White man's burden

Definition

The term 'white man's burden' refers to the idea that it is the duty of European and Euro-American powers to civilize and uplift non-Western peoples. This concept was used to justify imperialism, suggesting that colonizers had a moral obligation to bring their perceived cultural, social, and economic benefits to colonized societies, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'White man's burden' became widely popularized after Rudyard Kipling's poem published in 1899, which called for the U.S. to take up the duty of empire.
2. The ideology often portrayed colonized people as 'childlike' or 'backward,' suggesting that Western intervention was necessary for their progress.
3. Many proponents believed that introducing Western education, religion, and governance would lead to the betterment of colonized societies.
4. Critics of this ideology argued that it was a guise for exploitation and oppression, masking the economic motivations behind imperialism.
5. The notion contributed to justifying brutal policies and practices in colonies, including forced labor, cultural assimilation, and violent suppression of local customs.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of 'white man's burden' influence the attitudes of imperial powers towards their colonies?
  • 'White man's burden' shaped imperial powers' perceptions by promoting the idea that they had a moral obligation to 'civilize' non-Western societies. This belief fostered a sense of superiority among colonizers, leading them to view themselves as benevolent figures bringing progress to what they deemed 'primitive' cultures. Consequently, this ideology justified various oppressive policies and actions taken against colonized peoples in Southeast Asia.
• Analyze how the 'white man's burden' rationale was used to support specific imperial actions in Southeast Asia during the age of colonial expansion.
  • 'White man's burden' was often invoked by imperial powers in Southeast Asia to rationalize their colonization efforts. For instance, the Dutch in Indonesia framed their presence as a means to improve agricultural practices and promote education among local populations. Similarly, British colonial rule in Burma was justified by claims that it would bring modern infrastructure and governance, despite the economic exploitation and cultural disruptions that accompanied these changes.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the 'white man's burden' ideology on post-colonial societies in Southeast Asia and their development trajectories.
  • 'White man's burden' has had lasting effects on post-colonial societies in Southeast Asia. The legacy of imperialism led to social structures that often prioritized Western ideals over indigenous cultures. As these countries gained independence, they grappled with the challenges of rebuilding national identities while addressing economic disparities created during colonial rule. Furthermore, the ingrained notions of superiority can still influence international relationships today, complicating efforts for equitable development and cultural respect in global interactions.

Related terms

Imperialism:

A policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence over other nations through colonization, military force, or other means.

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country and exploiting it economically, socially, and politically.

Social Darwinism:

A social theory that applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, often used to justify imperialism and the dominance of Western cultures over others.