Rudyard Kipling The White Mans Burden

"The White Man's Burden: The United States and the Philippine Islands" – the full title of Rudyard Kipling's poem – is a controversial piece of literature that remains a topic of heated debate more than a century after its publication. More than just a poem, it's a window into the imperialistic mindset of the late 19th century, a period marked by European expansion and the belief in the inherent superiority of the white race.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive examination of Kipling's "The White Man's Burden," exploring its historical context, analyzing its themes and literary devices, delving into the criticisms it has faced, and ultimately, considering its legacy in the 21st century. We'll dissect the poem line by line, scrutinize its impact, and ultimately attempt to understand its enduring relevance in a world grappling with the complexities of colonialism and its aftereffects.

Historical Context: Imperialism and the Spanish-American War

To fully grasp the significance of "The White Man's Burden," it's crucial to understand the historical backdrop against which it was written. The poem was published in McClure's Magazine in 1899, coinciding with the aftermath of the Spanish-American War. This conflict, ostensibly fought to liberate Cuba from Spanish rule, resulted in the United States acquiring control over several former Spanish colonies, including the Philippines.

The annexation of the Philippines was particularly contentious. While some Americans believed it was the nation's duty to "civilize" and uplift the Filipino people, others vehemently opposed the move, viewing it as a betrayal of American ideals of self-determination and anti-colonialism. The debate raged on, dividing public opinion and shaping the political landscape.

It was in this climate of imperial ambition and moral uncertainty that Kipling penned "The White Man's Burden." The poem was explicitly dedicated to the United States and urged them to embrace their role as a colonizing power in the Philippines. It served as a justification for American imperialism, framing it as a noble, albeit arduous, responsibility to guide and educate the "lesser" races.

Analyzing the Poem: Themes and Literary Devices

"The White Man's Burden" is a powerful piece of propaganda that utilizes various literary devices to convey its message. Here's a breakdown of the poem's key themes and techniques:

• Paternalism: The poem is steeped in a paternalistic tone, portraying the colonized people as children in need of guidance and discipline. Phrases like "half-devil and half-child" reinforce this image, suggesting that the colonized are incapable of self-governance and require the benevolent hand of the white man.
• Duty and Sacrifice: Kipling emphasizes the burden and sacrifice involved in the colonial enterprise. He paints a picture of white men selflessly dedicating their lives to improving the lives of the colonized, even in the face of ingratitude and resistance. The poem repeatedly highlights the toil, hardship, and potential for failure inherent in the "burden."
• Civilizing Mission: The poem promotes the idea that it is the white man's duty to civilize the "savage" and bring progress to the "backward" regions of the world. This civilizing mission includes introducing Western education, laws, and customs, often at the expense of indigenous cultures and traditions.
• Racism and Hierarchy: Underlying the poem is a clear sense of racial hierarchy, with the white race positioned as superior to other races. This belief in white supremacy is evident in the poem's language and imagery, which consistently portray the colonized as inferior and dependent on the white man's guidance.
• Rhetorical Devices: Kipling masterfully employs rhetorical devices to persuade his audience. He uses repetition, alliteration, and vivid imagery to create a memorable and emotionally charged message. The poem's rhythm and rhyme scheme contribute to its persuasive power, making it both appealing and easily digestible.

A Stanza-by-Stanza Analysis:

Let's examine the poem stanza by stanza to understand how Kipling constructs his argument:

• Stanza 1: The poem opens with a call to action, urging white men to "take up the White Man's burden." This initial stanza emphasizes the hardship and thanklessness of the task, highlighting the need to "send forth the best ye breed" to serve in foreign lands.
• Stanza 2: This stanza further elaborates on the sacrifices involved, emphasizing the need to "wait in heavy harness" and "watch them deal your doing." It suggests that the colonized will misunderstand and misinterpret the white man's intentions, leading to frustration and resentment.
• Stanza 3: Here, the poem delves into the nature of the colonized, describing them as "fluttered folk and wild" and "half-devil and half-child." This dehumanizing language reinforces the idea that the colonized are incapable of self-governance and require the white man's guidance.
• Stanza 4: This stanza addresses the potential for failure, warning of the dangers of disease and the possibility of seeing one's efforts undone. It acknowledges the challenges of the colonial enterprise but urges perseverance in the face of adversity.
• Stanza 5: This stanza emphasizes the importance of suppressing dissent and maintaining order. It warns against succumbing to weakness and urges the white man to rule with a firm hand.
• Stanza 6: The final stanza offers a vision of a future where the colonized have been successfully civilized and assimilated into Western culture. It promises that the white man's efforts will ultimately be rewarded with the gratitude and respect of the "silent, sullen peoples."

