Is traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere?
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
The Significance of Traditional Music: Balancing Cultural Heritage and Global Influences
Introduction
Music is a universal language that has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people from different cultures. With the rise of globalization, international music has gained popularity and is heard everywhere. However, the question arises: is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is widely consumed? In this essay, we will explore the importance of traditional music in preserving cultural heritage and identity while also acknowledging the value and impact of international music.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Traditional music is an integral part of a country’s cultural heritage. It reflects the history, beliefs, and traditions of a specific community or nation. By preserving and promoting traditional music, we safeguard our cultural identity and ensure that future generations can connect with their roots. Traditional music serves as a bridge between the past and present, allowing us to understand our heritage and pass it on to future generations.
Expression of Local Identity
Traditional music is deeply rooted in the local context and often represents the unique identity of a community or region. It reflects the values, customs, and experiences of a particular group of people. By listening to and appreciating traditional music, individuals can gain insights into the rich diversity of cultures around the world. This helps foster mutual understanding and respect among different communities, promoting cultural exchange and global harmony.
Preserving Linguistic Diversity
Traditional music often incorporates native languages or dialects, which are an essential part of a country’s linguistic diversity. By promoting traditional music, we also promote the preservation of indigenous languages and dialects that might be at risk of extinction. This linguistic diversity is a valuable asset that contributes to the overall cultural richness of a country.
International Music: Embracing Global Influences
While traditional music holds immense cultural value, international music should not be dismissed as insignificant. International music provides a platform for artists from different cultures to share their work on a global scale. It encourages collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and appreciation for diverse musical styles. International music can broaden our horizons, expose us to new rhythms and melodies, and foster a sense of interconnectedness in an increasingly globalized world.
Cultural Fusion and Evolution
The influence of international music can also lead to cultural fusion and evolution within traditional music. Artists often incorporate elements from different genres or cultures into their traditional compositions, creating unique blends that appeal to a wider audience. This fusion can breathe new life into traditional music, making it more accessible and relevant to contemporary listeners without diluting its essence.
Striking a Balance
Instead of viewing traditional music and international music as mutually exclusive, it is important to strike a balance between the two. Traditional music should be celebrated and preserved as an essential part of a country’s cultural heritage. At the same time, international music should be embraced as an avenue for cultural exchange, appreciation, and growth. By finding this balance, we can create a harmonious coexistence between the preservation of our traditions and the exploration of global musical influences.
Conclusion
Traditional music holds immense value in preserving cultural heritage, expressing local identity, and preserving linguistic diversity. However, international music should not be disregarded as unimportant. It provides an opportunity for cross-cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and the evolution of traditional music itself. By striking a balance between traditional and international music, we can celebrate our cultural roots while embracing the global influences that enrich our musical landscape.
