Reflect on the Kipling poem that we read and discuss what insights into racism or the creation of "the other" the poem and/or the class discussion gave you.
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Preston Longoni Period 4
The poem we read I thought overall talked about how America is/was racist. The poem talked about colonization and the rule of people to our own benefit. The things I learned about racism and the creation of "the other" were very interesting. Mr. Schindler talked about how French women were supposed to be thought of as nice people who do nothing wrong. To hide their inner fantacies while expressing them at the same time, they used the "other" race to display these feelings, like the play we watched today. The "other" race was considered "oriental". This pretty much pertains to all races toward one another because one race is going to always feel they can do no wrong and that they are better than any other, so they want to make the other appear to be wrong or not right.
The poem we read was very interesting, and not just in what it meant. More it was interesting the emotion it gave off. The first line, "take up the white man's burden," just leaves me sour. It is an order that automatically defines boundaries and set processes. Nothing new, nothing changeable, just a solid rock of a system. The rest of the poem has a voice that mocks and holds a deep seated anger. It makes the reader tense and take on that anger, even if only for the length of the poem, and understand what the author sees instead of what was usually seen.
In looking at this poem alone, without knowledge of Kipling’s other works, it is hard to say if it is more of a satirical or literal piece. Whether or not it was Kipling's intent, the first line, "take up the white man's burden" sets an elitist tone for the entire poem. It is as if the author believes it is the white mans duty to colonize and liberate the nation of all other cultures except their own. It raises a lot of different emotions, which is why I think the poem is so popular, despite its suggested negative connotation. When interpreting the poem in this day and age, over a century after its publication, the "half devil and half child" reference appears to apply better to the author in his racist view than to the people he spoke of back then.
Alright, the poem "The White Man's Burden" By Rudyard Kipling, was at the least was just more insight on how America grew up on this idea that 'the others' were inferior, through this racism was formed, but basically it's not just America that was on it's high horse, i mean wasnt Kipling English or something? I mean theres just to a point were you cannot blame things on your parents, like now, your grown you know ight from wrong y todo eso, but when your born to people who look down on 'the others', what are you gunna do but look down on them? Its bull how people try judt to ignore whats going on, i mean i dont want everyother word being about slavery and how they tormented those of African desent or about the Depression and how they blamed it on the 'Mexicans' and they needed to get out, or about Pearl Harbor where they put all the people Japanese descent into camps to live in stripping all their rights away. but that is american history. Imma be foreal im not really excited to see the pearl fishers because if i wanted to see some racist opera or play or musical i can just stay in woodinville and watch it for free. but yeah thats it. lates
Sam Franklin per 6 I really am not sure what to think about the poem we read in class. I don’t really know the author so I could see this as either a sarcastic piece ridiculing the people who believe what he wrote about or it could be genuine in that he really believes what he wrote. Also it could just be a poem based on the historical beliefs that people truly thought that way. It is an interesting poem that makes you think about how people have been treated in by other people in the past.
I would have to agree with Sam on this poem because I was confused about this poem on if it was written as a negative to just Americans or just white people in general because the poem was written as a poem to Americans after they had captured a weaker country (did they invade the Philipines) and was written from a British point of view. The British tend to think that America are much more cruel then them but that is not true. For instance with the Native Americans when they first arrived in America they were created more like animals then like humans. Also this poem not brings up not only race but religion. Since I am jewish I am thought of as the "other" and the outsider. Althought it is not very evident here I have heard many sterotypical and racist comments making judism a race not a religion. This poem shows how America is/was and hopefully we can move away from this and towards America having a positive image.
This poem by mr. Kipling i think personifies the mindset of imperialist countries during the time it was written, but i think that nowadays this is not as true. While we do have stereotypes today, they are not as racist as they were. Modern technology and events have revealed the truth of the so called "others" and many stereotypes have been erased. I think our discussion though about terrorism and the middle east was very good, and this is a stereotype that we need to be rid of.
