Three topics every topic one page Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Three topics every topic one page - Essay Example As early as the 1820s the United States instituted reform measures aimed at curbing slavery throughout the country. For instance, the Missouri Compromise, established in 1820, outlawed the practice of slavery in any of the territories acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. While the Missouri Compromise constituted a major reform measures, undoubtedly another of the most prominent reform measures was the Compromise of 1850. The Compromise of 1850 established a number of reform measures aimed to curb the then boiling tensions regarding slavery. This compromise specifically indicated that Washington D.C. would not become a slave state and that the Southern wish to involve California in the slave trade was also prohibited. Conversely, the act granted the southern states a strong fugitive slave act, which ensured escaped slaves would be returned. Ultimately, however, while these reform measures put off the eventual war, they would not be enough to stop the significant sectional crisis that e merged. 2. The mid-19th century American division between the northern and southern states over slavery came to be referred to as the sectional crisis. The sectional crisis divided the nation along geographic lines and created new divisions that the nation had never previously experienced. This essay argues that the

Molly Dinton Essay Example for Free

Molly Dinton Essay I dont know where documentary is going, but at the moment it is fast becoming a soap opera in order to keep its place in the schedules Molly Dinton. Dinton believes that the documentary genre is changing in order to survive. This evolution of the genre could be justified, and enables the diverse genre to still be able to attain fixtures on the British television broadcasting stations. The statement of the documentary fast becoming a soap opera, can to some extent be supported. Currently on British television, there has been a swarm of reality TV programmes and Docu- soaps, which can be seen as a polluted hybrid of the documentary genre. These programmes are noted as successful in attracting an audience, therefore, the TV institutions are more likely to exploit these wining formulas of the genre and schedule the newer, more popular American format of documentary rather than the traditional documentary formula that aims to construct a social criticism and catalyse change, which often has a stigma of smelling of dust and boredom (Alberto Cavalcanti). Institutions are able to have a minimal risk of financial failure with docu- soaps and reality TV programmes, because as well having a high rating of audience consumption, the programmes are financially very cheap to produce. This is because the hybrid forms do not generally have professional actors but consist of real people. Also the programmes are often filmed in cheap locations over a relatively short period of time compared with Nick Broomfields Aileen- The Life and Death of a Serial Killer. In this recent documentary (2003) Broomfield worked in America for multiple months, which would have been extremely costly. Paul Hanmann, head of BBC Documentary features, says that a reality programme is three times cheaper as comparable light entertainment. Or take for example, Martin Bashirs The Michael Jackson Story, where by Bashir followed Michael Jackson from country to country over a period of a year, making a very costly production for ITV. In this investigative documentary, it too can also be noted as conforming to the new soap opera style of documentary, as Bashir chose to present to the nation the version that sensationalised the Jackson story in a negative light creating a spin off of conversation for a duration after. Bashir, like a soap opera director, chose to present the narrative version of the documentary that would create the most dramatic effect or shock for the audience. TV executives are more keen on scheduling the popular forms of the documentary genre and make the values of the programme centre on entertainment, as they feel entertainment is more appealing to the audience than a documentary that exits on a moral and ethical dimension. The intertextuality of the Docu- Soaps such as Vet School, The Cruise and Driving school, attract huge viewing ratings. For example Driving school had a 12. 5 million audience. The Docu- soap resembles the conventional fly on the wall antecedents, but like a Soap Opera, the genre prioritises audience entertainment over social commentary, and focuses on characters and their personalities, rather than on their social roles or professions. Characters are picked for their personalities, to ensure interesting viewing and strike a parallel with the Soap Operas, in that the characters are known on a first name basis to build up a relationship between audience and screen characters. Likewise, the episodes are strongly based on the drive of the narrative structure, to make more entertaining, simplistic and more story- like for the audience to follow and enjoy. Yet another demonstration of documentaries becoming a soap opera is with channel 4s Thatll teach them. In this series, teenagers of today were seemingly sent back in time to be educated in the 1950s. The programme is then followed up, several months later with, That taught em, making the series like a soap opera because the channel are adding to the original narrative, in order to get a greater knowledge of the teenagers. Reality TV combines the commercial success of tabloid content with a public service mode of address. The genre includes The Salon, Big Brother, Police Camera Action and Wife Swap, which are all hugely popular. Big Brother had a staggering 45, 000 people audition to be on the programme. These programmes are essentially very alike in comparison to Soap Operas. Often in reality TV, contrasting personalities are deliberately selected or an arisen conflict sensationalised; also many of the programmes are edited in order to capture comedy moments. Moreover in the Docu- Soap Driving School, there is evidence to suggest that many of the sequences, or body language/ facial expressions in the programme were faked in order to create further dramatic effect. Through sensationalising episodes, these programmes are able to compete with the story lines of many soaps, and attract viewers who enjoy much of the dramatisation that occurs in the soap operas. It also serves to entertain the audience. Reality TV is very much like many soaps. This is achieved by using editing. The Directors are able to create a persona or character of the participants, that the audience will either love or loathe, through selecting which footage to air and which to discard. With CCTV footage in Police Camera Action and 24/7 actuality footage of the constructed documentary, Big Brother, the audience is able to involve themselves in dramatic irony and acquire a greater knowledge of the characters and their situations, like we are also able to do through watching soaps. As McCann states it often turns us into Peeping Toms, which obviously appeals to a sector of society. There is however, evidence to suggest that many documentaries, which adopt the objective of catalysing change in the law or the dominant ideology and use film verite, are also still scheduled on British TV. For example, during November of each year, war documentaries will be broadcasted for Remembrance Day, and in the month of August, documentaries on Princess Diana and her death will be documented, to heighten the audiences level of awareness surrounding her suspicious death. These documentaries try to offer several new pieces of information discovered that are based on fact and not fiction. Experts, eyewitnesses, and official civil servants provide the evidence for the programme, giving it credibility. The documentary serves to criticise, the way in which the investigation was run, but also to cause the audience to change their previously held opinion on the subject, and to take on and believe the message given by the text. Occasionally other documentaries by famous documentarians are scheduled, such as Nick Broomfields Biggie and Tupac, (channel 4 2003), where Broomfield exposes the maze of obstacles and corruption complicating the investigation of the unsolved murders of the rap stars. Also, it is evident that many nature documentaries are shown on channel five, but not at peak times, which docu- soaps and reality TV are aired. In addition to this there is evidence to suggest that not all documentaries have to become soap operas in order to keep its place in the soap operas. This point can be clearly illustrated with the co- production by the BBC and Discovery Channel in their creation of Walking with Dinosaurs. The documentary achieved huge success and was stated as being the biggest thing on TV in 160 million years. With the aid of computer graphics, the programme portrayed to the audience at peak times of scheduling, a factual account of how dinosaurs lived, adapted into the different time periods, and eventually became extinct. There are also niche channels on Digital or Sky channels, such as Discovery, History, and the Learning channel, all of which schedule films solely from the documentary genre. These channels have high ratings and status, but are not available to everyone. In conclusion, I feel that Molly Dinton was justified in stating that the documentary is fast becoming a soap opera in order to keep its place in the schedules. This is mainly because the mass audience prefer docu- soaps and reality TV, which are closely related to soap operas. This is because these factions of the documentary genre entertain, and cause diversion and escapism for the audience, who are easily able to relax in their leisure time and watch the light- entertainment programmes. They are not presented with a programme that requires the mind to work too hard after a draining day. The broadcasting institutions generally broadcast, what is demanded from the public and what is financially better for their business, making the way clear for further reality shows that resemble the soaps to be produced. Perhaps the film verite documentaries are not as popular as the hybrid genres because in general they require a higher intellect/ socio- economic group to follow the programme or be interested in the issues investigated. This form of documentary perhaps has outlived its usefulness and no longer has a very clear significance. The vast docu- soaps and reality television programmes are scheduled at peak times, because they appeal to a wider audience where as the occasional documentary is scheduled mainly in the late eve. Therefore it is true that documentaries are fast becoming soap operas in order to survive.

