We have previously in our class discussed the importance of voting but have also noted that many people simply do not vote. In this assignment, you will explain the civic, societal and individual importance of voting. While you of course may insert your own opinion (I think you should), I would encourage you to find outside resources which discuss the importance of voting. Cite at least two outside resources in the Chicago style.
In 200-300 words, In your own words, answer the following questions.
Why is it important to vote?
Why is it important to be well informed on civic issues?
Considering your previous answers what is your responsibility to your community when it comes to voting and being informed on civic issues?
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 Voting and Civic Engagement in Society
Voting stands as a cornerstone of democracy, an essential mechanism through which individuals can voice their opinions and shape the course of their communities and nation. The act of voting is crucial as it allows citizens to participate in the democratic process, influence policy decisions, and hold elected officials accountable. By exercising their right to vote, individuals contribute to the collective voice of the populace and ensure that their interests are represented in government.
Being well-informed on civic issues is equally important as it enables voters to make informed decisions that align with their values and priorities. Understanding the complexities of social, economic, and political issues empowers individuals to critically evaluate candidates and policies, thus making more meaningful contributions to the democratic process.
As a member of a community, there is a responsibility to actively engage in civic life by voting and staying informed on relevant issues. By fulfilling these responsibilities, individuals not only advocate for their own interests but also contribute to the overall well-being of society. In essence, voting and civic engagement are essential components of a healthy democracy, promoting social cohesion, political accountability, and the advancement of collective interests.
In conclusion, voting and civic engagement are not only individual rights but also civic duties that play a vital role in shaping the future of our communities and nation. By actively participating in the democratic process and staying informed on civic issues, individuals uphold the principles of democracy and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