THis poem was straight up racist. To me it felt as if they were 'dogging' on anyone who weren't either their color or race. The French were extremely prissy, stuck-uppish, and believed that they were the best society. (i mean come on, no shaving or baths.. GROSS) But when i read this poem i felt that they were more harsh on the african americans. Talking about how mixing the races made the children "half devil-half child". So what would they call me. I am half polynesian/caucasion.
I think this poem opened peoples eyes to the harsh reality of olden days, and how much (or little) the world has changed since.
The poem we read I believe sounded alot like the civil rights movement and how we refrence to another race as the "others" i believe that calling someone that would be very deragative towards them and hurt their feelings because eveyone just wants to fit in and when you spaficifally isolate them based upon their color or race or any other physical feature it would hurt alot because they cant do anything about how they look
The Kipling poem gave interesting insight into the nature of the US’s worldview, and effectively outlined the idea of manifest destiny. That the poem couldn’t justify or condemn taking up the “White Man’s burden” made the topic appear as controversial as it really is in today’s culture, which I enjoyed. I completely agreed with the idea that anyone can be turned into “the other” if looked at properly, something that American culture does indiscriminately (ironically).
Our discussion also made me think about how “the other” is created only to serve the purposes of the creator. “Others” are made to separate them from their creator, and to justify any unkind actions or animosity towards them. A teacher for example might be seen as “the other” if a student wanted to vent their frustrations about a grade they found unsatisfactory. Whether it was the teacher’s fault or not is inconsequential, the student still uses abuse of their teacher’s name as an emotional outlet. People use an “other” as somewhere to point a finger and feel better about themselves, whether that blame is logical or not. I found that idea interesting.
Kipling's poem is the primary example of the colonialist mindset of Europe and America in the 19th century. He assumes a superiority in his poem and believes that the white man has an obligation to bring "civilization" (knowledge, Christianity, etc.) to these childlike savages in parts of the world where we had never been before. Kipling believes it is a philanthropic service to bring civiliation to these people however it is absurd because he assumes an extremely arrogant and racist attitude to believe they need us to rescue them. Kipling's ignorance is the exact thing that post-colonialists criticize so much. The arrogance and racism is apparent throughout all of the orientalist movement, and Kipling just puts that attitude into one compact poem.
Shae Hurst Period 6 Kipling’s poem The White Man’s Burden gives us insight into the cultural acceptance of racism in the late nineteenth century. Racism was founded around tradition because people grew up with it, and it was part of their upbringing. Kipling preserves this sentiment through his description of people who were thought to be uncivilized and thus “half devil and half child”. The Civilized world had a very self centered, vain, and narcissistic way of looking at foreign relations. It was the, we are more educated, and more proper and thus we will help those who don’t have our beliefs to find the path of righteousness, mantra. People who didn’t fit into the mold of society were thought to need saving, and who better to do this than the country of liberty, and opportunity. Kipling displays his distaste for American foreign intervention in this poem because he does not necessarily believe that the western way of doing this is the one and only corrects way. Racism is something embedded in our country, because of our self proclaimed superiority and while we are a melting pot of many cultures, we have a clearly defined American way.
The poem to me was a clear example of blatant racism. The author seemed to realize things needed to change, but that didn't change the fact that their views were racist. A classmate made the point that a person can be racist and not even be aware of the fact, which I believe is very true of this poem, and of many people on this planet. The creation of "the other" shows that people were unwilling to learn about other cultures, and were so unwilling to embrace their own faults that they had to pass them off onto other fictional cultures.
I thought the poem was a good insight into the mind of a "racist" in the time of slavery. It made me think about, first of all, the fact that though we see how wrong they were back then, and a vast majority of people today disagree with that point of view, to them it wasn't an extremist opinion- it was ingrained in their ideology from their parents, and theirs, etc. Kipling wasn't writing a racist work, he was just writing a poem, which at the time wouldn't be widely criticized for racism. Secondly, I found the subject of the poem in general to be an insight into racism "The White Man's Burden"? It seems to me that only ignorance can lead one to believe that being forced to master other people and control them is the hardest burden to bear. Yes, I could see how controlling your workers and organizing "the world" could be difficult, but how can a functioning member of society with even an ounce of empathy not recognize who is doing the larger share of the work? It's just difficult for me to even comprehend that train of thought.
