Write an ethnographic research essay that primarily focuses on Ethnography of gendered social movements
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
Title: Unveiling Gendered Social Movements: An Ethnographic Exploration
Introduction
Gendered social movements play a pivotal role in challenging patriarchal norms, advocating for gender equality, and promoting social change. Through ethnographic research, we can delve into the lived experiences, strategies, and impacts of these movements, shedding light on how gender intersects with activism, identity, and power dynamics. This essay embarks on an ethnographic journey to uncover the complexities of gendered social movements, highlighting the diverse voices, practices, and challenges that shape these transformative endeavors.
Intersectionality and Gender Activism
Intersectionality serves as a foundational framework for understanding how gendered experiences intersect with other axes of identity, such as race, class, sexuality, and ability, within social movements. Ethnographic studies have documented how activists navigate multiple forms of oppression and privilege, illuminating the complexities of gender activism in its various manifestations.
For example, research has explored how Black feminist movements challenge both racial and gender inequalities, how LGBTQ+ rights movements advocate for gender diversity and sexual liberation, and how disability rights movements center the intersection of gender and ability in their advocacy efforts. By centering intersectionality in ethnographic analysis, researchers can uncover the nuanced ways in which gendered social movements address a range of interconnected social injustices.
Embodied Practices and Gender Performance
Ethnography offers a unique lens into the embodied practices and performative aspects of gendered social movements. By observing how activists embody gender identities, express dissent through art and performance, and challenge traditional gender norms through their actions, researchers can uncover the ways in which gender is enacted, contested, and reimagined within activist spaces.
Studies have documented how street protests, public demonstrations, and artistic interventions serve as sites for performing gender resistance and solidarity. Ethnographers have also explored the role of clothing, hairstyles, body language, and other aesthetic markers in constructing gendered identities within social movements. Through a focus on embodied practices, ethnographic research reveals the embodied dimensions of gender activism and its potential for transformative change.
Community Building and Gender Solidarity
Gendered social movements often prioritize community building, collective care, and solidarity among diverse participants. Ethnographic research has examined how activists create inclusive spaces, foster mutual support networks, and cultivate a sense of belonging that transcends individual identities and differences.
For instance, studies have highlighted the role of consciousness-raising groups, support circles, and affinity networks in nurturing gender solidarity and resilience within feminist movements. Ethnographers have also documented the importance of intersectional dialogue, allyship practices, and coalition-building efforts that bridge different gender identities and experiences. By capturing the dynamics of community building within gendered social movements, researchers illuminate the transformative potential of collective action grounded in shared values and mutual care.
Challenges and Resilience in Gender Activism
Gendered social movements face a range of challenges, including backlash from conservative forces, internal divisions around intersecting issues, and struggles for recognition within mainstream discourses. Ethnographic research sheds light on how activists navigate these obstacles, build resilience in the face of adversity, and sustain their commitment to gender justice over time.
Studies have documented the emotional labor involved in activism, the burnout experienced by marginalized activists, and the strategies employed to address internal power dynamics and conflicts. Ethnographers have also explored the ways in which gender activists draw on cultural resources, spiritual practices, and collective rituals to cultivate resilience and sustain their movements. By documenting the challenges and resilience strategies within gendered social movements, researchers contribute insights into the complexities of activist work and the importance of self-care and community support in sustaining social change efforts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethnographic research offers a unique vantage point for understanding the intricate dynamics of gendered social movements. By delving into the intersectional complexities, embodied practices, community-building efforts, challenges, and resilience strategies inherent in these movements, researchers shed light on the diverse ways in which activists navigate gendered power dynamics and advocate for transformative change. As we continue to strive towards more inclusive, equitable, and just societies, ethnography serves as a vital tool for amplifying marginalized voices, documenting collective resistance efforts, and fostering critical dialogue on issues of gender justice and social transformation.
