Discuss the role of media in society and they contribute to social change
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 Role of Media in Society: Driving Social Change
Introduction
Media plays a vital role in society as a powerful tool for communication, information dissemination, and shaping public opinion. It has the potential to influence individuals, communities, and even entire nations. This essay will explore the role of media in society and discuss how it contributes to social change.
Informing and Educating
One of the primary roles of media in society is to inform and educate the public. News outlets, both traditional and digital, provide information on local, national, and international events, enabling citizens to stay informed about current affairs. Informed citizens are better equipped to participate in democratic processes, engage in critical thinking, and make well-informed decisions. Media also educates by providing in-depth analysis, investigative reports, and expert opinions on various issues, contributing to a more informed and knowledgeable society.
Shaping Public Opinion
Media has a significant influence on public opinion and can shape societal attitudes and beliefs. Television, radio, newspapers, and online platforms have the power to sway public sentiment through their coverage and framing of news stories. Media outlets often highlight certain perspectives or emphasize specific aspects of an issue, potentially influencing public perception. By presenting diverse viewpoints and fostering open dialogue, media can contribute to a more balanced understanding of complex social issues and facilitate social change.
Promoting Social Awareness and Activism
Media plays a crucial role in promoting social awareness and driving activism. Through investigative journalism, documentaries, and feature stories, media sheds light on social problems and injustices that may otherwise go unnoticed. By bringing these issues to the public’s attention, media can spark public discourse, raise awareness, and mobilize individuals and communities to take action. Social movements such as #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and environmental activism have been fueled by media coverage and the viral spread of information through social media platforms.
Holding Institutions Accountable
Media serves as a watchdog by holding institutions accountable for their actions. Investigative journalism uncovers corruption, malpractice, and abuses of power within governments, corporations, and other institutions. By exposing wrongdoing, media acts as a check on power and promotes transparency and accountability. This scrutiny can lead to reform, policy changes, and the removal of individuals involved in misconduct, contributing to social change.
Giving Voice to Marginalized Communities
Media provides a platform for marginalized communities to share their stories and perspectives. It gives voice to those who are often underrepresented or ignored by mainstream narratives. Through documentaries, films, articles, and social media campaigns, media amplifies the voices of marginalized groups, bringing attention to their struggles, achievements, and aspirations. This representation can challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and foster empathy in society.
Conclusion
Media plays a multifaceted role in society, serving as an information source, influencer of public opinion, promoter of social awareness and activism, watchdog for institutions, and voice for marginalized communities. Through its various forms and platforms, media has the power to shape public discourse and drive social change. However, with this influence comes responsibility. It is essential for media outlets to prioritize accuracy, fairness, diversity of perspectives, and ethical reporting practices to ensure that their contribution to social change is positive and constructive.
