Write an ethnographic research essay that primarily focuses on Youth, technology and activism
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: The Digital Revolution: Exploring Youth, Technology, and Activism in the Modern Era
Introduction
In the digital age, technology has transformed the landscape of activism, providing young people with new tools and platforms to engage in social change. This ethnographic research essay delves into the intersection of youth, technology, and activism, examining how digital innovations have reshaped the ways in which young individuals participate in and mobilize for social justice causes.
Thesis Statement
Through an ethnographic lens, this essay will explore the dynamic relationship between youth, technology, and activism, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and implications of digital engagement for young activists in the contemporary world.
Technology as a Catalyst for Youth Activism
Technology has revolutionized the way young people participate in activism, offering avenues for communication, organizing, and advocacy that were previously unavailable. Social media platforms, digital storytelling tools, and online mobilization campaigns have empowered youth to amplify their voices and connect with like-minded individuals across the globe.
Youth-Led Movements and Digital Advocacy
The rise of youth-led movements, such as Fridays for Future and Black Lives Matter, exemplifies the power of technology in mobilizing large-scale social change efforts. Through hashtags, viral campaigns, and digital protests, young activists have been able to raise awareness, challenge dominant narratives, and hold institutions accountable for their actions.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While technology has expanded the reach and impact of youth activism, it also presents challenges and ethical considerations. Issues such as online harassment, misinformation, data privacy, and digital divides can hinder young people’s ability to engage in activism effectively and safely in online spaces.
Innovation and Collaboration in Digital Activism
Despite these challenges, young activists continue to innovate and collaborate using technology to address pressing social issues. Crowdsourcing platforms, virtual reality experiences, and online advocacy hubs are just a few examples of how youth are leveraging digital tools to create meaningful change and foster community engagement.
The Future of Youth Activism in a Digital World
As technology continues to evolve and shape the landscape of activism, it is essential to critically examine the implications of digital engagement for youth activism. By harnessing the power of technology responsibly, promoting digital literacy, and fostering inclusive online spaces, society can support young activists in their efforts to create a more just and equitable world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this ethnographic research essay has shed light on the dynamic relationship between youth, technology, and activism in the modern era. By embracing digital innovations, amplifying youth voices, and addressing the challenges of online engagement, society can create a more inclusive and empowering environment for young activists to drive social change. Through ongoing research, dialogue, and collaboration, we can continue to explore the transformative potential of technology in advancing youth-led movements and shaping a more equitable future for generations to come.
