Based on the chapter readings (9, 10, 11), write a reflection that describes your takeaways from the readings, interesting insights you gained from the chapters, how you feel the content of the chapter can be applied in your personal or professional life, any critiques you have about the chapter, and include at least two questions you have about the material you have read. Reflection must include at least two concepts that have been discussed in the readings (please bold or highlight these concepts in your paper). Reflections must be 1.5 spaced, Times New Roman 12, no less than one page/no more than two pages
Textbook: Revel for Human Communication in Society by Jess Alberts/Thomas Nakayama PRODUCT INFORMATION ISBNs: 9780136863762, 9780136863694, 9780136863762 Edition: 6th
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
Title: Reflection on Human Communication in Society
The chapters 9, 10, and 11 of “Human Communication in Society” by Jess Alberts and Thomas Nakayama have provided a deep understanding of various aspects of communication and its societal impacts. This reflection aims to discuss the key takeaways from the readings, insights gained, the potential application of the content in personal or professional life, critiques, and questions arising from the material.
The concept of intercultural communication was prominently featured in these chapters. It provided an in-depth understanding of how cultural differences impact communication and relationships. The authors emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse cultural norms and values. This insight is valuable in both personal and professional settings. In a globalized world, being culturally sensitive and competent is essential for effective communication and relationship-building.
Moreover, the concept of media literacy was intriguing. The chapters delved into the influence of media on society and individuals. The discussions on media bias, manipulation of information, and the power dynamics within media structures were eye-opening. Understanding media literacy is crucial in today’s information age, where misinformation and fake news are rampant. Developing critical thinking skills and being able to discern credible sources from biased or unreliable ones is imperative for informed decision-making and active citizenship.
The content of these chapters can be applied to my personal and professional life in numerous ways. In my personal life, understanding intercultural communication can help me navigate relationships with people from diverse backgrounds with empathy and respect. It can also enrich my interpersonal interactions by fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural differences. In a professional context, the insights gained from media literacy can aid in critically analyzing information, especially in fields where staying updated with accurate information is crucial.
While the chapters provided valuable insights, a critique would be the need for more in-depth real-world examples or case studies to illustrate the concepts discussed. Practical applications of the theories presented would enhance the understanding and relevance of the material.
Two questions arise from the readings. Firstly, how can individuals actively enhance their intercultural communication competence in a practical sense? Secondly, what strategies can be employed to promote media literacy on a societal level, especially in an era of widespread misinformation?
