Final answer:
Horton's phrase 'under the supervision of a civilized nation' implies a view common during colonial times where Western nations considered themselves more advanced and saw it as their duty to govern or influence others, which reflected imperialistic and paternalistic policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "under the supervision of a civilized nation" suggests a viewpoint that some nations were considered more 'civilized' than others during a period in history. This notion was often used as a justification for various forms of imperialism and paternalistic policies, where the so-called 'civilized' nation would take on a role of governing or influencing others. This reflects a historical perspective where predominantly Western nations, such as those in Europe and North America, viewed themselves as more advanced or enlightened and believed it was their duty to guide or rule over other societies. This belief was closely linked to, and often used to justify, colonial and expansionist policies.
In the context of 'civilized' versus 'uncivilized,' the term 'civilized' often referred to societies that had developed certain technologies, governance structures, and social norms that matched the Western model. These 'civilized' societies were typically characterized by industrialization, urbanization, formal education systems, and often, a Eurocentric view of culture and organization. The 'uncivilized' label was applied by colonists and imperial powers to indigenous peoples or societies that did not fit these criteria, thereby framing colonization as a civilizing mission.
For example, the education of indigenous peoples, such as the Navajo youth Tom Torino at Carlisle Boarding School, was part of an assimilation strategy to inculcate Western norms and practices. The so-called 'civilizing' included changing appearance, language, religion, and other cultural aspects to fit the dominant society's standards, often disregarding and undermining the existing, complex societies that indigenous peoples had developed. The implication of Horton's phrase is steeped in these historic ideologies of colonialism and perceptions of racial and cultural superiority.