My China :: Personal Narrative Essay

My China I had lived in Beijing for a year and a half at the age of four, and had attended Chinese nursery school. I had also grown up speaking Mandarin at home. However, I was not at all prepared for what met me the year we spent in Beijing when my father headed an international program for a small group of American students. At the time, though I spoke Mandarin without a foreign accent, my vocabulary did not extend far beyond a grade-school level, and I was next to illiterate. Well aware of that, my parents, fond followers of the "sink or swim" theory, dropped me off at the local Chinese school the first day of classes and promptly disappeared. In thinking back, I can honestly say that during the first few months I was completely in the dark both socially and academically. There were so many intricacies of the classroom that no one had prepared me for. I was shocked by the power that the Chinese teacher held over the students: the volume with which she scolded them even after they had been reduced to muted sobbing and her unceasing rhetoric about their duties to the ancestral land. I was shocked at the same time, however, by her extreme involvement in and dedication to the lives of the students. The relationships shared among the students were foreign to me as well: I had to get used to girls holding hands with girls and boys likewise with boys. Arguments were settled in the open, often with loud screaming and eventually crying. Nothing was suppressed. I made all sorts of blunders, such as wearing my hair down, crossing my legs when speaking to the principal, or forgetting to stand when answering a question in class. Actually, the students greeted everything I did with laughter, giggling, and stolen glances in my direction. It took me so long to understand and accept the nature of that laughter. Gym class (or rather, military marching drills class) provided me with the ultimate chance to be a blundering fool. Though the students assured me that the teacher was speaking Mandarin, I could hear only a garbled shout of "Fragrance," followed by some vowelless consonants, while the others somehow heard "Face right and march." Of course, my being run into was not beneficial to the appearance of the drill.

