Write a research paper Unmasking the Narrative: The Role of Racial Stereotypes and Racism in Media, in Perpetuating Systemic Racism and White Supremacy
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
Unmasking the Narrative: The Role of Racial Stereotypes and Racism in Media, in Perpetuating Systemic Racism and White Supremacy
Introduction
In today’s society, media plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions and beliefs about various social groups. Unfortunately, the portrayal of racial minorities in media often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces systemic racism and white supremacy. This research paper aims to explore how racial stereotypes and racism in media contribute to the perpetuation of systemic racism and white supremacy.
Thesis Statement
The media’s portrayal of racial minorities through stereotypes and discriminatory practices not only reflects societal biases but also actively perpetuates systemic racism and white supremacy by shaping public opinion, influencing policy decisions, and maintaining power structures that benefit the dominant group.
Historical Context
Throughout history, media representations of racial minorities have been marred by stereotypes that dehumanize, marginalize, and degrade these communities. From the caricatures of Black individuals in early American newspapers to the exoticization of Asian characters in Hollywood films, the media has played a significant role in reinforcing harmful narratives that justify discrimination and violence against people of color.
Impact on Society
The perpetuation of racial stereotypes and racism in media has real-world consequences for communities of color. Studies have shown that exposure to negative portrayals of minority groups can lead to increased prejudice, discrimination, and violence against these communities. Moreover, media representations influence public perceptions and policy decisions, further entrenching systemic racism in institutions such as law enforcement, education, and healthcare.
Resistance and Change
Despite the pervasive influence of racial stereotypes and racism in media, there have been efforts to challenge these harmful narratives and create more inclusive and accurate representations of diverse communities. Through movements such as #OscarsSoWhite and #RepresentationMatters, activists and artists have pushed for greater diversity and authenticity in media portrayals, highlighting the importance of diverse voices and perspectives in shaping cultural narratives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the media plays a crucial role in perpetuating systemic racism and white supremacy through the promotion of racial stereotypes and discriminatory practices. By recognizing the power of media representation in shaping public discourse and influencing social attitudes, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society that challenges harmful narratives and uplifts marginalized voices. It is imperative for media creators, consumers, and policymakers to actively combat racism in all its forms to build a more just and equitable future for all.
