How and why have certain Americans tended to view themselves and their nation as “exceptional”? How has this notion shaped American culture, politics and economics?
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 Notion of American Exceptionalism: Its Impact on Culture, Politics, and Economics
The concept of American exceptionalism has been deeply ingrained in the national identity and psyche for centuries. It refers to the belief that the United States is a unique and exceptional nation, distinct from other countries in terms of its history, values, and destiny. This notion has shaped American culture, politics, and economics in significant ways. Let’s explore how and why certain Americans have tended to view themselves and their nation as exceptional and the impact it has had:
Historical and Ideological Factors
Pioneering Spirit: The early settlers in America were driven by a spirit of exploration, adventure, and the pursuit of a better life. This historical context laid the foundation for the belief that America was destined for greatness and had a special mission in the world.
Revolutionary Legacy: The American Revolution and the subsequent establishment of a democratic republic further solidified the idea of American exceptionalism. The successful overthrow of colonial rule and the creation of a new government based on principles of liberty and equality reinforced the belief in America’s exceptional qualities.
Religious Influence: Religious beliefs played a significant role in shaping American exceptionalism. Many early settlers saw themselves as God’s chosen people, with a divine mission to create a virtuous society. This religious influence contributed to the idea of America as a “city upon a hill,” a beacon of light and hope for the world.
Cultural Impact
National Identity: The notion of American exceptionalism has become an integral part of the national identity. It has shaped how Americans perceive themselves and their place in the world. It fosters a sense of pride, patriotism, and a belief in American values such as freedom, democracy, and individualism.
A Sense of Mission: The belief in American exceptionalism has fueled a sense of mission to spread American values and ideals globally. This has influenced cultural exports such as movies, music, literature, and popular culture, which often reflect American values and way of life.
Optimism and Self-Confidence: American exceptionalism has fostered a culture of optimism and self-confidence. The belief that America is destined for greatness encourages innovation, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship. This has contributed to America’s reputation as an economic powerhouse and a land of opportunity.
Political Impact
Foreign Policy: The notion of American exceptionalism has influenced US foreign policy. It has justified interventions abroad in the name of spreading democracy, protecting human rights, and preserving global stability. This belief has shaped America’s role as a global leader and its involvement in international affairs.
Manifest Destiny: The idea of manifest destiny, closely linked to American exceptionalism, justified westward expansion in the 19th century. It fueled territorial acquisitions, such as the Louisiana Purchase and the annexation of Texas, leading to the expansion of American influence and power.
Exceptionalism in Governance: The belief in American exceptionalism has influenced domestic politics, with leaders often invoking this notion to justify policy decisions or rally public support. It reinforces the idea that American institutions and democracy are superior to those of other nations.
Economic Impact
Capitalist Ideals: American exceptionalism has shaped economic policies that prioritize free-market capitalism and individual liberty. It promotes entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and economic competition, leading to economic growth and prosperity.
Global Economic Dominance: The notion of American exceptionalism has contributed to America’s position as an economic superpower. It fosters an environment that attracts global talent, investment, and business opportunities. This has resulted in American companies dominating various industries worldwide.
Consumerism: American exceptionalism has influenced consumer culture by promoting the idea that material success is achievable for all. This has contributed to high levels of consumer spending and a culture that values material possessions.
In conclusion, the notion of American exceptionalism has had a profound impact on American culture, politics, and economics. It shapes national identity, fosters optimism and self-confidence, influences foreign policy decisions, justifies territorial expansion, promotes free-market capitalism, and contributes to America’s global economic dominance. While this belief has motivated achievements and progress, it is also important to critically examine its implications and ensure that it does not hinder cooperation or understanding with other nations.
