Write a 700-800-word OpEd that argue for or against the proposed policy using a health equity/health justice perspective
The OpEd will speak to a proposed federal, state, local, or international policy. You will argue for or against the proposed policy using a health equity/health justice perspective. Your OpEd should use theory, concepts, methods, and empirical findings from the readings, lectures, and related resources (e.g., the larger literature) to justify 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: A Health Equity Perspective on Universal Healthcare
Introduction
Universal healthcare has long been a topic of debate in many countries, with proponents arguing that it is a fundamental right and an essential step towards achieving health equity and justice. However, opponents often cite concerns about cost, inefficiency, and limited individual choice. This op-ed will argue in favor of universal healthcare from a health equity and health justice perspective, drawing on theory, concepts, methods, and empirical findings.
Thesis Statement
From a health equity and health justice perspective, universal healthcare is not only a moral imperative but also an effective means of reducing health disparities and ensuring equal access to quality care for all individuals.
Body
1. Health Equity and Justice
Health equity is the principle that all individuals should have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health possible. It recognizes that there are social determinants of health, such as income, education, and race, that significantly impact an individual’s well-being. Health justice, on the other hand, focuses on addressing these social determinants of health to achieve fair distribution of healthcare resources and outcomes.
2. Disparities in Access to Care
One of the key arguments in favor of universal healthcare is its potential to reduce disparities in access to care. Currently, millions of people worldwide lack access to essential healthcare services due to financial constraints or inadequate insurance coverage. This disproportionately affects marginalized populations, perpetuating existing health inequities. Universal healthcare would ensure that everyone has equal access to necessary care, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
3. Preventive Care and Early Intervention
Universal healthcare systems prioritize preventive care and early intervention. By providing comprehensive coverage, individuals can access regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations that can prevent the onset or progression of diseases. This approach not only improves individual health outcomes but also reduces the burden on the healthcare system by addressing health issues before they become more severe and costly to treat.
4. Economic Benefits
Contrary to popular belief, universal healthcare can have significant economic benefits. Studies have shown that countries with universal healthcare systems have lower healthcare costs per capita compared to those with fragmented systems. This is because universal healthcare promotes preventive care and early intervention, reducing the need for expensive emergency treatments. Additionally, by eliminating the financial burden of medical bills, individuals are more likely to seek timely care, leading to better health outcomes and increased productivity.
5. Social Solidarity and Cohesion
Universal healthcare promotes social solidarity and cohesion by ensuring that everyone has equal access to essential healthcare services. When individuals are confident that they will receive the care they need without facing financial hardship, it fosters a sense of collective responsibility and support for one another. This solidarity strengthens social bonds and contributes to a more equitable and just society.
6. Lessons from Successful Models
Countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and many European nations have implemented universal healthcare systems with positive outcomes. These countries consistently rank higher in terms of health outcomes, efficiency, and equity compared to countries with fragmented or privatized systems. The success of these models demonstrates that universal healthcare is not only feasible but also effective in achieving health equity and justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, from a health equity and health justice perspective, universal healthcare is a crucial policy that can address disparities in access to care and promote equal opportunities for individuals to achieve their highest level of health. By prioritizing preventive care, reducing financial barriers, and fostering social solidarity, universal healthcare can create a fairer and more equitable society. The success of existing models further supports the implementation of universal healthcare as a means of achieving health equity and justice for all.
