, while downplaying the efforts of nerds, America will soon lose it's status as a "world-class power." 

[Juanaisia Shabazz]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman
Occasion : "Nerds" needs more recognition
Type of Text: Article
Strong Verbs : Derogatory ,

Debater and Writer, Leonid Fridman, wrote an article called "America Needs Its Nerds" to inform fellow americans on how the "Brains" of America is being treated. In his article he states that we , the fellow americans, are idolizing sports rather than showing appreciation for our nerds. Fridman also shows recognition to the derogative word "geeks" as it is used to describe are smart people. He uses the rhetorical strategy "cause and effect" to help his readers to better understand his argument. America's nerds is scared to show their smarts because they feel that their fellow friends will critize them for being intelligent.

[Jabrie'l Thompson]

Your analysis is great. I notice you took the time to research the author of the article.

On Sunday, September 21, 2014 7:50:40 PM UTC-4, Thierno Diallo wrote:

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: wrong treatment of nerds and geeks

Type of text: Article

Strong verb: ashamed, ostracized

   

President of Language scientific and a Harvard graduate Leonid Fridman wrote an article discussing the ingratitude towards ''nerds and geeks''. His purpose was to change people’s views on the intellectually curious and academically serious. Fridman uses compare and contrast as a rhetorical strategy to show that America will soon fall behind other countries, if we continue to look down on smart people. '' In many parts of the world... professorships are the most prestigious...positions, but not in America where professional ball players are most respected''. This quote suggests that if we continue to undervalue our nerds, then most likely no one will want to study hard or try to do well in school, which would cause an academic decline. It would further decrease literacy and graduation rates and jobs will have to shut down due to the lack of necessary intellectual skills. ''How can we compete in the technology race with japan or remain a...political...and cultural force in Europe?’ ’, Where they encourage and recognize there nerds as opposed to America, where we ridicule and look down on ours. Fridman effectively used compare and contrast, knowing that Americans are prideful and would not want to lose their ''world-class'' leader status due to the unrecognition of nerds.

[Juanaisia Shabazz]

I Love your choice of vocabulary and while reading I felt very influenced by your text. You not only went into great depth about the topic but you also got to the point. Great work ☺☺☺👏👏👏

[Jabrie'l Thompson]

Your analysis was delicious. It it clear which strategy you are analyzing and I love how you implemented your writing style into this blog.

On Sunday, September 14, 2014 9:34:46 PM UTC-4, Aziza Abdul-Aziz wrote:

Aziza Abdul-Aziz

September 14, 2014 Pd: 3B

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: System of values in society addressing nerd and geeks.

Type of text: Article

Strong verb: Denounce

[Thierno Diallo]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: wrong treatment of nerds and geeks

Type of text: Article

Strong verb: ashamed, ostracized

President of Language scientific and a Harvard graduate Leonid Fridman wrote an article discussing the ingratitude towards ''nerds and geeks''. His purpose was to change people’s views on the intellectually curious and academically serious. Fridman uses compare and contrast as a rhetorical strategy to show that America will soon fall behind other countries, if we continue to look down on smart people. '' In many parts of the world... professorships are the most prestigious...positions, but not in America where professional ball players are most respected''. This quote suggests that if we continue to undervalue our nerds, then most likely no one will want to study hard or try to do well in school, which would cause an academic decline. It would further decrease literacy and graduation rates and jobs will have to shut down due to the lack of necessary intellectual skills. In some countries they encourage and recognize their nerds, as opposed to America, where we ridicule and look down on ours. As Fridman stated,’’ How can we compete in the technology race with japan or remain a…political and cultural force in Europe? ’If we are to continue ostracize our bright minds. Fridman effectively used compare and contrast, knowing that Americans are prideful and would not want to lose their ''world-class'' leader status due to the unrecognition of nerds.

[Jourdin Morris]

What rhetorical strategy are you writing about? Your diction is very strong!! You made some very good points too.

