When you hear some people say: – “I dont see color” or All Lives Matter” vs. “Black Lives Matter”.What opinion do you have with their comment?
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
Embracing Diversity: Understanding the Impact of “I Don’t See Color” and “All Lives Matter” vs. “Black Lives Matter”
In recent years, conversations around race, diversity, and social justice have become prominent in various spheres of society. One common phrase that often arises in these discussions is “I don’t see color” or the contrasting viewpoints of “All Lives Matter” versus “Black Lives Matter.” While these statements may seem well-intentioned on the surface, it is important to delve deeper into their implications and understand the significance of acknowledging and addressing racial inequalities.
Thesis Statement: Statements such as “I don’t see color” or “All Lives Matter” can inadvertently dismiss the lived experiences and systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly Black individuals. Embracing the importance of acknowledging and addressing racial disparities is essential in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
When someone claims they “don’t see color,” they may intend to convey a message of equality and impartiality. However, this statement can be problematic as it overlooks the significance of acknowledging and celebrating diversity. By choosing to ignore or downplay race, individuals may inadvertently perpetuate a colorblind ideology that dismisses the unique experiences, struggles, and contributions of different racial and ethnic groups. In reality, embracing diversity and recognizing the impact of race on individuals’ lives is crucial in promoting understanding, empathy, and inclusivity.
On the other hand, the phrase “All Lives Matter” has emerged as a response to the “Black Lives Matter” movement, which advocates for addressing systemic racism and injustices faced by the Black community. While it is true that all lives have inherent value and deserve respect, the “All Lives Matter” slogan can undermine the specific focus needed to address the historical and ongoing discrimination experienced by Black individuals. By diluting the conversation around racial justice into a universal message, there is a risk of detracting from the urgent need to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly Black Americans.
The “Black Lives Matter” movement seeks to shine a spotlight on the systemic racism, police brutality, and social inequalities that disproportionately affect Black individuals. By centering the experiences and voices of Black communities, this movement calls attention to the need for tangible reforms, accountability, and social change to combat racial disparities. Embracing the “Black Lives Matter” message means acknowledging the historical legacy of racism, advocating for justice and equality, and actively challenging systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality.
In their article “Understanding Colorblind Ideology: A Call to Promote Racial Justice and Well-Being,” Johnson et al. (2020) emphasize the importance of moving beyond colorblindness towards a more nuanced understanding of race and racism. They highlight how acknowledging and valuing racial differences can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where all individuals are seen, heard, and respected.
In conclusion, while statements like “I don’t see color” or “All Lives Matter” may stem from good intentions, it is essential to recognize their limitations in addressing racial inequalities and fostering true inclusivity. Embracing diversity, acknowledging the significance of race in shaping individuals’ experiences, and actively supporting movements like “Black Lives Matter” are crucial steps towards promoting racial justice, equality, and empowerment for all members of society. By listening, learning, and advocating for change, we can work together towards building a more just and equitable world for future generations.
