Part A
Kipling's attitude toward imperialism appears to be one of support, as reflected in his poem "The White Man's Burden." He portrays colonialism as a noble endeavor, suggesting that it is a moral responsibility for white men to civilize and uplift nonwhite populations. The poem emphasizes the hardships that imperialists face, implying that those who undertake this "burden" are self-sacrificing and striving for a greater good. However, beneath this surface justification, Kipling's work can also be interpreted as a critique of imperialist thinking, revealing the arrogance and misunderstanding inherent in the belief that one race is superior enough to lead others.
Part B
The advertisement for Pears' Soap illustrates two prominent ideas reflecting European views about race. First, it implies that nonwhite people are in need of moral and physical improvement, as indicated by the focus on "teaching the virtues of cleanliness." This notion suggests that cleanliness is synonymous with civilization and that nonwhite populations require instruction in basic hygiene. Second, the ad reinforces the belief in white superiority by associating cleanliness with progress, positioning Europeans as enlightened teachers. By linking soap with civilizing efforts, the advertisement uses racist ideals to promote imperialism, portraying Western intervention as necessary and altruistic while dehumanizing colonized peoples.
Part C
The artist of the political cartoon suggests that the colonized people are the true bearers of the burden associated with imperialism. The depiction of world leaders riding on the backs of these individuals indicates that the weight of exploitation and subjugation falls on the colonized, rather than the colonizers. This visual metaphor illustrates the inequity of the colonial relationship, highlighting how the power dynamics of imperialism ultimately benefit the ruling class while oppressing the indigenous populations. The cartoon critiques the narrative of "the white man’s burden" by revealing the exploitation inherent in the system.
Self-Evaluation
I would rate my work a 4. I effectively analyzed the poem, advertisement, and cartoon, providing insights into their respective themes and implications about imperialism and race. What challenged me was synthesizing my thoughts clearly and concisely, especially within the word limits. I learned how advertisements and literature from this period reflect complex views on race and power dynamics. Altogether, this exercise deepened my understanding of how language and imagery can reveal underlying societal beliefs from historic contexts.