[Oniecia Henry]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: assertion of America’s anti-intellectual values

Type of Text: Article

Strong Verb(s): asserts/permeate/convey

Author, Leonid Fridman, in his article, “America Needs Its Nerds,” asserts America’s admiration of the anti-intellectual ideologies that permeate its society today. In the excerpt, Fridman intends to convey his discomfort with the nation’s system of values that have led to the disparagement of the “intellectually curious.” Fridman establishes his argument through the use of the rhetorical strategy comparison and contrast. He cites, “not least of all our economic rivals in East Asia, a kid who studies hard is lauded and help up as an example to other students.” This quote serves to show how in contrast to these countries, America doesn't celebrate educational prowess. Fridman wants people to be aware that if we not begin to encourage children to pursue higher knowledge, we would otherwise succumb to our inferior adversaries. He articulates,” In many parts of the world, university professorships are the most prestigious positions…but not in America where professional ballplayers are much more respected and better paid.” In other industrialized nations it’s questionable for a basketball player to be held to a higher standard than a professor. Fridman intends to show how unimportant American society finds the “academically serious.” His implementation comparison and contrast encourages the America to reevaluate its priorities as a nation. 

[Hailey Sanders]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: Change of American Values: Mistreatment of Intellectuals

Type of text: Article

Strong Verbs: undermine, berate, ridicule, address, establish, invoke, impede persecute, oppress 

Leonid Fridman’s passage “American Needs Its Nerds” berates and ridicules the American society who undermines (“persecutes”) the “intellectually curious” and “academically serious” populace of America. Fridman ridicules our culture, who addresses individuals that are “dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge” as a “freak biting the head off a live chicken,” in order to caution America of how their imprudent judgments will lead to the downfall of our nation in such an academically competitive world. Fridman establishes his claim with his impeccable and effective pathos: he commences the passage with his displeasure of how America downbeats its educated people by using a plethora of examples which range from the denotation of the derogatory nicknames for intellectuals (“geek”) to how they are “ostracized” at one of the most elite “prestigious academic institutions,” Harvard, when they are in fact the cream of the crop, to guilt the half of the audience who dared demoralize an intellectual person and to motivate the other half of the audience who are victims of the abuse because he sympathizes with them; subsequently, he compares and contrasts our nation’s “anti-intellectualism” with other country’s praise of intellectuals (who own the most “prestigious and rewarding positions” in their society) to inspire and prompt the audience to improve their demoralizing treatment and stop “conforming to society’s anti-intellectual values,” and finally, he ends the passage with rhetorical questions (“How long can America remain a world class power..?”) that act as a patriotic call to action to invoke the audience to strive to revolutionize its values for the better of their nation.  In brief, Fridman’s emotional roller-coaster passage not only impedes on those who persecute and oppress scholars but also proves that it is time we bring the stereotype of American idiocy to a halt: it is time for change!

On Thursday, September 11, 2014 4:08:04 AM UTC-4, Angelann Stephens wrote:

[Oniecia Henry]

You did an exceptional job of dissecting Fridman's use of pathos. You made several claims with full elaboration, explained his choices and why he made them. Great job once again Hailey!

[miyu...@gmail.com]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: Smart people should be honored

Type of text: Essay

Strong Verbs: approaching, expresses

"America Needs It's Nerd", written by Professor Leonid Fridman, expresses that America holds anit- intellectualism on a higher pedestal than nerds and geeks. He compares and contrast the situation by stating that " in East Asia, a kid who studies hard is lauded and held up as an example to other students", but in the America "children who prefer to read books rather than play football, prefer to build model airplanes rather than get wasted at parties with their class mates, become social outcasts". To say this... How can America remain a world class-power if we constantly emphasize social skills and physical prowess over academic achievement and intellectual ability? How is it that we lean on our geeks for academic support but we characterize them as some one who bites the head off of live chickens? Fridman wrote all this to say we need to take a stand because the anti-intellectual values that pervade our society must be fought. The 21st century is the way of technology, therefore nerds and geeks must stop being ashamed of who they are because there time on top is approaching

[Mercy Madu]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: What society visualizes for the nerds and the geeks.

Type of text: Article

Strong Verb: Ostracized

The writer, Leonid Fridman, addressed his issue on America regarding their beliefs on who shows more successful standards throughout adolescence and continue on in the future. It may display that whoever can excel are the ones with more educated background. However, Fridman wrote this article to express his feelings about society praising more on children doing sports and less on children learning. In today's society, athletes are more venerated for their talents whereas kids with higher intelligence, alias the nerds and the geeks, are not getting praised for their academic skills. Fridman's purpose was to explain the bias the American nation proclaimed towards athletes and wants to open society's eyes that the ones that are making this country the way it is now are because of the nerds. "Children who prefer to read books rather than play football, prefer to build model airplanes rather than get wasted at parties