Criticisms and Controversies: A Century of Debate

"The White Man's Burden" has been met with fierce criticism since its publication. Opponents have condemned it as a blatant justification for imperialism, racism, and cultural chauvinism. The poem's paternalistic tone and its portrayal of the colonized as inferior beings have been particularly offensive to many.

• Anti-Imperialist Voices: Critics like Mark Twain and Henry Labouchère denounced the poem as a celebration of oppression and exploitation. They argued that it masked the true motives of imperialism, which were economic gain and political dominance.
• Postcolonial Perspectives: In the postcolonial era, scholars have further deconstructed the poem, highlighting its inherent biases and its role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the colonized. They argue that the poem's romanticized vision of the colonial enterprise ignores the brutal realities of colonial rule, including violence, exploitation, and cultural destruction.
• Response from People of Color: Many people of color have understandably found the poem deeply offensive. It reinforces a history of oppression and dehumanization, contributing to ongoing struggles for equality and justice.
• Rebuttals and Defenses: Despite the widespread criticism, some have defended the poem as a product of its time, arguing that it reflects the prevailing attitudes of the late 19th century. Some argue that Kipling genuinely believed in the civilizing mission of imperialism and that his poem was intended to inspire noble action rather than justify oppression. However, such defenses often fall flat in the face of the poem's explicit language and its undeniable role in promoting a racist ideology.

The Legacy of "The White Man's Burden" in the 21st Century

Despite its controversial nature, "The White Man's Burden" continues to be studied and debated in the 21st century. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to provoke critical reflection on the history of imperialism and its lasting impact on the world.

• Understanding Imperialism: The poem provides a valuable window into the mindset of the imperialist era, allowing us to understand the justifications and motivations behind colonial expansion. By studying the poem, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of imperialism and its far-reaching consequences.
• Recognizing Colonial Legacies: The poem serves as a reminder of the enduring legacies of colonialism, which continue to shape political, economic, and social relations around the world. By acknowledging these legacies, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable world.
• Combating Racism and Prejudice: The poem's racist undertones serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. By recognizing the harmful effects of racism, we can strive to create a more inclusive and tolerant society.
• Analyzing Power Dynamics: The poem highlights the power dynamics inherent in colonial relationships, demonstrating how dominant groups can use ideology and propaganda to justify their control over weaker groups. By analyzing these power dynamics, we can better understand how power operates in contemporary society and how to challenge unjust systems.
• Post-colonial Literature: The poem is often contrasted and compared with post-colonial literature which often attempts to provide a counter-narrative of the effects of colonialism on colonized people. Authors like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and Arundhati Roy offer perspectives that challenge and undermine the imperialist assumptions found in works like Kipling's.

The Enduring Debate:

The debate surrounding "The White Man's Burden" is far from over. Some argue that the poem should be relegated to the dustbin of history, while others believe that it should be studied as a historical artifact that provides insights into a bygone era. Regardless of one's perspective, it's clear that the poem continues to resonate with audiences today, prompting critical reflection on the complexities of colonialism, race, and power.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: What is the main idea of "The White Man's Burden?"
  • A: The poem argues that white men have a duty to civilize and uplift the "lesser" races, even at great personal cost.
• Q: Why is "The White Man's Burden" controversial?
  • A: It is considered controversial due to its blatant justification for imperialism, racism, and cultural chauvinism.
• Q: What are some of the criticisms of the poem?
  • A: Critics argue that the poem is paternalistic, racist, and ignores the brutal realities of colonial rule.
• Q: What is the legacy of "The White Man's Burden" today?
  • A: The poem continues to be studied and debated as a historical artifact that provides insights into the mindset of the imperialist era and its lasting impact on the world.
• Q: Is the title itself racist?
  • A: Yes, the title "The White Man's Burden" is inherently racist as it implies a racial hierarchy and the inherent superiority of the white race, framing colonialism as a benevolent act rather than an exploitative and oppressive one.

Conclusion

Rudyard Kipling's "The White Man's Burden" remains a deeply problematic and controversial poem. While it offers a glimpse into the imperialistic mindset of the late 19th century, it also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and justifies the oppression of colonized peoples. Studying the poem critically is essential for understanding the history of imperialism and its enduring legacies, but it's equally important to recognize its inherent biases and its role in perpetuating a racist ideology.

The poem serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of challenging narratives that promote inequality and injustice. How do we reconcile the historical significance of this poem with its offensive content? And more importantly, what steps can we take to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated in the future?