The phenomenon of violence in stadiums, the concept of tribe and ritual thus indicates the behavior of the ultras as symptomatic of a cultural regression. What can be done to stop violence? Reflect on these issues and compare them critically
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
Understanding and Addressing Violence in Stadiums: A Cultural Perspective
Introduction
The phenomenon of violence in stadiums, particularly exhibited by ultras, is a complex issue that reflects deeper cultural and social dynamics. This essay will explore the concept of tribe and ritual as it pertains to the behavior of ultras and analyze how it may indicate a cultural regression. Furthermore, the essay will propose strategies to mitigate violence in stadiums, reflecting on the underlying issues and comparing them critically.
The Concept of Tribe, Ritual, and Ultras’ Behavior
The behavior of ultras in stadiums can be understood within the framework of tribe and ritual. Ultras, often organized into supporter groups, exhibit strong tribal-like behaviors characterized by a deep sense of belonging, identity, and loyalty to their respective teams. Their rituals, including chants, displays of banners, and choreographed movements, serve to reinforce their group identity and create a sense of collective purpose. However, in some cases, this tribal mentality can lead to violent and aggressive behaviors, reflecting a regression into primal instincts rather than civilized conduct.
Addressing Violence in Stadiums
To stop violence in stadiums, it is crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to such behavior. One approach is to focus on enhancing security measures and implementing strict penalties for violent actions. However, this reactive approach may not effectively address the cultural and social roots of the issue. Instead, a more comprehensive strategy is needed.
Education and Awareness
Promoting education and awareness about the negative impact of violence in stadiums can play a significant role in changing behaviors. Initiatives such as educational programs in schools, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach efforts can help cultivate a culture of respect and sportsmanship among fans.
Inclusive Fan Engagement
Creating opportunities for inclusive fan engagement can help channel tribal behaviors in a positive direction. Encouraging constructive participation through community events, fan forums, and collaborative projects can foster a sense of belonging without resorting to violence.
Building Positive Role Models
Highlighting positive role models within supporter groups and sports organizations can influence the behavior of ultras. Celebrating instances of peaceful and respectful fan conduct and amplifying the voices of influential figures within fan communities can set positive examples for others to follow.
Critical Comparison
When critically comparing these approaches, it becomes evident that addressing violence in stadiums requires a multifaceted strategy that considers cultural, social, and psychological dimensions. While security measures are necessary for immediate intervention, long-term solutions must focus on reshaping cultural norms and promoting positive behaviors within fan communities. Education, inclusive engagement, and positive role modeling offer proactive measures that aim to address the root causes of violence rather than just its symptoms.
In conclusion, the behavior of ultras in stadiums reflects a complex interplay of tribal dynamics and rituals that may at times lead to cultural regression manifested through violence. By understanding these dynamics and implementing comprehensive strategies that encompass education, inclusive engagement, and positive role modeling, societies can work towards curbing violence in stadiums and promoting a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among fans.
