White Man's Burden

Definition

The 'White Man's Burden' is a term that refers to the perceived obligation of white, Western nations to uplift and civilize non-white, 'inferior' cultures and societies. This notion was used to justify colonial expansion and imperialist policies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 'White Man's Burden' was a phrase popularized by the British poet Rudyard Kipling in his 1899 poem of the same name, which called on the United States to take up the 'civilizing' mission of colonizing the Philippines.
2. The notion of the 'White Man's Burden' was used to justify the expansion of European colonial empires, as well as the United States' own imperialist policies, by portraying it as a moral and humanitarian obligation.
3. This ideology was rooted in the belief that white, Western cultures were inherently superior to non-Western, 'uncivilized' societies, and that it was the duty of the white man to bring the benefits of 'civilization' to these 'inferior' peoples.
4. The 'White Man's Burden' promoted the idea that colonialism and imperialism were not about exploitation or self-interest, but rather a noble, altruistic endeavor to uplift and 'improve' the lives of the colonized populations.
5. Critiques of the 'White Man's Burden' highlight how it was used to mask the true motivations behind colonial and imperialist policies, which were often driven by economic, political, and cultural domination rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the colonized peoples.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of the 'White Man's Burden' relates to the issue of overcoming ethnocentrism.
  • The 'White Man's Burden' is closely tied to the concept of ethnocentrism, as it reflects the belief that white, Western cultures are inherently superior to non-Western societies. This ethnocentric perspective was used to justify colonial and imperialist policies, where the 'civilizing mission' of the white man was seen as a moral obligation to uplift and 'improve' the lives of 'inferior' peoples. Overcoming this ethnocentric worldview is crucial for recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all cultures, and for moving towards a more inclusive, equitable, and just global society.
• Analyze how the 'White Man's Burden' ideology was used to mask the true motivations behind colonial and imperialist policies.
  • The 'White Man's Burden' rhetoric was a powerful tool used to obscure the underlying economic, political, and cultural motivations behind colonial and imperialist policies. By framing these expansionist efforts as a noble, altruistic endeavor to 'civilize' and 'uplift' non-Western societies, the 'White Man's Burden' ideology allowed colonial powers to present their actions as benevolent and humanitarian, rather than acknowledging the true exploitative and domineering nature of their policies. This obfuscation of the real drivers of colonialism and imperialism made it easier for these practices to be accepted and perpetuated, as they were portrayed as being in the best interests of the colonized peoples, rather than serving the self-interests of the colonizing nations.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the 'White Man's Burden' ideology on contemporary global power dynamics and intercultural relations.
  • The legacy of the 'White Man's Burden' continues to shape global power dynamics and intercultural relations to this day. The deeply rooted belief in the inherent superiority of Western, white cultures has contributed to the persistence of neocolonial and imperialist attitudes and policies, which often manifest in the form of economic exploitation, political interference, and cultural domination of non-Western societies. This ideology has also fueled the marginalization and oppression of indigenous and minority populations, as well as the perpetuation of racial and ethnic stereotypes and prejudices. Overcoming the harmful effects of the 'White Man's Burden' mindset requires a comprehensive reckoning with the historical roots of this concept, as well as a concerted effort to promote greater cultural understanding, respect, and equity on a global scale.

Related terms

Ethnocentrism: The belief that one's own cultural group is superior to others, often leading to prejudice and discrimination against those perceived as 'different'.

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often at the expense of other nations.