with their classmates, become social outcasts." He elucidated the fact that kids that spend their time on the books rather than doing other activities people expect minors to do are the ones that struggles when it comes to their social life. Feeling ashamed about their nature, nerds are more anti-social and/or can not feel proud about their persona which leads the author to ask: Why? Why are the ones that are more involved with their academics being mistreated? Why is it while athletes are being respected, the nerds aren't being mentioned? Why is it that America are attempting to keep up with the educational score yet they're not showing that they care about it at all? If the nation wants the country to strive for excellence, then they have to give it all they got, because it's not about doing what is there to do. It's about doing what you have to do. "Nerds and geeks must stop being ashamed of who they are." Fridman said this to show that it's important for people with high intelligence shouldn't be embarrassed, because without our "nerds and geeks", America would never be what it is today.

[Miyunna Jones]

your point  of view on how Fridman felt was rater astonishing. even your choice of words were great. you did a great job expreesing the thought of the article, "American Needs It's Nerds". 

[Mercy Madu]

That was very delicious. Your choice of words are oh so outstanding. Good job on expressing the concept of the article.

On Sunday, September 21, 2014 8:13:24 PM UTC-4, Jabrie'l Thompson wrote:

[Aziza Abdul-Aziz]

Aziza Abdul-Aziz

September 21^st, 2014

Pd: 3A

Speaker: Leonid Fridman

Occasion: System of values in society addressing nerd and geeks.

Type of text: Article

Strong verb: Denounce

In this article, writer Leonid Fridman discusses the wrong set of values America has placed on athletes instead of those who are seekers of knowledge which are “nerds and geeks.”  Fridman’s purpose is to shine the spotlight on the true heroes; the nerds and the geeks and to denounce the high pedestal that athletes have been set upon. Fridman effectively uses cause and effect as a rhetorical strategy to expose America’s obsession with superiority which nowadays is found in sports. Athletes are idolized and anyone who doesn’t fall into the sports category is deemed as “basic” or “inferior”. Fridman emphasizes the cause by stating that Americans “ostracize nerds for their intelligence and refusal to conform to society’s anti-intelligence values.”   Friedman’s rationale is to show that if we as a nation continue to praise athletes and outcast nerds and geeks for “reading books rather than playing football” our nation will not be equipped with the “technology race with Japan.”  This is effective to Friedman’s argument because America is constantly competing to be a leading nation, and if our newer generation is not prepared to take on the competitor that is Japan we could be doomed as a “second class nation.”  If America continues to display an appeal to those who wear jerseys rather than those who enjoy reading “Weber” in their spare time, we as a nation will cease to “remain the political and cultural force in Europe….and a world class power.”  This is valuable to Fridman’s argument because it reminds the reader that in order to remain as powerful as America has become we are going to need people that achieve academically and have intellectual ability. In this article Fridman effectively gets his points across and allows the reader to see the consequences of belittling the “nerds and geeks.”

[Sydney Potter]

Speaker: Leonid Fridman
Occasion: Appreciation of "nerds"and "geeks" in today's society
Type of Text: Article
Strong Verbs: Ostracized,belittle,Juxtapose

In the article "America Needs It's Nerds",by Leonid Fridman, Fridman addresses the treatment of smart people in American culture. The rhetoric strategy Fridman uses to set an image to this article is diction. He starts off the article by telling how something is wrong when 'derogatory' words such as "nerd" and "geek" are used to describe the nation's intelligent people. His use of the word 'derogatory' forces the reader to wonder why they are offensive. Fridman then gives Webster's New World's Dictionary's definition of the word "geek", "A street performer who shocks the public by biting the heads off live chickens." But why does he give the definition? He wants the reader to see how society belittles intellectual beings. Instead of glorifying their knowledge, they are compared to freaks who bite the head off chickens. Fridman then juxtaposes the the image of geeks to those of athlete. He says that athletes such as football players are "idolized". The use of the word 'idolized' give an athlete the image of some hero whereas geek a bad image. Society glorifies athletes for their social skills or popularity. This tells how those who seek knowledge are ostracized for he fact that they"... prefer to read a book than to play football." Fridman's use of diction sets an image to the topic at hand. It tells why 'geek' and 'nerd' should be offensive or derogatory, but athletes should be glorified.

[Sydney Potter]

I love some of the points to hit to prove your point throughout the essay. Very well written!