Overall this poem does give off how America was racists, and how it wasnt thought of as wrong. In the olden days, peopel were so racist and i dont think much has changed. Yes, we do not express what we think of as racist as much, but think about it. Think about all of the comments people make on a day to day basis dealing with peoples colors, religions, and beliefs. People believe there is only one right way and this poem reflects on that. I mean come on, when they refer to African-Americans as half-devil half-child..what is that really saying? We need to get rid of these negative connotations and get on with our lives. Dont judge people as being the "other". There are different veiws everywhere, and what makes just ONE of them the right veiw?
The poem we discussed in class, 'The White Man's Burden' by Rudyard Kipling, definitely had strong feelings about race and imperialism and brought up a lot of ideas about the stereotyped ideas that many countries projected onto "other" peoples that they were unfamiliar with. I felt like Kipling was commenting on the nature of all white men/the nature of all people who consider their status to be above someone else, not specifically Americans, as he was British and the British were also extensively colonial in their views. I think the poem was representative of the negative stereotypes that still persist today, and it made everyone think more about whether society still creates "others" out of groups.
I thought the poem from Kipling was a reflection on the expectations and potential of the United States as a nation, and how our actions fall short of these. The poem and the circumstances of when it was written show how the United States avoids doing the right thing for its own benefit. In the case of the American takeover of the Phillipines, it explains how our nation disregards social responsibility for the benefit of our economy. I think the creation of the other shows the feeling of superiority one country or race takes against another.
The poem we read talked about how people use different race talk about something that is not allowed at that period of time. for example, poem written in France is based on some exodic land to talk about sexual things. poem we read as a class was the same idea. people believe that it is alright to talk about something that is not allowed in some different country and it is perfectly fine. this whole idea makes me look at how racism is used in this poem. creating things to entertain themselves while completly giving the wrong idea to other people on other culture.
When we were talking about this poem, throughout the whole thing it really just made me cringe. And even when we talked about everyone being racist, all the examples used i was totally against. So i don't thing that everyone is racist i believe it is a stereotype for the typical American and them being prideful of who they are. But it is in no way showing that everyone is a racist. But i do think that when the natural human nature comes into effect the majority of people do try to make the other. Whether it be popular to unpopular, people who do things out of the ordinary or those who just follow the trends, or any other way of setting themselves out from others and seeing themselves as superior.
I thought that the Kipling poem was criticizing the so-called “White Man’s Burden”. The tone of the poem seemed sarcastic. In the poem, Kipling talks of killing people with a type of cruel humor. No one speaks of killing people as a necessity or as a burden the way the poem does. Therefore, I think that Kipling thought that America’s imperialism or imperialism in general is not justified by what is gained.
I didn't like this poem. Even though it is true and this is how some people felt/feel it makes me mad. I don't think people should judge others based on color. I don't think it's fair that just because their different that makes them lower or lesser. I learned that the French women were supposed to be though of as nice people who do nothing wrong. To hide their inner fantasies but expressing them at the same time, they used the "other" race to display their feelings.
The poem and the discussion we had in class made me think about how much EVERYONE stereotypes people. My dad said this to me one time and it made me think "Not all Muslims are terrorist but all terrorist are Muslim". it made me think about how that is some what true and how we stereotyped them as to be all terrorist...but they really arnt. And in the end everyone in the world is "the other" and i think everyone has a little bit of racism in them even if they say they don't.