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Dallin Bringhurst February 12, 2013 1st Persuasive Essay There is much anonymity when it comes to knowing who is an Eagle Scout. I feel that an Eagle Scout conducts a life style that represents a good person. The scout law states: â€Å"A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. † John Proctor holds many traits that are similar to an Eagle Scout. I will focus on three basic aspects of the scout law and how John Proctor relates to them. First, I will relate how John Proctor shows bravery in the face of death. Then, I will argue how he is loyal to his family.Finally, I will demonstrate that he is helpful. These three basic traits are taught inculcation by many leaders in our community. I will now go into further detail on my topics. First, bravery is a rare trait, especially when faced with death. John Proctor demonstrated bravery by standing before a Judge and taking blame for the girls’ bla sphemy behavior. John Proctor says, â€Å"I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it. † (page 131) John Proctor remained brave throughout the trail as he testified before Judge Danforth. He says, â€Å"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name! †Ã‚  (page 138) His bravery ultimately led to his fateful death as he was sentenced to be hung. Second, loyalty is something that bonds relationships. Being a loyal person is having high values. I see it as giving up something that can offer immediate happiness for something that has lasting happiness. John Proctor struggled with being loyal to his wife because he had an affair with another woman; he was licentious in his behavior.John becomes more loyal to his wife when she was accused of being a witch. The following quote by John Proctor proves that he is loyal to his wife. He says, â€Å"‘I'll tell you what's walking Salem – vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! This warrant's vengeance! I'll not give my wife to vengeance! ‘† Act 2, Scene 4, pg. 73. He also says, â€Å"Life, woman, life is God's most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it. † (Act IV).To be loyal is a great attribute in life because it will show how good a person really is. John was a good person for remaining loyal to his wife throughout the trails. Finally, I will talk about being helpful to others by starting off with a quote by Clarence Darrow: â€Å"The best that we can do is to be kindly and helpful toward our friends and fellow passengers†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (â€Å"Clarence S. Darrow quotes 1998-2005†). We must be helpful to others who are in need of out help. John Proctor is seen as a very helpful man. In the book he is being found helping his neighbors out with their farms or cutting wood.In conclusion, I have just gone over the three basic attributes that I believe makes a good person. I related how John Proctor continued to be brave when faced with death. Then, I argued how he remained loyal to his wife. Finally, I demonstrated that he is helpful. These three attributes relate to John Proctor in many ways as he uses these life style choices in his life throughout The Crucible. John Proctor is a good man in a world plagued with evil. This final quote sums up the man that was John Proctor, â€Å"It is rare for people to be asked the question which puts them squarely in front of themselves†.

Differences and Similarities between American and Japanese Friendship

My concept of Japan was what I have seen in Japanese movies such as the Geisha and was very much the same as almost everyone living in America. My whole idea of the now Japanese culture changed when I went there for a couple of weeks for a business trip. Stepping into Japan is as if stepping into a busier New York but no one speaks English as much. Having spent some time in Japan I was able to have a look at their culture and their relationships. On my way, back I analyzed the similarities and differences of American and Japanese friendship. Americans are very friendly people; they care about their friends and family.They have a life of their own, and do not like uninvited guests. In fact Americans rarely step into some1 else’s house without an invitation. They treat their guests with great respect, offer them a drink and try to make them as much at home as possible. Japanese too are very friendly people and care a lot about their relatives, families and neighbors. They may be living on their own but do not have a private life. If a guest knocks on their door unannounced, they will be honored to have them in the house and would go an extra mile to make them comfortable. Japanese follow the true meaning of ‘A good friend is my nearest relation’.The American culture does not promote friendship, being friends with someone means knowing that person, trusting him and being there for him. The Americans lead a very busy life and they live their lives with a chip on their shoulder, since they do not know whether someone is being friends with them for personal gain or genuine likeness. Japanese Culture on the other hand believes that if you are unable to figure out a persons character look at his friends, therefore they make sure that from childhood children understand the importance of being friends with someone.Japanese may chose their friends very wisely but not because they fear being taken for a ride but because their friends reflect their own c haracter and because they believe that once a friend always a friend. It is a misconception that Japanese are busy people and will be found busy in their work. Japanese are sincere people and that applies to their work, their family and their friends. After a hard days work they try to make out time for their loved ones by meeting at a club or going to one’s home.One thing that is similar in American and Japanese friendship is that when invited to a friends house they never go empty handed, they take either a gift item or food, whatever that their friend likes best. As times are, changing so is the Japanese culture but no matter how much they change one thing that will not change is their attitude towards their friends and acquaintances, since this is part of their upbringing. The American culture however is now trying to promote friendship by creating web spaces for people to interact and not spend their time alone.

