Question

What is the main idea in this poem:
Pile on the Black Man's Burden,
'Tis nearest at our door,
Why heed long bleeding Cuba
Or dark Hawaii's shore;
Halt ye your fearless armies
Which menace feeble folks,
Who fight with clubs and arrows
And brook your rifles' smoke.

Pile on the Black Man's Burden,
His wail with laughter drown,
You've sealed the Red Man's problem
And now deal with the Brown.
In vain you seek to end it
With bullet, blood or death,
Better by far defend it,
With honor's holy breath.

Pile on the Black Man's Burden,
His back is broad, though sore,
What though the weight oppress him
He's borne the like before;
Your Jim Crow laws and customs,
And fiendish midnight deed,
Though winked at by the nation
Will someday trouble breed.

Pile on the Black Man's Burden,
At length 'twill heaven pierce,
Then on you or your children
Will reign God's judgments fierce.
Your battleships and armies
May weaker ones appall,
But God Almighty's justice
They'll not disturb at all.

Answer 1

The main idea of the poem "The Black Man's Burden" is a critique of imperialism and the oppressive treatment of marginalized groups, specifically Black people. The poet calls attention to the injustices faced by Black individuals and communities, highlighting the burdens they carry due to systemic racism, discriminatory laws, and violence. The poem suggests that attempts to impose power and control through military force are ultimately futile and morally wrong, as true justice cannot be achieved through oppression. The call to "pile on the Black Man's Burden" serves as a biting irony, indicating that, despite the burdens placed upon them, oppressed individuals have historically endured and survived adversity. The poem warns that the moral consequences of such oppression will ultimately result in divine retribution for the oppressors. Overall, it advocates for recognizing, addressing, and rectifying injustices rather than perpetuating them.