Explain the difference between diversity and inclusion. As a leader, how might you further the diversity narrative or actions in your organization?
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
Understanding Diversity and Inclusion: A Leader’s Role in Fostering Change
The Difference Between Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion, while often used interchangeably, represent distinct concepts that are crucial to creating a thriving workplace. Diversity refers to the presence of differences within a given setting, encompassing a variety of dimensions such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, and more. It highlights the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that individuals bring to an organization.
On the other hand, inclusion is about creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. It goes beyond merely having diverse representation; inclusion ensures that diverse voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes. An inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging, allowing every employee to contribute their ideas and talents without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
In summary, diversity is about the mix of people present in an organization, while inclusion is about how effectively those diverse individuals are integrated and engaged within the workplace.
Furthering the Diversity Narrative as a Leader
As a leader, I recognize the critical importance of advancing both diversity and inclusion within my organization. Here are several proactive steps I would take to further the diversity narrative:
1. Establish Clear Goals and Metrics
To promote diversity effectively, it is essential to establish clear goals and measurable outcomes. I would work with my team to identify specific diversity targets related to recruitment, retention, and promotion of underrepresented groups. Regularly tracking progress against these metrics will help ensure accountability and transparency.
2. Create an Inclusive Culture
Fostering an inclusive culture requires intentional effort. I would prioritize open communication and encourage dialogue around diversity and inclusion topics. This includes hosting workshops and training sessions that address unconscious bias and promote cultural competency. Creating safe spaces for employees to share their experiences and perspectives can help build empathy and understanding among team members.
3. Diversify Recruitment Strategies
To attract a more diverse pool of candidates, I would advocate for diversifying our recruitment strategies. This includes partnering with organizations that support underrepresented groups, attending job fairs focused on diversity, and utilizing diverse hiring panels. Additionally, I would ensure that job descriptions are inclusive and free from biased language.
4. Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) provide a platform for employees with shared identities or experiences to connect and support one another. I would actively support the establishment and growth of ERGs within the organization, providing resources and opportunities for them to engage in professional development and community outreach efforts.
5. Lead by Example
As a leader, my actions speak louder than words. I would model inclusive behavior by actively seeking input from diverse team members, amplifying their voices in meetings, and advocating for their ideas. Demonstrating commitment to diversity through my own actions can inspire others to follow suit.
6. Continuous Learning
Diversity and inclusion are ever-evolving topics. I would commit to continuous learning about best practices in this area by engaging with thought leaders, attending workshops, and staying informed about trends affecting diverse groups. This ongoing education will enable me to adapt our strategies and initiatives as needed.
In conclusion, advancing the diversity narrative in an organization requires a multifaceted approach that emphasizes both representation and engagement. By establishing clear goals, creating an inclusive culture, diversifying recruitment strategies, supporting ERGs, leading by example, and committing to continuous learning, I can contribute to building a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and all employees feel empowered to thrive.
