This term we have discussed two forms of political resistance that emerged after the abolition of slavery: the Integrationist tradition and the Black Nationalist tradition. Discuss one of these traditions, drawing on the work of two thinkers related to that tradition. What does Black self-determination or Black freedom look like in the tradition of resistance you discuss and what are its strengths and weaknesses? Use the Manning Marable article assigned in week two and relevant course material assigned between October 24 and November 14 to help you develop your arguments.
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
Title: Black Nationalism: Striving for Black Self-Determination and Freedom
Introduction:
The abolition of slavery marked a critical turning point in American history, leading to the emergence of two distinct traditions of political resistance: the Integrationist tradition and the Black Nationalist tradition. This essay will focus on the Black Nationalist tradition, drawing on the works of two influential thinkers within this tradition. By examining Manning Marable’s article and relevant course materials, we will explore the concept of Black self-determination and freedom, its strengths, weaknesses, and its implications for the struggle against racial oppression.
Black Nationalism: Defining Black Self-Determination and Freedom:
Black Nationalism advocates for Black self-determination, emphasizing the need for African Americans to assert their cultural, economic, and political autonomy. It seeks to challenge white supremacy and create spaces where Black individuals can thrive without interference or dependence on oppressive systems. This tradition envisions a society in which African Americans have control over their own destiny and are free from systemic racism and discrimination.
Strengths of Black Nationalism:
Empowerment and Cultural Pride: Black Nationalism encourages African Americans to embrace their heritage, culture, and history. By celebrating their identity, Black individuals can develop a strong sense of self-worth, fostering empowerment and resilience in the face of racial oppression.
Community Building and Solidarity: Black Nationalism fosters a sense of community and collective action among African Americans. It encourages collaboration, mutual support, and the creation of alternative institutions that prioritize the needs and aspirations of Black individuals. This emphasis on community building strengthens social bonds and provides a platform for collective resistance against systemic racism.
Weaknesses of Black Nationalism:
Potential for Divisiveness: Critics argue that Black Nationalism can lead to divisions between racial groups and hinder efforts for racial unity. By prioritizing the needs and interests of the Black community exclusively, there is a risk of reinforcing racial segregation and perpetuating an “us vs. them” mentality.
Economic Challenges: One weakness of Black Nationalism lies in the practical challenges of creating a self-sufficient economic system within a predominantly capitalist society. Building independent economic structures that are sustainable and not reliant on external resources can be complex and require significant resources, posing a potential obstacle to achieving full economic autonomy.
Manning Marable’s Perspective:
In Manning Marable’s article, he highlights the importance of recognizing the diversity within the Black Nationalist tradition. He emphasizes that there are various interpretations and approaches to achieving Black self-determination. Marable argues that an inclusive form of Black Nationalism that acknowledges diversity within the Black community and fosters alliances with other marginalized groups is crucial for achieving broader social justice objectives.
Conclusion:
Black Nationalism, as a tradition of resistance, offers a vision of Black self-determination and freedom, emphasizing cultural pride, community building, and autonomy. While it empowers African Americans by celebrating their identity and fostering collective action against systemic racism, it also faces challenges such as potential divisiveness and economic obstacles. Through the insights provided by Manning Marable’s article, we understand the significance of embracing diversity within the Black Nationalist tradition to build alliances and work towards broader social justice goals. By continuing to explore and adapt this tradition, we can strive for a society where African Americans achieve true liberation from racial oppression.
