Is traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere?
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 Significance of Traditional Music in a Globalized World
Introduction
The debate surrounding the importance of traditional music versus international music is a complex and subjective one. While international music has gained immense popularity and widespread recognition due to globalization and technological advancements, traditional music holds significant cultural, historical, and social value in a country. This essay aims to explore the importance of traditional music in comparison to the international music that is heard everywhere, highlighting the preservation of cultural identity, the promotion of diversity, and the fostering of a sense of belonging and pride.
Cultural Identity and Preservation
Traditional music serves as a vital component of a country’s cultural identity. It reflects the unique history, traditions, beliefs, and values of a particular community. Traditional music carries the essence of a nation’s heritage, providing a means to preserve and pass down cultural knowledge from one generation to another. It represents the collective memory and shared experiences of a society, allowing individuals to connect with their roots.
In contrast, international music tends to be more homogenized and influenced by global commercial trends. While it may be enjoyable and accessible to a wide audience, it often lacks the depth and authenticity associated with traditional music. By prioritizing traditional music, a country can safeguard its cultural heritage and prevent the erosion of its distinct identity.
Promotion of Diversity
Traditional music celebrates the diversity within a country’s regions, communities, and ethnic groups. It encompasses a wide range of musical styles, instruments, rhythms, and lyrics that vary across different localities. This diversity is crucial for preserving the richness and uniqueness of cultural expressions.
International music, on the other hand, tends to be more standardized and mainstream. It often promotes a globalized culture that can overshadow and dilute local artistic traditions. By valuing and promoting traditional music, a country can nurture diversity and encourage the exploration of its various cultural facets. This not only fosters artistic creativity but also enhances cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging and Pride
Traditional music has the power to evoke emotions, instill a sense of belonging, and foster national pride. It serves as a unifying force that brings people together, transcending differences and creating a shared cultural experience. Traditional music often accompanies important cultural events, festivals, and ceremonies, reinforcing social cohesion and reinforcing a collective identity.
International music, although widely popular and enjoyable, may not have the same profound connection to a specific country or community. It can be appreciated on an individual level but often does not evoke the same depth of emotion or national pride as traditional music.
By prioritizing traditional music, a country can cultivate a sense of pride in its cultural heritage and provide its citizens with a strong sense of belonging. This can contribute to the overall well-being and social cohesion of a nation.
Conclusion
While international music undoubtedly has its merits in terms of popularity and accessibility, traditional music holds immense significance in preserving cultural identity, promoting diversity, and fostering a sense of belonging and national pride. Traditional music represents the unique history, traditions, and values of a country, providing individuals with a connection to their roots. By valuing and prioritizing traditional music alongside international influences, countries can strike a balance between celebrating global musical trends and preserving their own rich cultural heritage.
In an increasingly globalized world, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the importance of traditional music as it contributes to the richness and diversity of human expression. By embracing both traditional and international music, societies can create a harmonious blend that celebrates their unique cultural identities while engaging with global artistic influences.
References
Bithell, C., & Hill, J. (Eds.). (2018). The Oxford Handbook of Music Revival. Oxford University Press.
Clayton, M., Dueck, B., & Leante, L. (Eds.). (2020). Experience and Meaning in Music Performance. Oxford University Press.
Stokes, M., & Olson, B. (Eds.). (2017). The Routledge Research Companion to Popular Music Education. Routledge.
