The White Man's Burden

"The White Man's Burden" is a phrase popularized by Rudyard Kipling’s poem published in 1899, reflecting a colonial mindset. It suggests that Western powers had a moral obligation to 'civilize' non-Western societies, often justifying imperialism and the subjugation of other cultures. Proponents believed they were helping to advance and improve the lives of colonized people, while critics argued it was a guise for exploitation and domination. The concept highlights the complexities of colonial attitudes and the ethical dilemmas surrounding intervention in other societies.