Final answer:
The "White Man's Burden" refers to the idea that it was the duty and responsibility of Western colonial powers, particularly the British and Americans, to bring their civilization and values to other parts of the world, often seen as less developed or civilized.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem "The White Man's Burden" by Rudyard Kipling explicitly expresses the notion that it is the responsibility of the white, Western nations to take up the burden of civilizing and educating the "savage" populations in their colonies. The language and imagery in the poem convey a paternalistic attitude, suggesting that the burden is not a choice but a duty imposed on the white race. References to "new-caught sullen peoples" and "half-devil and half-child" indicate a perception of the colonized as inferior beings who require guidance and upliftment.
The poem underscores the imperialistic sentiment prevalent during the era of European colonization. The poet encourages the assumption of this "burden" with phrases like "Fill full the mouth of Famine," portraying the imperial mission as a noble endeavor to help impoverished regions. However, this seemingly benevolent language masks the underlying exploitative nature of imperialism, as it served economic and political interests rather than genuine altruism. The poem, therefore, reflects the imperialistic mindset of the time, promoting the idea that colonization was a civilizing mission when, in reality, it often resulted in exploitation and subjugation.