Write a A Case Study on How the FIFA World Cup Has Been Used to Promote Propaganda Under Authoritarian Regimes Using Soft Power
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
Essay: The FIFA World Cup as a Tool for Propaganda under Authoritarian Regimes
Introduction
The FIFA World Cup, one of the most prestigious sporting events globally, has not only been a platform for showcasing athletic talent but has also been utilized as a tool for propaganda by authoritarian regimes. This case study will delve into how authoritarian regimes have leveraged the soft power of the World Cup to promote their agendas and influence international perceptions.
Thesis Statement
Authoritarian regimes have strategically used the FIFA World Cup as a means to project a positive image of themselves on the global stage and advance their propaganda narratives through the soft power associated with the tournament.
Soft Power and Propaganda
Soft power refers to the ability of a country to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. Authoritarian regimes often utilize soft power strategies, such as cultural diplomacy and sports diplomacy, to shape international perceptions in their favor. The FIFA World Cup, with its massive viewership and global reach, provides an ideal platform for these regimes to exercise soft power and promote their propaganda narratives.
Case Study: Russia 2018 World Cup
Promotion of National Identity
During the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia, the authoritarian regime under President Vladimir Putin strategically utilized the tournament to promote a positive image of Russia globally. The event was used as a platform to showcase Russian culture, hospitality, and technological advancements, reinforcing a sense of national pride among the populace and projecting an image of Russia as a modern and welcoming nation.
Distraction from Political Issues
Hosting the World Cup allowed the Russian government to divert attention from internal political issues and human rights concerns. The focus on the tournament and the excitement surrounding the event served as a distraction from issues such as government crackdowns on dissent and allegations of electoral interference, thereby shaping international perceptions of Russia in a more favorable light.
Diplomatic Relations and Soft Power
The World Cup also provided an opportunity for Russia to engage in sports diplomacy and strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries. Through hosting the tournament and welcoming visitors from around the world, Russia aimed to enhance its soft power by fostering goodwill and cultural exchanges, thereby promoting its own narrative on the global stage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the FIFA World Cup has been effectively used as a tool for propaganda by authoritarian regimes seeking to leverage the soft power associated with the tournament. By projecting a positive image of themselves, diverting attention from internal issues, and engaging in sports diplomacy, these regimes aim to influence international perceptions and shape narratives in their favor. As the World Cup continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it remains crucial to critically analyze how authoritarian regimes exploit this platform for their propaganda objectives.
