choose one of the socio issue in hong kong to debate, sort out the different sides of arguments, read through relevant literature, and present your own argument.
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
Debate Topic: The Impact of China’s National Security Law on Freedom and Autonomy in Hong Kong
Different Sides of the Argument:
Supporters of the National Security Law:
Maintaining Stability and Security: Proponents argue that the implementation of the National Security Law is essential for maintaining stability and security in Hong Kong. They assert that the law is necessary to curb activities that threaten national security and sovereignty.
Aligning with China’s Interests: Supporters of the law advocate for closer alignment with China’s national interests, emphasizing the need for Hong Kong to be a cooperative part of China, as stipulated in the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
Economic and Social Stability: Some proponents argue that the National Security Law is crucial for ensuring economic and social stability in Hong Kong, which is vital for the well-being of its residents and the region as a whole.
Critics of the National Security Law:
Erosion of Autonomy and Freedoms: Critics argue that the National Security Law poses a significant threat to the autonomy and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. They contend that it undermines the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and erodes Hong Kong’s unique legal and political framework.
Suppression of Dissent and Free Speech: Opponents highlight concerns about the potential use of the law to suppress dissent and limit free speech, leading to a chilling effect on political activism and civil liberties in Hong Kong.
International Backlash and Human Rights Concerns: Critics also point to the international backlash against the law, citing human rights organizations’ condemnation and concerns about violations of basic human rights in Hong Kong.
My Argument:
The implementation of China’s National Security Law in Hong Kong has sparked a contentious global debate, with valid arguments presented on both sides. However, I firmly believe that the law has significantly undermined the autonomy and freedoms that were guaranteed to the people of Hong Kong under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
The erosion of autonomy and the suppression of dissent are deeply concerning trends that have emerged following the imposition of the National Security Law. The arrests of pro-democracy activists, restrictions on free speech, and changes in the electoral system have all contributed to a palpable sense of fear and self-censorship among Hong Kong residents.
Furthermore, the international community’s condemnation of the law underscores its implications for human rights and global relations. The imposition of this law has strained Hong Kong’s standing as an international financial hub and raised questions about its viability as a global business center governed by rule of law.
In conclusion, while the need for stability and security is paramount, it should not come at the cost of fundamental freedoms and democratic values. The National Security Law has had a detrimental impact on Hong Kong’s autonomy and has raised serious human rights concerns. It is imperative for the international community to continue advocating for the preservation of Hong Kong’s unique identity and the protection of its residents’ rights and freedoms.
