Discuss whether there should be strict enforcement of the prostitution and obscenity statutes
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.
Title: The Case for Rethinking Enforcement of Prostitution and Obscenity Statutes
Introduction
Prostitution and obscenity statutes have long been a subject of debate in society. The question of whether there should be strict enforcement of these statutes is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration. While some argue for stringent enforcement as a means to uphold moral values and protect public decency, others believe that such measures may be counterproductive and even harmful. This essay will explore the various perspectives on this topic and argue for a more nuanced approach to the enforcement of prostitution and obscenity statutes.
Thesis Statement
Strict enforcement of prostitution and obscenity statutes may not be the most effective way to address the underlying issues associated with these practices. Instead, a more comprehensive approach that focuses on harm reduction, education, and support services may yield better outcomes for both individuals involved in these activities and society as a whole.
The Case for Strict Enforcement
Proponents of strict enforcement of prostitution and obscenity statutes often argue that such measures are essential for maintaining social order and upholding moral standards. They contend that allowing these activities to flourish unchecked can have detrimental effects on communities, leading to an erosion of values and an increase in crime rates. By enforcing these statutes rigorously, advocates believe that individuals will be deterred from engaging in behaviors deemed harmful or immoral, thereby preserving the fabric of society.
The Limitations of Strict Enforcement
On the other hand, critics of strict enforcement point out several shortcomings of this approach. One major concern is that it can drive these activities underground, making them harder to regulate and potentially putting individuals at greater risk. For example, criminalizing prostitution may push sex workers into dangerous situations where they are more vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Likewise, stringent obscenity laws may restrict freedom of expression and artistic creativity without necessarily addressing the root causes of societal issues.
A More Nuanced Approach
Rather than relying solely on strict enforcement, a more nuanced approach to addressing prostitution and obscenity may be more effective in addressing the underlying issues. This approach could include harm reduction strategies, such as providing access to healthcare and support services for individuals involved in these activities. Education and outreach programs could also help raise awareness about the risks associated with prostitution and obscenity, empowering individuals to make informed choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether there should be strict enforcement of prostitution and obscenity statutes is a complex issue with no easy answers. While some argue for stringent measures to uphold moral values, others believe that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the underlying issues effectively. By considering the limitations of strict enforcement and exploring alternative strategies, society can work towards creating a more just and compassionate response to prostitution and obscenity.
