Describe the history of protections for older workers and describe why older workers should be valued.
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
The History of Protections for Older Workers: Enhancing Equality and Valuing Experience
Introduction
As societies continue to evolve, it is crucial that we recognize and value the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their age. Older workers, in particular, possess a wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills that are invaluable to the workforce. However, throughout history, they have faced various forms of discrimination and marginalization. This essay will explore the history of protections for older workers and shed light on why they should be valued for their unique qualities.
The Evolution of Protections
The journey towards providing adequate protections for older workers has been a gradual process. In the early 20th century, when industrialization brought about significant changes in the labor market, older workers often faced harsh working conditions and inadequate benefits. Retirement was not a common practice, and many older workers were expected to work until their physical capabilities waned.
It was not until the mid-20th century that significant steps were taken to protect older workers. In 1967, the United States passed the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which made it illegal to discriminate against individuals over the age of 40 in hiring, firing, promotions, or other employment-related decisions. This legislation marked a crucial milestone in safeguarding the rights of older workers.
Valuing Older Workers: Experience and Expertise
Older workers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the workforce, making them an invaluable asset to any organization. Years of professional practice provide them with a deep understanding of their field, allowing them to make well-informed decisions based on a solid foundation of knowledge. This experience can often lead to more efficient problem-solving and innovative solutions.
Moreover, older workers possess a valuable set of soft skills that are honed through years of interpersonal interactions. They often excel at communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution due to their experience in navigating diverse work environments. These skills contribute to creating a harmonious and productive workplace atmosphere.
Addressing Stereotypes and Challenges
Despite the evident benefits that older workers bring to the table, they continue to face stereotypes and challenges in the workplace. One common stereotype is that older workers are resistant to change or technologically inept. However, research has consistently shown that older workers are adaptable and willing to learn new skills when provided with proper training and support.
Furthermore, older workers often face age discrimination during the hiring process. Employers may harbor misconceptions about their abilities or assume they will retire soon, leading to biased decision-making. Combating these stereotypes requires a shift in societal attitudes towards aging and an understanding of the valuable contributions that older workers can make.
Promoting Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
Valuing older workers goes beyond individual benefits; it also contributes to fostering workplace diversity and inclusion. A diverse workforce that includes individuals of various ages brings together different perspectives, experiences, and ideas. This diversity enhances creativity, innovation, and problem-solving within the organization.
Moreover, as populations age globally, businesses must adapt to cater to a more diverse customer base. Having older workers as part of the workforce allows organizations to understand and cater to the needs and preferences of this growing demographic. This understanding can lead to improved customer satisfaction and increased market share.
Conclusion
The history of protections for older workers has come a long way, with legislation such as the ADEA providing essential safeguards against discrimination. However, valuing older workers goes beyond legal obligations; it is an acknowledgment of their vast experience, expertise, and unique qualities that they bring to the workforce. By promoting workplace diversity and inclusion, we create a society that appreciates individuals of all ages, leading to better organizations and a more equitable world.