At the time it was written, this poem was probably seen as a very honest piece of poetry. It makes the task of going to a completely foreign place to 'civilize' the people there not as an enjoyable thing, but as something that the "white man" is obligated to do, for the sake of the people themselves and because it was what God intended for him. But looking at this poem today, it seems terribly racist and trivializing of other cultures. If, however, we look at it from today's perspective, we can use the poem to see how ridiculous the entire imperialization and religous conversion trends were. They never made these other cultures better, they just made them more western. Its very hard to look at another culture without judging it by your own, but its all something we should try to avoid. By taking the history and feel of a place or people and just seeing it for what it is in itself instead of trying to make it fit with our own culture, we can experience so much more of the world. The idea of the 'other' is very narrowminded. It generalizes other populations, and is especially ridiculous in America because we have no set identity- the other may live next door to us. So although the White Man's Burden may seem like a horrible poem that shouldn't be read, it is important because it shows us how not to see the world.
The discussion we had in class did not give much insight into racism or the creation of the “others”. I say this because I already had experienced being the “others” because of my dad and me being with him in certain areas. My dad is Mexican and he is a dark skin man and their have been times when I was with him in a cloths store and some one was fallowing us through out the store. As for the poem I find it very racist even in the title it shows how racism it is “The White Man Burden”. Also the discussion we had on terrorism gave me insight on how most people think that something is right if it’s for a just cause or that terrorism isn’t terrorism if there is power behind the threat.
to me i think that the poem overall talked about how america was racist and still is racist. i do although think that now we are not near as racist as we used to be. i know there are a select few who are extremely racist, but i think that overall as a community many people have gotten better and learned to accept others as they are. i thought that when we figured out what the poem would mean now it was very intersting to see how things have changed. this poem really makes you think about how others were treated in the past and i think that its terrible what we did to others and im glad that things are different now.
The Kipling poem that we read and discussed was very interesting in my opinion. I had never heard that the French playwrights would take things that happen in France and set them in an oriental race. This however did not surprise me because things like this are still happening around the world, like we talked about in class with white kids acting black and so fourth. The poem itself had a negitive or sort of angry vibe to it.
The Kipling poem that we read in class discussed racism. This is nothing new and will always continue, even though it has decreased. I also thought it was interesting when we discussed it in class that the term oriental is a deragatory term to asians because it is a term that European's made up. This poem is filled with emotion, just as anything regarding racism always is and will be because of how many it has had affected.
After we read Kipling's poem, our class had a good discussion on the different variety of stereotypes. Although his intent might have been to discuss only racism, we were able to pull out many other aspects. We talked about terrorism, racism, descriminations of all kind. In the poem it discusses imperialism, and how people thought it was their "duty" to reach out to other nations. Its not the very same today as it was back then, but I think we still see the need to try to make the world a "better place" even though sometimes its not actually helpful we're just doing more harm than good.
Regan McComb p.6 After reflecting on the Kipling poem and class discussion I think the overall point that "The White Man's Burden" is trying to get across is the concept of "the other" and racism as well. We all associate people that are in someway different than ourselves as "others" whether we want to believe it or not. I think the last line of this poem clearly demonstrates these concepts: " The judgement of your peers!"
The poem that we read in class was interesting, even though i didnt understand some of it. What the poem mostly got across to me was about how America is or was racist. The first line really sets the tone for the entire poem, "take up the white man's burden." This really tells you that the poem is going to be sour, and not so nice towards people. The line really brings up many different emotions about how the play can go and what effect it will have on the reader. The peom also started a conversation we had in class about "the other." Knowing that no two people are alike on the planet, means that every single person is an "other" therefor it is wrong to say that a person of color is more of an "other" than anyone else.
The Kipling poem that we read in class was a great introduction to orentialism. This poem was created to show racism and how we get into a comfort zone and we feel better about ourselves by picking on and making fun of'the others'. I feel this poem also showed great emotion for making a change and will be important to look back and read it again when we finish our unit.
There are many ways one could interpret the poem we read in class. Overall I found this poem very interesting not only in the text but the emotions its displayed. To me this poem was about racism and how everyone is racist. Racism is still a defiant issue in todays society, however it has gotten significantly better. I also found the class discussion on " the others" and peoples responses very insightful.
