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Kipling's poem and Imperialism in general have racist undertones. What are some found in the poem?

a) The poem promotes racial equality
b) The poem criticizes British colonialism
c) The poem portrays non-European cultures as inferior
d) The poem advocates for cultural diversity

User Karisma
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Final answer:

Kipling's poem 'The White Man's Burden' reflects the imperialist belief that non-European cultures were inferior and needed to be civilized by Europeans, an ideology grounded in racism and colonialism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rudyard Kipling's poem, "The White Man's Burden," contains various themes characteristic of the imperialist mindset of the nineteenth-century, notably portraying non-European cultures as inferior and requiring the guidance of Europeans to achieve civilization. The poem reflects the justification of the imperialism and colonialism by suggesting that it was the moral duty of European nations to bring their cultural values and systems to the people they colonized.

As per the historical context of the poem, it was meant to support the U.S. imperialist actions of the time, particularly with respect to the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Cuba post-Spanish-American War, aligning with Theodore Roosevelt's expansionist policies. The attitude of white supremacy indicated in the poem illustrates a belief in the inherent superiority of the white race and the imperative to "civilize" other races, which is now understood as a deeply racist ideology.

User Tericky Shih
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