Wealth InequalityCOLLAPSE
Watch this 12-minute clip in which income inequality is discussed http://www.pbs.org/video/2096164335/. What are your reactions to this video? Which of the three societies presented in the video would you most like to live in? Why? Are you surprised at the level of inequality in the United States?
What may explain the growing wealth inequality in the United States? Is there something that can be done to diminish the growing gap between the rich and the poor? Should there be?
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
Reactions to the PBS Video on Income Inequality
After watching the PBS video discussing income inequality, several thoughts and reactions come to mind. The stark contrast between the three societies showcased – the United States, Sweden, and China – in terms of wealth distribution and social policies was eye-opening. The video effectively highlighted the significant disparities in income and opportunities that exist within these countries.
Preferred Society to Live In
Among the three societies presented in the video, I would most prefer to live in Sweden. The comprehensive social welfare programs, emphasis on equality, and strong support for education and healthcare portrayed in the Swedish model are appealing. The focus on providing a safety net for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, contributes to a more equitable society where opportunities are more evenly distributed.
Surprised by Inequality in the United States
The level of income inequality depicted in the United States was not entirely surprising, given the ongoing discussions and reports on wealth disparities in the country. However, seeing the statistics and real-life examples presented in the video reinforced the magnitude of the issue. The contrast between the wealthiest individuals and those struggling to make ends meet underscored the challenges faced by many Americans due to systemic inequalities.
Factors Contributing to Growing Wealth Inequality
Several factors may explain the growing wealth inequality in the United States, including:
1. Economic Policies: Tax policies that favor the wealthy, deregulation of industries, and lack of sufficient social safety nets can exacerbate income disparities.
2. Globalization: The impact of globalization on job markets, wage stagnation, and outsourcing of jobs to lower-wage countries can contribute to income inequality.
3. Technological Advancements: Automation and advancements in technology may lead to job displacement and widen the gap between high-skilled and low-skilled workers.
Addressing Wealth Inequality
To diminish the growing wealth gap between the rich and the poor, proactive measures can be taken:
1. Progressive Taxation: Implementing progressive tax reforms that require the wealthy to pay a higher percentage of their income can help redistribute wealth more equitably.
2. Investing in Education and Skills Training: Providing access to quality education and skills training programs can empower individuals to secure higher-paying jobs and improve their socio-economic status.
3. Supporting Small Businesses and Workers: Policies that support small businesses, ensure fair wages, and protect workers’ rights can help reduce income inequality and promote economic stability.
Ethical Considerations
From an ethical standpoint, addressing wealth inequality is not only a matter of economic efficiency but also a question of social justice. Ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or financial resources, can lead to a more inclusive and prosperous society.
In conclusion, the PBS video on income inequality serves as a poignant reminder of the disparities that exist within societies and the importance of addressing wealth inequality through equitable policies and social initiatives. By fostering a more inclusive and fair economic system, we can strive towards a society where opportunities are accessible to all individuals, leading to a more just and prosperous future for everyone.