I was not there when we read this poem in class, but from what I've been reading in these other blogs is that this poem was some-what racist. Also maybe about how people are fine with people they dont know, doing outlandish things but if that same scenario was in their backyard then they would freak. My opinion on this is that as long as it isnt hurting me or affecting me in a negative way, other people should be able to do what they please.
After reading this poem the overall meaning was how america is/was racist. It doesn't really fit into how america is now, even though there is still sterotypes, and racism going on, I feel this poem does a better job talking about the past, and how bad it use to be. Our class discussion was very interesting. Hearing peoples thoughts on racism, and how they feel about it was very eye opening to me. I don't like how people use the word "other" to describe another race, they are still people, and everyone should be treated equally until them as individuals prove themselves otherwise, instead of people judging them as a whole.
The poem we read was weird view on life back then on how it was a burden for white men to teach or take over others. I thought it was weird how they would put actions that they considered non-religious in the other races. This poem probably wasn't seen as racist and many white people actually thought they had a burden by god. This is probably how stereotypes started.
The main thing this poem talks about is obviously, the "white man" and how he controls for the worse. The other ("sullen") person/people could be anyone or anything. Such as a race, hair color, gender, etc. "To veil the threat of terror" is basically to make people do what you want by scaring them. It's pretty much just being negative about Americans, or white people in general about how they have an "other" who they control as much as possible, without thinking of the actual human being.
The poem that we read in class gave me an idea about how arrogant we really are. The poem pretty much summed up the way the British felt about all other races, the name of the poem says it all. It speaks as if everyone race and religion that is different from British beliefs is totally wrong and not right. Not only that but they think that everyone else is like a child and they have to take care of them in order for the greater good to prosper.
The tile of the poem clearly indicates racism. The fact that “The white man” is considered the most important race is an example of how people usually think/thought of them selves. This also shows how it’s correct that anyone can be thought of as “the other” because people usually consider things different from what they are used to abnormal. This doesn’t necessarily have to be racism, but is simply a reflection of how people think. Kipling was sure that people needed his race – “the white man” and this is telling us that he thought of himself as more important and better than others.
Kipling's poem, "The White Man's Burden," shows his imperialistic attitude of superiority over foreign people. It discusses how it is the white man's burden to take control of the world. The American's action of taking over the Phillipines is described with "savage wars of peace." Kipling uses his wording to describe how America's intentions were to create peace, however the Phillipinos feel as if they became no more free than they were before. Another quote that shows the American's arrogance is where it says "and reap his old reward: the blame of those ye better, the hate of those we guard..." From the white man's point of view, they are being blamed for "bettering" the Phillipinos, and being hated for guarding them.
Kipling's poem which we discussed in class raised some interesting questions such as should racism be pointed out and how the education system spurs the creation of reacism in youth. It is true that schools create an atmosphere where students are kept seperated from one another by grade and that cliques form. This is the beginning for where young people learn the racist ways. In class we also discussed whether it was necessary and good to point out racism and say it is not a problem to recognize it. The question I have to ask is why is it considered racism for Kipling to write certain thoughts and not for other peoples and nationalities to do the same but in the opposite direction. There was a heated debate about whether or not racism should be pointed out. In some respects it should be and there are however situations where it should not be. I feel that stating that there is racism in schools caused by cliques is an easy thing to say but to recognize it as a problem is the easy part and that no one really has the courage or drive to try to right the problem because it is an uncomfortable topic and situation. The fact that Kipling is critized for racism can be justified but I feel it is going to strongly punished because other countries use the race card against other countries and people. Its a complicated issue and I don't even think I understand what I'm trying to say. The fact is that racism has been reduced greatly in the recent years
Jacob Carpenter Period 4 Over time the American people have begun to accept the fact that no matter how different you may be, being different overall isn’t that bad after all. The people of America have learned over time slowly but surely that is actually doesn’t matter what color your skin is, or what you believe in. We’ve begun to see that were all in this game of life together, and that no matter how you go about it there will always be different races. Sure there are some groups who just will not get over it, but America as a whole has become much more accepting toward “different” people. In my opinion, when the class interpreted the poem, it was very interesting how things have changed. This poem really makes you think about how others were treated in the past and I think that it’s terrible what we did to others and I’m glad that things are different now.
