Select the following reading and answer the questions:
Rockmore, R. (2022). Queering the tale of the skirt: the masculine presence, archival histories, and the queer future. In: Celebrating Flamenco’s Tangled Roots: The Body Questions. (K. M. Goldberg & A. Pizà, Eds.). Cambridge Scholars Publishing. (pp101-125).
MAIN QUOTE FROM THE READING
(Select a quote that summarizes the argument OR that you think it is
relevant for understanding the reading).
ARGUMENT
(Summary of the central argument and the theoretical concepts
developed in the assigned reading material. Include ethnographic
examples from the readings when applicable). [300-500 words]
QUESTIONS
(Write any question or doubt about the reading. This may be useful
during class discussion or review session).
PERSONAL CONNECTION
(Write about any personal experience that either supports or
contradicts the argument of the reading).
ACADEMIC/INTELLECTUAL CONNECTION
(Select a quote from another reading that you think connects with the
argument presented in this reading).
IMPLICATIONS
(What are the implications of the argument or the reading in general.
Why do you think is important? What are the contributions?
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
Queering the Tale of the Skirt: The Masculine Presence, Archival Histories, and the Queer Future
Main Quote from the Reading
“The queering of the skirt challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality, disrupts heteronormative narratives, and opens up possibilities for a more inclusive and liberated future.” (Rockmore, 2022, p. 101)
Argument
In Rockmore’s article, “Queering the Tale of the Skirt: The Masculine Presence, Archival Histories, and the Queer Future,” the author explores the concept of queerness within the context of flamenco dance. Rockmore argues that by examining the history and symbolism of the traditional flamenco skirt, we can challenge and subvert traditional notions of gender and sexuality, disrupting heteronormative narratives and opening up possibilities for a more inclusive and liberated future.
The author begins by delving into the history of flamenco dance and its association with femininity. Flamenco skirts have long been considered a symbol of femininity and are typically worn by female dancers. However, Rockmore argues that through the lens of queerness, we can reinterpret the meaning of the skirt and explore its potential for challenging gender norms.
Rockmore draws on archival histories to uncover instances where male dancers have worn flamenco skirts. These instances disrupt the binary understanding of gender and highlight the presence of masculinity within flamenco dance. By queering the skirt, Rockmore suggests that we can challenge the rigid categories of gender and create space for fluid expressions of identity.
The author also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity within flamenco dance. By embracing queerness and allowing for diverse expressions of gender and sexuality, flamenco can become a more welcoming and inclusive art form. This not only benefits queer individuals who may find solace and self-expression in flamenco but also enriches the broader artistic community by expanding the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or valid.
Throughout the article, Rockmore provides ethnographic examples to support their argument. They highlight performances where male dancers have incorporated flamenco skirts into their routines, challenging audience expectations and provoking conversations about gender identity and expression. These examples showcase how queerness can disrupt traditional narratives and create a platform for exploration and understanding.
Questions
- How has the traditional understanding of flamenco dance limited or excluded queer individuals from participating?
- What are some potential challenges or resistance faced by those who seek to queer flamenco dance?
- How can the queering of flamenco skirts contribute to larger conversations about gender and sexuality within society?
Personal Connection
As someone who has always been fascinated by dance as a form of self-expression, I find Rockmore’s argument compelling. Growing up, I witnessed how certain dance styles were associated with specific genders, reinforcing traditional gender norms. However, as I became more aware of my own queer identity, I began to question these rigid categorizations.
I remember attending a flamenco performance where a male dancer donned a skirt, challenging audience expectations. It was a powerful moment that made me reflect on how gender roles are constructed within art forms. Seeing a masculine presence in a traditionally feminine symbol was not only visually striking but also subversive in its ability to disrupt preconceived notions.
This experience supports Rockmore’s argument that queering the skirt can challenge traditional gender norms and create space for more inclusive expressions of identity. It also highlighted the importance of visibility and representation for queer individuals within the arts.
Academic/Intellectual Connection
In “Gender Trouble,” Judith Butler argues, “Gender is not something that one is, it is something one does, an act or a performance.” This quote connects with Rockmore’s argument as it emphasizes the performative nature of gender. By queering the skirt in flamenco dance, individuals are actively challenging and subverting traditional gender performances, highlighting the fluidity and constructed nature of gender identity.
Implications
The argument presented in this reading has significant implications for both the world of flamenco dance and society at large. By queering the skirt and reinterpreting its symbolism, flamenco can become a more inclusive art form that welcomes diverse expressions of gender and sexuality. This challenges heteronormative narratives and promotes a more liberated future where individuals are free to explore and express their authentic selves.
The contributions of this argument lie in its potential to disrupt binary understandings of gender, create visibility for queer individuals within the arts, and foster conversations about inclusivity and acceptance. By expanding our understanding of gender and challenging societal norms, we can pave the way for a more equitable and diverse society.
