Identify an issue that is facing our society today that is in some way related to sex and/or gender and has opposing sides. Consider a law that was recently put into or taken out of effect or is being debated. You could also look to the statements or actions of a public figure or organization that has generated significant attention from the media. The issue you select should have ample material from which you may pull to gain insight into the details surrounding it. Feel free to email your instructor if you would like to verify that an issue is appropriate or if you would like some suggestions as to what you could cover.

Explore multiple sides of the issue you have selected until you have a good understanding as to why each side believes it is right. Research the historical events that have caused the circumstances of this issue. Engage in discussions with others who have strong feelings about the issue to learn the reasons why they feel they way they do.

Construct a 1,000-1,250 word essay that demonstrates your understanding of the following:

The issue that you have identified (a concise synopsis of what the issue is)
Historical context (previous events in history that have contributed to the rise of the issue)
Both sides of the current argument (provide an objective review- the reader should not know which side of the issue that you personally are on)
At least two possible resolutions to the issue (include the potential ramifications of each resolution for both sides)

 

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 Studies4(8), 487.

Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.

The issue of transgender rights, particularly regarding access to healthcare and participation in sports, has become a highly contentious topic in many societies. This essay will explore the historical context, opposing viewpoints, and potential resolutions surrounding this complex issue.

Historical Context

The concept of gender has evolved significantly throughout history. Traditional societal structures often enforced rigid gender roles and limited individual expression. The transgender experience, while always present, has historically been marginalized and often met with prejudice and discrimination.

The fight for transgender rights is deeply intertwined with the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement. Key historical events include:

  • The Stonewall Uprising (1969): This pivotal event marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, challenging societal norms and demanding equal rights for all.
  • The rise of transgender activism: The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed a growing transgender rights movement, with activists fighting for legal recognition, equal protection under the law, and access to healthcare.

Opposing Viewpoints

Arguments in favor of transgender rights:

  • Human Rights: Proponents argue that transgender rights are fundamental human rights. They emphasize the importance of bodily autonomy, self-determination, and the right to live free from discrimination.

The issue of transgender rights, particularly regarding access to healthcare and participation in sports, has become a highly contentious topic in many societies. This essay will explore the historical context, opposing viewpoints, and potential resolutions surrounding this complex issue.

Historical Context

The concept of gender has evolved significantly throughout history. Traditional societal structures often enforced rigid gender roles and limited individual expression. The transgender experience, while always present, has historically been marginalized and often met with prejudice and discrimination.

The fight for transgender rights is deeply intertwined with the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement. Key historical events include:

  • The Stonewall Uprising (1969): This pivotal event marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, challenging societal norms and demanding equal rights for all.
  • The rise of transgender activism: The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed a growing transgender rights movement, with activists fighting for legal recognition, equal protection under the law, and access to healthcare.

Opposing Viewpoints

Arguments in favor of transgender rights:

  • Human Rights: Proponents argue that transgender rights are fundamental human rights. They emphasize the importance of bodily autonomy, self-determination, and the right to live free from discrimination.
  • Medical Necessity: They highlight the importance of access to gender-affirming healthcare, such as hormone therapy and surgery, for the mental and physical health of transgender individuals.
  • Equality and Inclusion: They advocate for policies that ensure transgender individuals have equal access to education, employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Arguments against transgender rights:

  • Religious and Moral Objections: Some argue that transgender identities are incompatible with their religious or moral beliefs.
  • Concerns about Women’s Sports: Some argue that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports creates an unfair advantage due to potential biological differences.
  • Concerns about Children: Some argue that children should not be allowed to transition, citing concerns about potential long-term consequences and the influence of social pressures.

Potential Resolutions

  1. Comprehensive Legislation:

    • Pro: Could provide clear legal protections for transgender individuals in areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, and public accommodations.
    • Con: May face opposition from those who believe such legislation infringes on religious freedom or other rights.
  2. Focus on Education and Awareness:

    • Pro: Could help to reduce prejudice and discrimination by increasing public understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals.
    • Con: May not be sufficient to address systemic discrimination and ensure legal protections for transgender people.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding transgender rights is complex and multifaceted. It raises fundamental questions about identity, equality, and the role of government in protecting individual rights. Finding a resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals while also addressing legitimate concerns will require ongoing dialogue, compromise, and a commitment to finding common ground.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer