Write an argumentative essay about Chicago black belt and effects of its creation
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
Unveiling the Impact of the Chicago Black Belt: A Historical Analysis
The creation of the Chicago Black Belt, a predominantly African American neighborhood in the early 20th century, has had far-reaching effects on the social, economic, and cultural landscape of the city. This essay delves into the historical significance of the Chicago Black Belt and examines its enduring impact on urban development, racial segregation, and community resilience.
The Origins of the Chicago Black Belt
The term “Black Belt” originally referred to the area in Chicago where African Americans settled and established vibrant communities during the Great Migration. Beginning in the early 1900s, African Americans migrated from the South to northern cities like Chicago in search of better economic opportunities and escape from racial discrimination. As a result, a distinct neighborhood emerged in Chicago’s South Side, characterized by a predominantly African American population and a rich cultural heritage.
Effects of the Creation of the Chicago Black Belt
1. Racial Segregation:
The establishment of the Chicago Black Belt reinforced patterns of racial segregation and discrimination prevalent in urban areas during the early 20th century. African Americans were confined to specific neighborhoods due to discriminatory housing practices and restrictive covenants, leading to the spatial concentration of poverty and limited access to resources and opportunities.
2. Cultural Renaissance:
Despite facing systemic challenges, the Chicago Black Belt became a hub of African American culture, art, music, and literature. Renowned figures such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Lorraine Hansberry, and Louis Armstrong emerged from this vibrant community, contributing to the cultural richness and diversity of Chicago.
3. Community Resilience:
The residents of the Chicago Black Belt demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, fostering strong social networks, grassroots organizations, and cultural institutions that served as pillars of support and empowerment. Through collective action and solidarity, residents navigated challenges and advocated for social justice and civil rights.
4. Urban Development and Gentrification:
Over time, the Chicago Black Belt underwent significant changes due to urban renewal projects, gentrification, and demographic shifts. Disinvestment, displacement, and loss of cultural heritage have posed challenges to preserving the historical legacy of the Black Belt and maintaining community cohesion in the face of rapid urban development.
Conclusion
The creation of the Chicago Black Belt represents a pivotal chapter in the history of African American communities in urban centers, reflecting the complex interplay of race, class, culture, and resilience. While the Black Belt’s legacy endures through its contributions to art, music, literature, and social activism, its impact also highlights enduring challenges related to racial segregation, economic inequality, and urban transformation.
As we reflect on the effects of the Chicago Black Belt’s creation, we are reminded of the importance of acknowledging historical legacies, fostering inclusive urban development practices, and promoting social equity and justice in our communities. By honoring the stories, struggles, and triumphs of neighborhoods like the Chicago Black Belt, we honor the resilience and spirit of those who have shaped our cities and inspire future generations to continue the pursuit of equality, diversity, and empowerment for all.
