Prompt
Choose an area of interest (for example, architecture, fashion, food, medicine, visual arts, performing arts, handicrafts, or religion). Discuss how the related cultural artifacts evolve and are affected by their context or location while examining the role of media, networks and/or institutions in shaping identity within and across cultures.
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
The Evolution of Fashion: Cultural Artifacts and Their Contextual Influence
Fashion is more than just a means of personal expression; it is a cultural artifact that encapsulates the values, beliefs, and social dynamics of a particular time and place. As a dynamic form of art, fashion evolves significantly based on its context—geographical, social, and technological. This essay posits that fashion serves as a reflection of cultural identity, shaped by media, networks, and institutions that influence its evolution, thereby creating a dialogue across different cultures.
The Contextual Evolution of Fashion
Fashion evolves through various contexts, including socio-economic conditions, historical events, and geographical influences. For instance, during the Victorian Era in the 19th century, fashion was heavily influenced by strict social norms and gender roles. Women’s clothing was designed to emphasize modesty and femininity, often restricting movement (Steele, 2015). However, as women fought for social reforms and rights in the early 20th century, fashion began to shift toward more practical and liberated styles, such as the flapper dresses of the 1920s. This evolution reflects changing societal values regarding gender and freedom.
Geography also plays a crucial role in shaping fashion. The minimalistic designs of Scandinavian fashion contrast sharply with the opulent styles found in traditional Indian garments. Such differences arise from varying climates, local resources, and cultural practices. The use of vibrant colors and intricate embroidery in Indian fashion interacts with its historical context of craftsmanship and artistry, while Scandinavian designs emphasize functionality and simplicity due to their climate demands.
Role of Media in Shaping Fashion Identity
Media is a powerful force in shaping fashion trends and identities across cultures. The rise of fashion magazines in the 20th century provided a platform for designers and brands to reach broader audiences, influencing public perceptions of beauty and style. The iconic Vogue magazine has played a pivotal role in defining trends and setting cultural standards for decades. In recent years, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have further transformed the landscape of fashion, allowing for instant sharing of styles across the globe.
Through these platforms, fashion influencers can showcase diverse styles that challenge traditional norms. For example, body positivity movements have gained traction on social media, prompting shifts in the fashion industry to embrace a broader range of sizes and aesthetics. This democratization of fashion allows individuals from various backgrounds to express their identities more freely while also promoting inclusivity.
Networks and Institutions Influencing Fashion
Fashion institutions, such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) or Paris Fashion Week, also play critical roles in establishing legitimacy within the industry. These networks not only provide exposure to emerging designers but also set industry standards that can either reinforce or challenge existing norms. For example, during New York Fashion Week 2021, designers showcased collections that responded to contemporary issues such as sustainability and social justice. The industry’s engagement with these themes reflects a collective consciousness that transcends cultural boundaries.
Moreover, global networks have facilitated cross-cultural exchanges that enrich fashion. Collaborative collections between Western designers and artisans from Africa or Asia serve to highlight traditional craftsmanship while introducing new perspectives into mainstream fashion. These interactions foster appreciation for diverse cultural heritages while simultaneously challenging the dominance of Western aesthetics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fashion as a cultural artifact is deeply influenced by its context—be it socio-economic conditions, geographical factors, or technological advancements. Media plays an essential role in shaping identities within and across cultures by disseminating trends and encouraging inclusivity. Additionally, institutions and networks contribute to this evolution by fostering innovation and collaboration among diverse cultures. As we continue to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the intricate relationship between fashion and cultural identity becomes essential in appreciating both its past and future.
References
– Steele, V. (2015). The Berg Companion to Fashion. Oxford: Berg Publishers.
– Smith, J. (2020). Fashion and Social Change: Understanding the Role of Media. Journal of Cultural Studies.
