Write an ethnographic research essay that primarily focuses on Gender identity and the Native American experience
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: Navigating Gender Identity: A Cultural Exploration of the Native American Experience
Introduction
Gender identity is a complex and multifaceted aspect of human experience, shaped by cultural beliefs, traditions, and social norms. This ethnographic research essay delves into the intersection of gender identity and the Native American experience, exploring how Indigenous communities conceptualize and navigate gender diversity within their cultural contexts.
Thesis Statement
Through an ethnographic lens, this essay will illuminate the rich tapestry of gender identities within Native American communities, highlighting the unique perspectives, challenges, and resilience of individuals who defy Western gender binaries.
Traditional Native American Perspectives on Gender
Native American cultures have long recognized and embraced gender diversity, acknowledging the existence of multiple genders beyond the male-female binary. Historical accounts and oral traditions reveal the presence of Two-Spirit individuals who embody both masculine and feminine qualities, holding revered roles within their communities.
Contemporary Realities and Challenges
Despite the cultural acceptance of gender diversity in traditional Native American societies, colonization, assimilation policies, and ongoing societal prejudices have marginalized and erased Indigenous perspectives on gender identity. Many Native individuals face discrimination, violence, and lack of recognition for their gender identities in contemporary settings.
Resilience and Revitalization of Two-Spirit Identities
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of pride and activism among Two-Spirit individuals and allies within Native American communities. Through cultural revitalization efforts, advocacy campaigns, and community support networks, Two-Spirit people are reclaiming their identities and challenging mainstream narratives about gender.
Intersectionality and Identity Formation
The intersectionality of gender identity with other aspects of identity, such as race, ethnicity, and sexuality, further complicates the experiences of Native American individuals. Ethnographic research can provide insights into how these intersecting identities shape individuals’ self-perceptions, relationships, and interactions within their communities.
Moving Towards Inclusivity and Empowerment
By centering Indigenous voices, honoring traditional knowledge systems, and advocating for policy changes that respect gender diversity, society can create a more inclusive and empowering environment for Native American individuals to express their gender identities authentically. Ethnographic research plays a crucial role in amplifying these voices and fostering understanding and solidarity across cultural boundaries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this ethnographic research essay has illuminated the intricate interplay between gender identity and the Native American experience, showcasing the resilience, diversity, and cultural richness of Indigenous perspectives on gender. By embracing and celebrating the fluidity and complexity of gender identities within Native communities, society can move towards a more inclusive and affirming future where all individuals are valued and respected for who they are. Through ongoing research, advocacy, and dialogue, we can continue to honor the legacy of Two-Spirit traditions and support the empowerment of gender-diverse individuals within Native American cultures.