This poem to me felt alot like an act to look down on america. It had alot in it that talked about our society being racist and what we have done in the past. To me this poem was a bit hard for me to comprehend. Much of it was difficult reading and part of me thought it wasnt the best recelection of the past.
The poem that we read explained the rules of using people to our own benefits. Personally I dont believe in anything like this. I understand hard work can only be accomplished if you do it. The racism in this poem was crazy and i understand the racism and how it is linked with "orientalism"
The disucssion raised in class showed me that all people really look at racism differently. Some blame it on the fact that other poeple place people into their own groups or the "others" themselves seperate into their own group by choise instead of trying to inter-mingle with others. They have their own group of friends and their own places where they hang out, exapmles of this would be like people at school. It is almost liek they are making them selves the others. There are also people though who will think differently of other people so they treat them differently just because of race and i think that is wrong and without having others i think that this world would be very boring. We need diverse cultures so that we can have history and create new things and styles of life. Diversity is a crucial part of life in the world if everyone was the same there owuld be nothing new to learn from it.
Although at first glance the poem appears to be a blatent statement of racism, and its natural placement in life, it could also be interpreted as a satirical piece making fun of those who believe racism to be alright. However, given the time period in which it was written, I believe the first explanation to be more likely. It also ties into orientalism, because the idea behind orientalism is that the white or caucasian races are superior, and morally just, thus making anyone that differs wrong, since there has to be an opposite. Setting a story or play in such a setting then makes it okay, since it would be only natural for people to behave that way in 'the other' parts of the world, and there is nothing wrong with watching it.
ummmmm, I don't really know what to say since I was absent the day we read the poem. So, not only did I not receive the poem, but I was not present during the class discussion. Instead, I took the time to read all the blogs that have been written and create my own analysis without even reading the poem. It seems that the poem that the class read and discussed is focused on early America and the focus is only on Americans residing in the the states or colonies. There is a great emphasis on the quote "the others", relating to other ethnicities and religions that americans feel do not belong in the country. The poem was written to make people aware of the racism that happens everyday in the states because we have grown up around steroetypes. But now, I feel times are changing. Our country thrives on equalism and racism has decreased a great amount in the last half century.
I think this poem is a load of crap. There is no white mans burden because we ruined everything we had to take care of and now when we try to fix things we hurt people. We are the others if anything and people look down upon us and its ridiculous! We only think we are better than everyone else because its how we were taught. I've met some pretty dumb americans and some pretty smart asians or shall I say orientals...its crap, the poem is crap and all it did was piss me off and make me seriously hate americans and our dumb stereotypes and now I want to move to canada. End of story.
This poem talked about America and how it was and is still today, racist. Racism is an issue today, however it is not nearly as bad as it used to be. It is hard for me to say that everyone is racist, but in a way it is true. America has many stereotypes of how someone should be and there were certain boundaries that used to be rarely crossed which is why America was so racist towards those "others" who crossed those boundaries. More recently though, these boundaries and stereotypes are broken more and more frequently which is why people are becoming to accept differences. I am very against racism and this poem represented negative stereotypes and racism very well.
I thought that the White mans Burden was a very racist poem and tried to make other people think that white people are the best and everyone should thank them for what they have done. But that is for today's standards. For when this poem was written, it was probalby accepted and thought nothing more of than a nice piece of poetry. People might have realized it was racist but probalby didn't care to act upon it. And with the Class discussion, i realized how Racist America was back in the day but how it was accepted and no one was going for change for such a long time. And for the term the other, I do not think that is right to use because they are people just like everyone else just look a little different than the majority.
