Challenge the relationship between emotional intelligence and diversity, equity, & inclusion
Think about how emotional intelligence relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion culture in an organization. Is emotional intelligence in leaders a significant skill set necessary for a sustainable DEI culture?
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 Complex Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
The relationship between emotional intelligence (EQ) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) culture in an organization is a complex and multifaceted one. While emotional intelligence is often touted as a crucial skill set for leaders in creating and sustaining a DEI culture, it is important to critically examine this relationship and consider potential challenges and limitations.
Emotional Intelligence: A Foundation for DEI Culture
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. It encompasses domains such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. These qualities are often seen as essential for promoting understanding, empathy, and inclusivity within an organization.
Leaders with high emotional intelligence are believed to be better equipped to cultivate an environment that values diversity, promotes equity, and fosters inclusion. They can effectively navigate difficult conversations, manage conflicts, and build strong relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Their ability to regulate their emotions and exhibit empathy allows them to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals feel valued and heard.
The Limitations of Emotional Intelligence
While emotional intelligence is undoubtedly valuable in fostering a DEI culture, it is important to recognize its limitations. Emotional intelligence alone cannot address systemic barriers and structural inequalities that may exist within an organization or society at large. It is crucial to acknowledge that creating a sustainable DEI culture requires more than just individual emotional skills; it necessitates systemic changes, policies, and practices that promote equality and dismantle discriminatory practices.
Furthermore, focusing solely on emotional intelligence may inadvertently place the burden of change on individuals from marginalized groups. It is essential to recognize that the responsibility for creating an inclusive culture lies not only with individuals but also with organizational leaders and structures. Leaders must actively work towards dismantling systemic barriers and addressing power imbalances to create a truly inclusive environment.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
While emotional intelligence is not the sole determinant of a sustainable DEI culture, it does play a significant role in leadership effectiveness. Leaders with high emotional intelligence possess the skills needed to navigate challenging conversations, promote empathy, and build relationships across diverse teams. They can create a sense of psychological safety where individuals feel comfortable expressing their perspectives and experiences.
However, it is important to note that emotional intelligence should not be seen as a substitute for specific knowledge and understanding of diversity issues. Leaders must also educate themselves about the unique challenges faced by different groups and actively work towards creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals to thrive.
Conclusion
Emotional intelligence can provide a strong foundation for fostering a DEI culture within an organization. Leaders with high emotional intelligence possess the skills necessary to navigate challenging situations, build relationships, and promote inclusivity. However, it is crucial to recognize that emotional intelligence alone is not sufficient to create sustainable change. Organizations must also address systemic barriers, implement inclusive policies, and actively work towards dismantling discriminatory practices. By combining emotional intelligence with systemic changes, leaders can play a vital role in creating a truly inclusive culture that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and ensures meaningful inclusion for all.
