Breaking Free: The Unwritten Rule of Gender Stereotypes

by | Nov 19, 2023 | humanities

Prompt:

There are unwritten rules that everyone follows or has heard at least once in their life. But of course, some rules should be broken or updated. What is an unwritten rule that you wish didn’t exist?

 

 

Sample solution

Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell. 

In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.


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God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.

Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.

To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.

 

References

Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.

Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.

Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

Breaking Free: The Unwritten Rule of Gender Stereotypes
Thesis Statement: The unwritten rule of gender stereotypes is an outdated and oppressive social construct that restricts individuals from fully expressing themselves and should be challenged and ultimately eradicated.
Introduction:
Unwritten rules are an integral part of society, guiding our behavior and shaping our interactions. However, some unwritten rules can be detrimental, inhibiting personal growth and perpetuating inequality. One such rule that desperately needs to be broken is the regressive ideology of gender stereotypes. This essay aims to shed light on the harmful effects of these stereotypes and argue for their eradication.
Body:
1. Reinforcing Limitations:
Gender stereotypes impose strict limitations on individuals, dictating how they should behave, dress, or pursue their passions. Boys are expected to be strong, stoic, and dominant, while girls are encouraged to be nurturing, empathetic, and submissive. These expectations not only constrain individuality but also limit opportunities for personal growth. For instance, a boy interested in ballet may feel pressured to give up his passion due to fear of being perceived as effeminate. By challenging these stereotypes, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals are free to pursue their true passions without fear of judgment or ridicule.
2. Perpetuating Inequality:
Gender stereotypes perpetuate inequality by assigning specific roles and responsibilities solely based on one’s gender. This not only limits the potential of individuals but also reinforces the notion of one gender being superior to the other. Such stereotypes hinder progress in various fields, preventing individuals from fully participating in areas traditionally associated with the opposite gender. For example, the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields can be partly attributed to the pervasive belief that these fields are better suited for men. Breaking these stereotypes will pave the way for a more equitable society where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed in all aspects of life.
3. Mental Health Impact:
The pressure to conform to gender stereotypes can have severe consequences on an individual’s mental health. For those who do not identify with the prescribed gender norms, there is a constant struggle to fit into societal expectations, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the fear of being judged or ostracized prevents many from seeking help or expressing their true selves openly. By challenging and dismantling gender stereotypes, we create a society that embraces diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all individuals, thereby promoting better mental health outcomes.
4. Building Empathy and Understanding:
Breaking the unwritten rule of gender stereotypes not only benefits individuals but also society as a whole. It encourages empathy and understanding by dismantling preconceived notions about what it means to be a man or a woman. By challenging these stereotypes, we open up conversations and promote inclusivity, allowing individuals to be seen and accepted for who they truly are. This fosters a society where diversity is celebrated rather than suppressed, enabling us to build stronger communities rooted in acceptance and respect.
Conclusion:
The unwritten rule of gender stereotypes is an oppressive social construct that restricts personal growth, perpetuates inequality, and negatively impacts mental health. Breaking free from these outdated norms is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable society. By challenging these stereotypes, we empower individuals to embrace their true selves and foster a world where everyone can thrive regardless of their gender identity. It is high time we break the chains that bind us and pave the way for a future where individuality is celebrated and gender equality reigns supreme.

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