The speaker of the poem convicts his audience by telling them how racist they are. At the end, the speaker even warns them that they will be judged some day because of their actions. The writer says they are half devil and half child and also repeats over and over "take up the White Man's burden". Which refers to the burdens white men carry because of their racist actions.
I actually want to start this with a question. Discussion about racism is usually from a white person's point of view. The early accounts of racism we hear about are always from white people, or at the very least Egyptians. I would love to know other cultures opinions about whites. I'm not talking about the African-American opinion, as that has been made abundantly clear. But I would like to know the opinions of people living in countries that are predominantly Asian or black.
In the poem, Kipling presents a view of the world, in which non-European cultures are seen as childlike. This view suggests that white people consistently have an obligation to rule over, and encourage the cultural development of people from other ethnic and cultural groups until they can take their place in the world by fully adopting Western ways. The term "the white man's burden" can also be interpreted as racist or an explanation of racism. Another idea that we discussed was that the rich have a moral duty and obligation to help "the poor", whether the poor want the help or not.
After reading the poem in class I believe thewriter was trying to say that racism and the "the other" was, is, and will be a part of America. People have their own representation of the other, and have their own opinions on the matter. Some are extreme and some make no difference. People in America will always have their own opinions and we can't change their minds and that is something we will all have to live with
I thought that reading Kipling's poem in class in relation to Orientalism brought up some interesting discussion points. I see imperialism, as described in "The White Man's Burden" as a way for people who feel their culture is superior to dominate other cultures and eventually eliminate them entirely. To me, imperialism is about "civilized cultures" and their idea of the inferiority of other nations. Bringing up this idea is controversial in the classroom, especially because our country was founded on these corrupt values. The creation of the "other" is something that will always be present, and the I think that using it in art to portray something unfit for a certain society will always be a common tool.
I think that it is wrong to simply ignore this dynamic, it should always be discussed following pieces of orientalist art, but it would also be wrong to eliminate works of art with merit and value.
The peom we read in class i believe is about racism mainly towards the native people. It is like you mentioned in class about the line that read, "Your new caught, sullen peoples, Half deviled and half-child". This line refers to the native people of neighboring countries. This poem really shows how far we have come with racism. That we no longer in most parts of the country have problems with it anymore.
I was gone on friday, so I don't know about class discussion but I know the story of the poem that we read in clss on wednesday.
The poem "The White Man's Burden" was very interesting. White's burden, which means lead the world. Also To many westerners, any people whose way of life and religion were different from had a mission to spread Christianity and the Industrial Revolution everywhere. I think this could be sounds like racism but it is true destiny. Today, overall, the leader of world is whites and others are following with that. I believe that is the destiny of our world right now.
The Poem by Kipling entitled "The White Man's Burden" made me think about the differences between cultures of the late 19th century and early to middle 20th century in America. The idea that one race is dominant over another race in terms of status based on skin color or customs in now perceived as radical. It was the consensus no more than 50 years ago however. Furthermore, our class discussion on our countries doctrine of "manifest destiny" or the idea that foreign nations need our help to sustain themselves because they are too inept themselves made me think about the idea of "the other." "Others" i believe in this context were built up as something to be tamed. A wild creature of no regard for civility. This was why, i believe we were convinced that our actions were warranted.
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Preston Longoni Period 4
The poem we read I thought overall talked about how America is/was racist. The poem talked about colonization and the rule of people to our own benefit.
The things I learned about racism and the creation of "the other" were very interesting. Mr. Schindler talked about how French women were supposed to be thought of as nice people who do nothing wrong. To hide their inner fantacies while expressing them at the same time, they used the "other" race to display these feelings, like the play we watched today. The "other" race was considered "oriental". This pretty much pertains to all races toward one another because one race is going to always feel they can do no wrong and that they are better than any other, so they want to make the other appear to be wrong or not right.
The poem we read was very interesting, and not just in what it meant. More it was interesting the emotion it gave off.
The first line, "take up the white man's burden," just leaves me sour. It is an order that automatically defines boundaries and set processes. Nothing new, nothing changeable, just a solid rock of a system.
