A Violent Society (media violence) essays

A Violent Society (media violence) essays The American society, it seems, is often depicted as violence portrayed at its best. As a people we obviously do not condone or accept this form of action yet we know it is among us. Everyday we see or hear about an evil occurring, whether it is a hit and run, a robbery, or a murder. Because of the consistency of these events in our country, many people have sought to answer the question, Why? Why do people become so infatuated with wrong doing that they perform such violent crimes? Some have come to believe that our own entertainment industry is at fault. More often than not, in television and cinema there are themes and messages involving violence. Can these enjoyable experiences make us feel as if we need to act them out? I believe not. It seems that the average person who enjoys this entertainment may come to appreciate violence, yet still will never think of acting as a part of it. Although I will also suggest that violence on television can and has pursued those who already hav e the sort of behavior and mind-set to produce cruelty. Another question to ask is, when will the creators of this leisure activity take it to the point where it will create a desire to act out what we see and hear? First we heard about violence, then we got to see it, and now we get to control it in games. Is this far enough? Whats next? Some see this entertainment as simple pleasure, others can see it as a push to evil, and still others say it just shouldnt go any further. Everyday there becomes more and more violence in our entertainment. We see the new action-packed good guy bad guy T.V. show or we buy tickets to the latest horror film. Our minds are already set that anything with immoral scenes has got to be good. Some then begin to enjoy crime filled content so much that theyll never miss anything new. Yet, when they watch the news alert on the latest murder. They become just as sympathetic and dis ...

Virginia During the Civil War

Virginia During the Civil War The Confederate States of America (CSA) was founded in February 1861. The actual Civil War began on April 12, 1861. Just five days later,  Virginia became the eighth state to secede from the Union.   The decision to secede was anything but unanimous and resulted in the formation of West Virginia on November 26, 1861. This new border state did not secede from the Union.  West Virginia is the sole state that was formed by seceding from a Confederate state. Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution provides that a new state cannot be formed within a state without that state’s consent. However, with Virginias secession this was not enforced. Virginia had the largest population in the South and its  storied history played an enormous role in the founding of the U.S. It was the  birthplace and home of Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.  In May 1861, Richmond, Virginia became the capital city of the CSA because it had the natural resources that Confederate government so badly needed to effectively wage a war against the Union.  Although the city of Richmond is situated only a mere 100 miles from the U.S. capital in Washington, D.C., it  was a large industrial city. Richmond was also the home to Tredegar Iron Works, one of the largest foundries in U.S. prior to the onset of the Civil War.  During the war, Tredegar produced over 1000 canons for the Confederacy as well as armor plating for warships.  In addition to this, Richmond’s industry produced a number of different war materials such as ammunition, guns and swords as well as supplied uniforms, tents and leather goods to the Confederat e Army. Battles in Virginia The majority of the battles in the Civil War’s Eastern Theater took place in Virginia, mainly due to the need to protect Richmond from being captured by Union forces. These battles include the Battle of Bull Run, which is also known as the First Manassas. This  was the first major battle of the Civil War fought on July 21, 1861 and also a major Confederate victory. On August 28, 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run began. It lasted for three days with over a combined 100,000 soldiers on the battlefield.   This battle also ended with a Confederate victory. Hampton Roads, Virginia was also the site of the first naval battle between ironclad warships. The USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia fought to a draw in March 1862.  Other major land battles that occurred in Virginia include Shenandoah Valley, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. On April 3, 1865, the Confederate forces and government evacuated their capital at Richmond and troops were ordered to burn all of the industrial warehouses and businesses that would be of any value to Union forces. Tredegar Irons Works was one of a few businesses that survived the burning of Richmond, because its  owner had it protected through the use of armed guards.  The advancing Union Army began to quickly extinguish the fires, saving most of the residential areas from destruction. The business district didn’t fare as well with some estimating at least twenty-five percent of the businesses suffering a total loss.  Unlike General Sherman’s destruction of the South during his March to the Sea,  it was the Confederates themselves who destroyed the city of Richmond. On April 9, 1865, the Battle of Appomattox Court House proved to be the last significant battle of the Civil Was as well as the final battle for General Robert E. Lee. He would officially surrender there to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on  April 12, 1865.   The war in Virginia was finally over.