Write an essay about Crime in Urban Centers vs. Crime in Rural Areas of the U.S.
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.
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
Crime in Urban Centers vs. Crime in Rural Areas of the U.S.: Understanding the Dynamics
Crime is an unfortunate reality that affects communities across the United States, regardless of their geographical location. However, the nature and prevalence of crime can vary significantly between urban centers and rural areas. This essay aims to explore the differences and similarities between crime rates, causes, and impacts in urban centers and rural areas of the U.S., shedding light on the underlying dynamics that contribute to these variations.
Crime Rates in Urban Centers:
Urban centers are often characterized by dense populations, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and a higher concentration of resources and opportunities. Unfortunately, these factors also contribute to higher crime rates in such areas. According to statistical data, urban centers tend to experience more instances of violent crimes, including homicides, robberies, and assaults. The proximity of individuals in densely populated areas can lead to increased tension and conflicts, which may escalate into criminal activities. Additionally, the availability of illegal substances tends to be more prevalent in urban areas, contributing to drug-related crimes.
Crime Rates in Rural Areas:
In contrast to urban centers, rural areas exhibit lower crime rates. Due to the dispersed population and limited access to resources, criminal activities are generally less prevalent. However, it is important to note that crimes such as property theft, burglary, and domestic violence can still occur in rural areas. The isolation and absence of a strong law enforcement presence in these communities may provide opportunities for criminals to exploit vulnerable targets. Additionally, the limited availability of social services and support systems can contribute to certain types of crimes.
Causes of Crime in Urban Centers:
Several factors contribute to the higher crime rates observed in urban centers. One significant factor is socioeconomic disparity. Urban areas often exhibit stark socioeconomic inequalities, with pockets of poverty and limited access to education, employment opportunities, and social services. These conditions can lead to frustration, hopelessness, and desperation, driving individuals towards criminal behavior as a means of survival or as an outlet for their frustration. Gang activity is also more prevalent in urban centers, as marginalized individuals may seek belonging and protection within these groups.
Causes of Crime in Rural Areas:
While rural areas generally experience lower crime rates, they are not immune to criminal activities. In these areas, the causes of crime may differ from those in urban centers. Economic factors play a significant role, as unemployment rates and limited job opportunities can lead to financial strain and desperation. Substance abuse is also a contributing factor, as the lack of recreational activities and limited access to rehabilitation programs can exacerbate drug-related crimes in rural areas.
Impacts on Communities:
Crime has far-reaching impacts on both urban and rural communities. In urban centers, high crime rates can create an atmosphere of fear and distrust among residents. This can have detrimental effects on community cohesion and social interactions. Businesses may be hesitant to invest in these areas, leading to economic decline and reduced opportunities for growth. In rural areas, crime can also disrupt community harmony and instill fear among residents. The close-knit nature of these communities can intensify the impact of criminal activities on individuals’ sense of safety and security.
Conclusion:
While crime is present in both urban centers and rural areas of the U.S., there are distinct differences in terms of prevalence, causes, and impacts. Urban centers tend to experience higher crime rates due to factors such as socioeconomic disparities and the concentration of resources. In contrast, rural areas exhibit lower crime rates but are not exempt from criminal activities, which often stem from economic factors and substance abuse. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for implementing effective crime prevention strategies tailored to the specific challenges faced by each community. By addressing the underlying causes and promoting community engagement, we can work towards creating safer environments for all individuals, regardless of their location.
Note: This essay provides a general overview of crime in urban centers versus rural areas in the U.S. It is important to consult specific data and research studies for a more comprehensive understanding of this topic.
