White man's burden

Definition

The white man's burden refers to the idea that Western nations had a moral obligation to civilize and educate non-Western societies, often used to justify imperialism and colonial expansion. This concept was popularized in the late 19th century, portraying colonialism as a noble enterprise where European powers believed they were bringing progress, enlightenment, and civilization to 'lesser' cultures, despite often leading to exploitation and oppression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'white man's burden' was popularized by Rudyard Kipling's poem published in 1899, which urged the U.S. to take up colonialism as a duty.
2. The concept was used to rationalize the colonization of Africa and Asia by European powers during the age of imperialism.
3. Despite being framed as a benevolent mission, the white man's burden often resulted in significant cultural disruption and economic exploitation in colonized regions.
4. This ideology contributed to the justification of racism and social hierarchies based on race, asserting that white Europeans were inherently superior.
5. Critics of the white man's burden argued that it masked the economic interests driving imperialism and ignored the autonomy and cultures of colonized peoples.

Review Questions

• How did the white man's burden reflect the attitudes of Western powers towards non-Western societies during the age of imperialism?
  • The white man's burden reflected a paternalistic attitude among Western powers, who believed they were morally justified in imposing their culture and values on non-Western societies. This belief stemmed from a sense of racial superiority, where Western nations viewed themselves as enlightened and civilized compared to what they perceived as primitive cultures. This ideology rationalized imperialism as a noble endeavor aimed at uplifting supposedly 'backward' populations through education and governance.
• In what ways did the concept of the white man's burden contribute to justifying colonial practices in Africa and Asia?
  • The concept of the white man's burden provided a moral justification for colonial practices by framing them as necessary for bringing progress and civilization to Africa and Asia. Colonizers claimed that their efforts were altruistic, focusing on education, infrastructure development, and health care. However, this rhetoric often concealed the exploitative nature of colonial rule, where local resources were extracted for the benefit of the colonizers while indigenous cultures faced significant disruption and degradation.
• Evaluate the lasting impacts of the white man's burden on contemporary views of race and culture in former colonies.
  • The legacy of the white man's burden has had enduring effects on contemporary views of race and culture in former colonies. It has contributed to ongoing disparities in power dynamics, economic inequality, and cultural perceptions between former colonizers and colonized nations. The notion that Western culture is superior continues to influence global interactions, perpetuating stereotypes and biases against non-Western societies. Moreover, this historical framework complicates efforts toward reconciliation and understanding, as it fosters lingering resentment and challenges surrounding identity in post-colonial contexts.

Related terms

Imperialism:

A policy or ideology in which a country extends its power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, often by settling there and exploiting resources.

Cultural superiority: The belief that one's own culture is superior to others, which often leads to the justification of intervention or domination over different societies.