The movie is called beyond utopia
here are the questions
1. Summarize the documentary/movie
2. Name 3 social inequalities discussed in the documentary/movie you selected.
a. What makes them inequalities?
b. Classism, sexism, racism, etc?
3. What problems are seen in this movie that define class differences and social inequalities?
4. How can we eliminate social inequality given that we are born unequal?
5. Based on what you watched, what are 5 possible ways to eliminate, if not, minimize social inequality in society?
6. Based on the documentary/movie, why are social inequalities denied by some people?
7. What other country has similar social inequalities?
8. Do the inequalities mentioned in this documentary/movie benefit the upper classes in the long run?
9. What are your opinions about this documentary/movie?
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
Analysis of the Documentary “Beyond Utopia”
1. Summary of the Documentary
The documentary “Beyond Utopia” delves into the complexities of social inequalities and class differences in modern society. It explores the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds and sheds light on the challenges they face in navigating a world where opportunities are not equally distributed. Through personal stories and interviews, the film highlights the stark realities of inequality and the impact it has on individuals and communities.
2. Social Inequalities Discussed
a. Inequalities:
1. Economic Disparities: The film addresses the economic inequalities present in society, where some individuals have access to wealth and resources while others struggle to make ends meet.
2. Educational Disparities: It also touches upon the educational inequalities that exist, with some individuals having limited access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth.
3. Racial Injustices: The documentary tackles racial inequalities, showcasing how systemic racism continues to marginalize certain groups and perpetuate discrimination.
b. Types of Inequalities:
The inequalities discussed in the documentary encompass a range of issues such as classism, educational disparities, and racism, highlighting how these factors intersect and contribute to social injustices.
3. Problems Defining Class Differences and Social Inequalities
The movie portrays various problems that define class differences and social inequalities, including limited access to resources, unequal opportunities for advancement, systemic barriers based on race and socio-economic status, and the perpetuation of cycles of poverty and marginalization.
4. Strategies to Eliminate Social Inequality
Given that individuals are born into unequal circumstances, addressing social inequality requires proactive measures such as equitable education access, economic empowerment programs, anti-discrimination policies, progressive taxation systems, and community-based initiatives aimed at reducing disparities and creating a more inclusive society.
5. Ways to Minimize Social Inequality
Based on the documentary, possible ways to minimize social inequality include implementing fair labor practices, promoting diversity and inclusion in all sectors, advocating for policy reforms that address systemic injustices, investing in social welfare programs, and fostering dialogue and awareness about the root causes of inequality.
6. Denial of Social Inequalities
Some people may deny the existence of social inequalities due to factors such as privilege, ignorance, fear of change, or a belief in meritocracy. Denial can also stem from a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences that highlight the pervasive nature of inequality in society.
7. Similar Social Inequalities in Other Countries
Countries like Brazil, India, and South Africa also face similar social inequalities related to economic disparities, educational inequities, and racial injustices that mirror the challenges depicted in the documentary “Beyond Utopia.”
8. Benefits of Inequalities to Upper Classes
The inequalities highlighted in the documentary ultimately benefit the upper classes in the long run by reinforcing their positions of power and privilege, maintaining the status quo, and perpetuating systems that prioritize their interests over those of marginalized communities.
9. Personal Opinion
In my opinion, “Beyond Utopia” effectively captures the nuanced realities of social inequality and class differences, prompting viewers to reflect on their own privileges and biases while advocating for systemic changes that promote equity and justice for all members of society. The documentary serves as a powerful call to action to address the root causes of inequality and work towards building a more inclusive and compassionate world.
