Public health issue related to an environmental issue within the U.S. health care delivery system and examine its effect on a specific population.
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 Impact of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health in Urban Communities
Introduction
Air pollution is a significant environmental issue within the U.S. healthcare delivery system that poses a severe threat to public health, particularly in urban communities. The emission of pollutants from various sources, including industrial activities, transportation, and energy production, has detrimental effects on the respiratory health of individuals. In this essay, we will explore the impact of air pollution on respiratory health and its specific effects on the population living in urban areas.
Air Pollution and Respiratory Health
Air pollution consists of various harmful substances, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3). These pollutants can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and cause or worsen respiratory conditions. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer.
Effect on Urban Communities
Urban communities are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution due to several factors. First, these areas have a higher concentration of pollution sources such as factories, power plants, and heavy traffic. The proximity to these sources exposes residents to higher levels of pollutants on a daily basis. Additionally, urban areas often have limited green spaces and trees, which can act as natural air filters and reduce pollution levels.
Furthermore, socioeconomic factors play a role in exacerbating the impact of air pollution on urban populations. Low-income communities are more likely to be located near industrial zones or highways, leading to higher exposure to pollutants. Limited access to healthcare services and higher rates of pre-existing respiratory conditions in these communities further compound the negative health outcomes associated with air pollution.
Specific Population: Children
Among the various populations affected by air pollution, children are particularly vulnerable. Their developing respiratory systems make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants. Exposure to air pollution during childhood can lead to reduced lung function, increased risk of developing asthma, and long-term respiratory problems that persist into adulthood.
In urban areas, where pollution levels tend to be higher, children are at an even greater risk. Studies have shown that children living in urban environments with high levels of air pollution are more likely to develop respiratory conditions such as asthma and experience exacerbations of their symptoms. These health issues can have long-lasting effects on their quality of life, educational attainment, and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Air pollution is a pressing public health issue within the U.S. healthcare delivery system, particularly in urban communities. The detrimental effects of air pollution on respiratory health are well-documented, with increased risks of asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and other respiratory diseases. Among the affected populations, children living in urban areas face heightened vulnerabilities due to their developing respiratory systems and higher exposure levels.
Addressing this environmental issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Implementing stricter emissions standards for industries and vehicles, promoting renewable energy sources, and investing in green infrastructure can help reduce air pollution levels in urban areas. Additionally, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services and focusing on preventive measures can help mitigate the impact of air pollution on the respiratory health of vulnerable populations.
By recognizing the significant impact of air pollution on respiratory health in urban communities, policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities can work together to create healthier environments and improve the overall well-being of the affected population. It is crucial to prioritize environmental sustainability and public health to ensure a healthier future for all.