The Music of Werner Beanton essays

The Music of Werner Beanton essays Here it is ladies, the well thought out, bout to be off da chain, schedule for Homecoming 2000. Yall hoes better have yo mind right, and yo money tight, aiight. Monica, if you could, print out a copy of this for Keisha, with her no email address having behind. The ones with the asterick beside them, Melissa may not be able to attend (BIG MOMMA). The ones with two astericks, I think me and Monica have to attend. If anybody else is trying to roll with the click this year ...this is how its goin down!!! (yea, my schedule starts with Wednesday, I dont care what yall heifers do before I get there) Event Place Price Time Attire Dorm Step Show Gaither Gym Free 6-8pm chill Consenting Adults* Sloppy Joes 5-10 12-2am cosmo Homecoming Coronation** Lee Hall Free 8-10 semi- Coronation Ball** Grand Ballroom Free 10-12 Da Club* Club Park Ave. 5-10 12-2am chill Set Day The Set Free 12:00-until chill- Greek Step Show Gaither Gym 10-15 3:30pm Rattler Strike Pep Rally Intramural Field Free 7:30pm chill Somebodys Party* Somebodys Club 10-20 12-2am (I would put the parade on here, put aint nann one of us getting up to go to no parade) Event Place Price Time Attire Football Game Bragg Stadium 15-25 (non-students) nelia Battle of the Bands Bragg Stadium after game After-Game Congregation Mall (if its open) Free after game Homecoming at the Moon* Moon 20-30 12-2am cosmo Church * Tabernacle/CNLT Your hearts desire 10:00 Phat Kat Moon 20-40 6-9pm cosmo Ladies Night Melissas House Free 10-until t-shirt ...

Donald Woods and the Death of Activist Steve Biko

Donald Woods and the Death of Activist Steve Biko Donald Woods (born December 15, 1933, died August 19, 2001) was a South African anti-apartheid activist and journalist. His coverage of Steve Bikos death in custody led to his exile from South Africa. His books exposed case and were the basis of the movie, Cry Freedom. Early Life Woods was born in Hobeni, Transkei, South Africa. He was descended from five generations of white settlers. While studying law at the University of Cape Town, he became active in the anti-apartheid Federal Party. He worked as a journalist for newspapers in the United Kingdom before returning to South Africa to report for the Daily Dispatch. He became the editor-in-chief in 1965 for the paper that had an anti-apartheid editorial stance and a racially integrated editorial staff. Uncovering the Truth About the Death of Steve Biko When the South African black consciousness leader Steve Biko died in police custody in September 1977, journalist Donald Woods was at the forefront of the campaign to get the truth revealed about his death. At first, the police claimed that Biko had died as the result of a hunger strike. The inquest showed that hed died of brain injuries received while in custody and that hed been kept naked and in chains for a prolonged period before his death. They ruled it held that Biko had died as a result of injuries received after a scuffle with members of the security police in Port Elizabeth. But why Biko was in jail in Pretoria when he died, and the events attending his death werent explained satisfactorily. Woods Accuses the Government over Bikos Death Woods used his position as editor of the Daily Dispatch newspaper to attack the Nationalist government over Bikos death. This description by Woods of Biko reveals why he felt so strongly about this particular death, one of many under the apartheid regimes security forces: This was a new breed of South African- the Black Consciousness breed- and I knew immediately that a movement that produced the sort of personality now confronting me had qualities that blacks had been needing in South Africa for three hundred years. In his biography Biko Woods describes the security policemen testifying at the inquest: These men displayed symptoms of extreme insularity. They are people whose upbringing has impressed upon them the divine right to retain power, and in that sense, they are innocent men- incapable of thinking or acting differently. On top of that, they have gravitated to an occupation that has given them all the scope they need to express their rigid personalities. They have been protected for years by laws of the country. They have been able to carry out all their imaginative torture practices quite undisturbed in cells and rooms all over the country, with tacit official sanction, and they have been given tremendous status by the government as the men who protect the State from subversion. Woods Is Banned and Escapes to Exile Woods was hounded by the police and then banned, which meant he was not to leave his East London home, nor could he continue to work. After a childs t-shirt with a photo of Steve Biko on it posted to him was found to have been impregnated with acid, Woods began to fear for the safety of his family. He stuck on a stage moustache and dyed my grey hair black and then climbed over the back fence, to escape to Lesotho. He hitchhiked some 300 miles and swam across the flooded Tele River to get there. His family joined him, and from there they went to Britain, where they were granted political asylum. In exile, he wrote several books and continued campaigning against apartheid. The movie Cry Freedom was based his book Biko. After 13 years in exile, Woods visited South Africa in August 1990, but never returned to live there. Death Woods died, aged 67, of cancer in a hospital near London, UK, on August 19, 2001.