Critically analyse a particular ‘moral panic’ about young people eg ‘Sudanese gangs’; ‘radicalised’ young people; teenage parents; unemployed young people etc. Provide some critical analysis of the ways this issue is constructed, drawing on both establishment and critical theories in your analysis. Based on your analysis provide some suggestions for a way forward in resolving this moral panic.
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 Moral Panic Surrounding ‘Sudanese Gangs’: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
In recent years, a moral panic has emerged surrounding the issue of ‘Sudanese gangs’ in certain communities. This panic has been fueled by sensationalized media coverage and political rhetoric, leading to an overgeneralization and stigmatization of Sudanese youth. By critically analyzing the ways this issue is constructed, drawing on both establishment and critical theories, we can shed light on the underlying dynamics and propose a way forward towards resolving this moral panic.
Construction of the Issue
Establishment Theory Perspective
From an establishment theory perspective, the moral panic surrounding ‘Sudanese gangs’ can be seen as a product of societal fears and anxieties. The media plays a crucial role in constructing this issue by selectively highlighting instances of criminal behavior perpetrated by Sudanese youth. These instances are then used to generalize and demonize an entire community, leading to a distorted perception of reality.
Furthermore, political actors often exploit this moral panic to gain support and advance their own agendas. By scapegoating Sudanese youth as the ‘other’ responsible for societal problems such as crime and social unrest, politicians can divert attention from systemic issues and appeal to the fears of certain segments of the population.
Critical Theory Perspective
From a critical theory perspective, the moral panic surrounding ‘Sudanese gangs’ can be seen as a manifestation of structural inequalities and racism within society. By focusing on the criminal behavior of a few individuals, the media perpetuates harmful stereotypes that contribute to the marginalization of Sudanese youth.
Moreover, this moral panic ignores the socio-economic factors that contribute to crime and youth disengagement. Sudanese youth, like any other group, face challenges such as poverty, limited educational opportunities, and discrimination. By failing to address these underlying issues, society exacerbates the conditions that lead to criminal behavior.
A Way Forward
To resolve this moral panic surrounding ‘Sudanese gangs,’ it is essential to adopt a more evidence-based and inclusive approach. The following suggestions can guide us towards a more just and effective solution:
Challenging Media Narratives: Media outlets should strive for balanced reporting that avoids sensationalism and generalizations. Journalists should prioritize accurate representation and contextualization of issues involving Sudanese youth, highlighting their achievements and contributions to society.
Promoting Dialogue and Understanding: Community leaders, policymakers, and representatives from the Sudanese community should engage in constructive dialogue. This dialogue should aim to foster understanding, challenge stereotypes, and address underlying concerns. Encouraging diverse voices to participate in discussions can help dispel misconceptions and build empathy.
Investing in Social Programs: Governments should invest in targeted social programs that address the root causes of crime and disengagement among Sudanese youth. These programs should focus on providing educational opportunities, employment prospects, and support networks that empower young people to make positive choices.
Strengthening Community Connections: Building strong community connections is vital in combating the marginalization experienced by Sudanese youth. Encouraging cross-cultural exchange programs, promoting intercultural understanding, and supporting initiatives that foster social cohesion can help break down barriers and build a sense of belonging.
Addressing Societal Inequalities: Recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities is crucial in resolving the moral panic surrounding ‘Sudanese gangs.’ Governments should work towards creating equitable access to education, employment, and housing for all individuals, regardless of their background.
Conclusion
The moral panic surrounding ‘Sudanese gangs’ highlights the dangers of sensationalism, scapegoating, and racism within society. By critically analyzing this issue from both establishment and critical theory perspectives, we can understand its construction and propose effective solutions. Through challenging media narratives, promoting dialogue and understanding, investing in social programs, strengthening community connections, and addressing societal inequalities, we can move towards a more inclusive society that values the contributions of all young people, regardless of their background.
