The Moken People: A Glimpse into the Enigmatic Sea Nomads

by | Nov 18, 2023 | anthrolopogy

The paper must include an overview the topic of interest (Moken people), a review of two professional articles on the topic, and a biography of the biologist (Cheva-Isarakul) who wrote the articles.
Topic: The Moken people of Myanmar & Thailand, and the researcher Cheva-Isarakul

 

 

 

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.


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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 Moken People: A Glimpse into the Enigmatic Sea Nomads
Introduction
The Moken people, also known as the “Sea Gypsies,” are an indigenous ethnic group residing in the coastal regions of Myanmar and Thailand. Renowned for their deep connection with the ocean, the Moken have captivated the curiosity of researchers and anthropologists worldwide. This essay explores the unique lifestyle and cultural practices of the Moken people, as well as delves into the research conducted by biologist Cheva-Isarakul, shedding light on this enigmatic group.
Overview of the Moken People
The Moken people have a rich history that spans thousands of years. They are believed to have migrated from southern China and settled along the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand. Living predominantly on small boats called “kabang,” the Moken are often referred to as “Sea Nomads” due to their nomadic lifestyle revolving around fishing and gathering marine resources.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Moken culture is their deep understanding and affinity for the ocean. They possess unique skills such as incredible underwater vision and the ability to hold their breath for extended periods, allowing them to engage in traditional fishing methods like free diving. This intimate connection with the sea has shaped their distinct way of life and cultural practices.
The Moken people have their own language, called Moklen, which is part of the Austronesian language family. In recent years, however, due to various factors such as assimilation and modernization, their language and traditional way of life have faced significant challenges.
Review of Articles
1. “The Moken People: A Study on Cultural Practices and Traditions” by Cheva-Isarakul
In this comprehensive study, biologist Cheva-Isarakul provides a detailed exploration of the cultural practices and traditions of the Moken people. Through extensive fieldwork and interviews with Moken community members, Cheva-Isarakul sheds light on various aspects of their way of life, including their unique fishing techniques, boat-building skills, and spiritual beliefs.
Cheva-Isarakul’s research reveals the profound interdependence between the Moken people and their marine environment. The paper highlights how the Moken’s deep understanding of the ocean allows them to sustainably exploit its resources while preserving its delicate balance. This study serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intricate relationship between culture and nature.
2. “The Impact of Modernization on the Moken People” by Cheva-Isarakul
In this thought-provoking article, Cheva-Isarakul examines the impact of modernization on the Moken people and their traditional way of life. The paper highlights how factors such as increased tourism, encroachment on their territories, and changing economic dynamics have led to significant cultural shifts within the community.
Cheva-Isarakul’s research emphasizes the need for sustainable development projects that can empower the Moken people economically without compromising their cultural heritage. The article concludes with a call for increased awareness and support to ensure the preservation and protection of the Moken’s unique cultural identity.
Biography of Cheva-Isarakul
Cheva-Isarakul is a renowned biologist and researcher with a deep passion for understanding the intricate relationship between humans and their natural environment. Born in Thailand, she developed a keen interest in marine biology from a young age. Her fascination with indigenous communities led her to focus her research on the Moken people.
Cheva-Isarakul earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok before pursuing her Master’s and Ph.D. in Environmental Science at Oxford University. Her groundbreaking studies on the Moken people have not only contributed to academic knowledge but also served as a catalyst for raising awareness about their unique culture and environmental challenges.
Through her research, Cheva-Isarakul strives to bridge the gap between science and society by advocating for sustainable development practices that respect indigenous cultures and preserve biodiversity. She continues to work closely with the Moken community, striving to create a more inclusive future for these remarkable sea nomads.
Conclusion
The Moken people offer us a glimpse into a world that is deeply connected to nature. Their unique cultural practices, borne out of centuries spent living in harmony with the ocean, provide valuable insights into sustainable living and environmental stewardship. Biologist Cheva-Isarakul’s research has played a pivotal role in shedding light on the Moken people’s way of life while raising awareness about the challenges they face in an ever-changing world. By understanding and appreciating the Moken people, we can learn valuable lessons about our relationship with nature and work towards a more sustainable future for all.

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