The White Man’s Burden A View From Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling English writer Born in British India Often wrote of support of imperialism Died in 1936

The White Man’s Burden, 1899 Written in 1899 Written about the American colonization of the Philippines Can be seen from various points of view What is the Burden?

Words to Know Veil- to become Folly- stupid mistake w/ serious results Tawdry- cheaply and badly made Serf- worker of land they did not own Cloke- deliberately hide facts

Questions to Answer 1. According to Kipling, and in your own words, what was the “White Man’s Burden”? 2. What reward did Kipling suggest the “White Man” gets for carrying his “burden”? 3. Who did Kipling think would read his poem? What do you think that this audience might have said in response to it?

Interpretations of Poem White man’s burden is to “civilize” the Africans & Asians It is Western society’s duty, but is a pain to them—Rich duty to help poor Colonized people are ungrateful for the help and viewed as children Some think that Kipling was being sarcastic

The Black Man’s Burden, 1899 A View From H.T. Johnson

H.T. Johnson African-American clergyman Wrote in response to Kipling

Words to Know Heed- to pay attention to advice/warning Feeble- Extremely weak Brook- not allow or accept

Questions to Answer For what audience do you think H.T. Johnson wrote his poem? How do you think that audience might have responded to “The Black Man’s Burden”?

Interpretation White man’s rule is violent and suppressive Europeans and Americans have no burden, the real burden is on the colonized Other races did not ask for the white man’s help or their treatment

Which Viewpoint Tells a More Accurate History?