Discuss why men are generally more reluctant to seek therapeutic treatments.
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 the Reluctance of Men to Seek Therapeutic Treatments
Introduction
In today’s society, mental health awareness has gained considerable momentum, encouraging individuals to seek therapeutic treatments. However, it is widely recognized that men are generally more reluctant to engage in therapy compared to women. This essay aims to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, shedding light on societal, cultural, and personal factors that contribute to men’s hesitancy in seeking therapeutic treatments. By understanding these barriers, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for men’s mental health.
Societal Expectations of Masculinity
One of the primary reasons men are reluctant to seek therapeutic treatments is due to societal expectations of masculinity. Traditional gender roles often dictate that men should be strong, stoic, and self-reliant. Seeking help or expressing vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness or failure, leading many men to suppress their emotions and avoid seeking therapy. This societal pressure places a significant burden on men and can prevent them from accessing the support they need.
Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Despite progress in reducing mental health stigma, it continues to persist, particularly for men. Mental health issues are often stigmatized as a sign of weakness or instability, reinforcing the reluctance of men to seek therapeutic treatments. Fear of judgment or negative perceptions from peers, colleagues, and even family members can create a barrier for men in acknowledging and addressing their mental health concerns.
Lack of Mental Health Literacy
Another factor contributing to men’s reluctance is a lack of mental health literacy. Men may not have sufficient knowledge about mental health conditions or therapy options available to them. This lack of awareness can lead to misconceptions and misunderstandings about the efficacy and benefits of therapeutic treatments. Improved education and awareness campaigns targeted specifically towards men can help address this issue and encourage them to seek appropriate support.
Fear of Losing Control
Men often fear that engaging in therapy may result in a loss of control or autonomy over their lives. Therapy can involve discussing sensitive and deeply personal topics, which can be uncomfortable and challenging for some individuals. The idea of opening up and confronting emotional issues may be perceived as a loss of control over one’s emotions or vulnerability. Assurances that therapy is a collaborative process aimed at enhancing personal growth and well-being may help alleviate these concerns.
Limited Access to Male-Friendly Services
The availability and accessibility of mental health services tailored specifically to men are limited in many communities. The lack of male-friendly spaces and therapists who understand the unique challenges faced by men can deter them from seeking therapeutic treatments. Creating more inclusive and gender-sensitive mental health services that address the specific needs and preferences of men can encourage their engagement in therapy.
Conclusion
The reluctance of men to seek therapeutic treatments is a complex issue influenced by societal expectations, mental health stigma, limited mental health literacy, fear of losing control, and limited access to male-friendly services. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that involves challenging traditional notions of masculinity, promoting mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and improving the availability and accessibility of gender-sensitive mental health services. By creating an environment that supports and encourages men to seek help, we can ensure that they receive the necessary support for their mental well-being.
