In a 1990 article published by the New York Times, “America Needs Its Nerds” by Leonid Fridman, Fridman argues that people that are intellectually curious are degraded and disrespected in America. If we do not begin to prioritize intellectualism, America as a country will not be able to keep up with the rest of the world.
In the first section of the article, Fridman establishes that the terminology people in America use to refer to the intellectually curious is derogatory. Fridman references Webster’s New World Dictionary, providing a definition for the term “geek.” This reference demonstrates how disrespected intellectuals are treated in America. These derogatory terms are not just insulting to intellectual people, they are also damaging the way we see those intellectuals and place them in society. As long as we continue to degrade the intellectually curious with such harsh names, we will never be able to …show more content…
Fridman cites Harvard, an esteemed college, as an example of how students who prioritize intelligence are looked down on. Despite Harvard being a prestigious college, those who pursue knowledge are still not treated as they should be. This example further develops his argument that the intellectually curious are degraded and disrespected in America, even if you are attending a college renowned for its academics.
In Fridman’s third section, Fridman states that intellectuals must stand up for themselves, otherwise the cycle of anti-intellectualism will continue. Fridman’s call to action for the intellectually curious is powerful, demanding that they “must stop being ashamed.” His call to action aims to inspire the intellectuals to respect themselves and stop being ashamed of who their intelligence if they want America to prioritize intellectual people. For America to celebrate the intellectually curious, they must first celebrate
In the first section of the article, Fridman establishes that the terminology people in America use to refer to the intellectually curious is derogatory. Fridman references Webster’s New World Dictionary, providing a definition for the term “geek.” This reference demonstrates how disrespected intellectuals are treated in America. These derogatory terms are not just insulting to intellectual people, they are also damaging the way we see those intellectuals and place them in society. As long as we continue to degrade the intellectually curious with such harsh names, we will never be able to …show more content…
Fridman cites Harvard, an esteemed college, as an example of how students who prioritize intelligence are looked down on. Despite Harvard being a prestigious college, those who pursue knowledge are still not treated as they should be. This example further develops his argument that the intellectually curious are degraded and disrespected in America, even if you are attending a college renowned for its academics.
In Fridman’s third section, Fridman states that intellectuals must stand up for themselves, otherwise the cycle of anti-intellectualism will continue. Fridman’s call to action for the intellectually curious is powerful, demanding that they “must stop being ashamed.” His call to action aims to inspire the intellectuals to respect themselves and stop being ashamed of who their intelligence if they want America to prioritize intellectual people. For America to celebrate the intellectually curious, they must first celebrate