Civil War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Civil War - Essay Example law was put forward as a measure to placate the South which was upset over the increasing number of free states and anti-slavery sentiments penetrating the government. The law enforced fines on all law personnel who did not arrest a run slave. Prior to this act, the fugitive slave act of 1793 was in action which demanded the return of run-away slaves from the free states. In other words, it was asking the North which termed slavery illegal to abide by the slavery laws of the South. This was in direct contrast with the Northern sentiments. In many states like Massachusetts that had abolished slavery during the eighteenth century, the idea of returning slaves was met with great resistance. The law was not only dangerous for the run-away slaves but also for the free blacks, people who were born and raised in the Free states. The law could easily be misused and these people could then be shipped to the South having been unjustly termed as run-away slaves. The law was not acceptable to the North as it was asking them to become part of enforcing slavery throughout the country. The intention of this law was exacerbate the ensuing tension between the North and the South, however it further increased the divide. The law gave rise to many abolitionist leader like Frederick Douglas who raised their voice actively against the discrimination. The fugitive slave act was soon followed by the Kansas Nebraska act in the 1854 which further increased the divide. The ultimate blow was however dealt during the Kansas killings when proslavery as well as antislavery supporters flooded from the North as well as the South to cast their votes. The ultimate result of all the chaos and bloodshed was the civil war itself which decided once and for all the fate of slavery in the country. The Civil War can undoubtedly be called as one of the most influential events in American history whose effects helped shape the American nation. It is important to study the causes of an event which is of

Semiotic analysis of articles on nancy grace's coverage of the casey Essay

Semiotic analysis of articles on nancy grace's coverage of the casey anthony trial - Essay Example In considering Nancy Grace’s coverage of the Casey Anthony murder trial commentators have resorted to a number of semiotic trends. One of the major indications is the signification of Grace as sensationalistic. In these regards, nearly all commentators identified Grace’s post-trial speech where she stated, â€Å"somewhere out there the devil is dancing tonight† (Williams). Commentators have also frequently indicated the characterization Grace has given the defendants, referring to Casey Anthony as ‘tot mom’. Grace is even argued to extend the truth to achieve this sensationalism. Williams notes, â€Å"She talks about speaking the truth, yet weaves elaborate fictions of a champagne-popping defense team† (Williams). In these regards, one of the primary significations of Grace’s commentary is the sensationalism that is implemented in her characterization of trial proceedings. Another of the overriding media trends is the indication that Grace constitutes a sort of extra-jury form of commentary. Consider Bauder, who points out a lawyer who believes, â€Å"Grace has undermined respect for the jury system the way she has spoken out against the Anthony verdict. She said she’s worried that someone who disagrees with the verdict, whipped up by Grace’s disgust, will harm some of the jurors† (Bauder). In these regards, the signification of Grace as this sort meta-judicial participant imbues her with power that generally is not attributable to media commentators. In addition to these earlier significations, Grace has also been signified going outside bounds of truth. Indeed, one of the consistent significations of Grace is as this ‘truth extender’. It seems the underlining signifier is that Grace extends the truth to achieve media ends and higher ratings for her cable commentary show. One such example of this is in the interview Grace gave to FOX News commentator Bill O’Reilly. While O’Reilly seemingly asks questions without an