The rest of the poem has a voice that mocks and holds a deep seated anger. It makes the reader tense and take on that anger, even if only for the length of the poem, and understand what the author sees instead of what was usually seen.
Mackenzie Engel
Period 6
In looking at this poem alone, without knowledge of Kipling’s other works, it is hard to say if it is more of a satirical or literal piece. Whether or not it was Kipling's intent, the first line, "take up the white man's burden" sets an elitist tone for the entire poem. It is as if the author believes it is the white mans duty to colonize and liberate the nation of all other cultures except their own. It raises a lot of different emotions, which is why I think the poem is so popular, despite its suggested negative connotation. When interpreting the poem in this day and age, over a century after its publication, the "half devil and half child" reference appears to apply better to the author in his racist view than to the people he spoke of back then.
Leticia LOPEZ Period 4
Alright, the poem "The White Man's Burden" By Rudyard Kipling, was at the least was just more insight on how America grew up on this idea that 'the others' were inferior, through this racism was formed, but basically it's not just America that was on it's high horse, i mean wasnt Kipling English or something? I mean theres just to a point were you cannot blame things on your parents, like now, your grown you know ight from wrong y todo eso, but when your born to people who look down on 'the others', what are you gunna do but look down on them? Its bull how people try judt to ignore whats going on, i mean i dont want everyother word being about slavery and how they tormented those of African desent or about the Depression and how they blamed it on the 'Mexicans' and they needed to get out, or about Pearl Harbor where they put all the people Japanese descent into camps to live in stripping all their rights away. but that is american history. Imma be foreal im not really excited to see the pearl fishers because if i wanted to see some racist opera or play or musical i can just stay in woodinville and watch it for free. but yeah thats it. lates
Sam Franklin per 6
I really am not sure what to think about the poem we read in class. I don’t really know the author so I could see this as either a sarcastic piece ridiculing the people who believe what he wrote about or it could be genuine in that he really believes what he wrote. Also it could just be a poem based on the historical beliefs that people truly thought that way. It is an interesting poem that makes you think about how people have been treated in by other people in the past.
Kyle Glaser
Period 2
I would have to agree with Sam on this poem because I was confused about this poem on if it was written as a negative to just Americans or just white people in general because the poem was written as a poem to Americans after they had captured a weaker country (did they invade the Philipines) and was written from a British point of view. The British tend to think that America are much more cruel then them but that is not true. For instance with the Native Americans when they first arrived in America they were created more like animals then like humans.
Also this poem not brings up not only race but religion. Since I am jewish I am thought of as the "other" and the outsider. Althought it is not very evident here I have heard many sterotypical and racist comments making judism a race not a religion. This poem shows how America is/was and hopefully we can move away from this and towards America having a positive image.
Tanner Low per. 4
This poem by mr. Kipling i think personifies the mindset of imperialist countries during the time it was written, but i think that nowadays this is not as true. While we do have stereotypes today, they are not as racist as they were. Modern technology and events have revealed the truth of the so called "others" and many stereotypes have been erased. I think our discussion though about terrorism and the middle east was very good, and this is a stereotype that we need to be rid of.
Tia Bailey Period 4
THis poem was straight up racist. To me it felt as if they were 'dogging' on anyone who weren't either their color or race. The French were extremely prissy, stuck-uppish, and believed that they were the best society. (i mean come on, no shaving or baths.. GROSS) But when i read this poem i felt that they were more harsh on the african americans. Talking about how mixing the races made the children "half devil-half child". So what would they call me. I am half polynesian/caucasion.
I think this poem opened peoples eyes to the harsh reality of olden days, and how much (or little) the world has changed since.
Matt MacDougall
Per 4
The poem we read I believe sounded alot like the civil rights movement and how we refrence to another race as the "others" i believe that calling someone that would be very deragative towards them and hurt their feelings because eveyone just wants to fit in and when you spaficifally isolate them based upon their color or race or any other physical feature it would hurt alot because they cant do anything about how they look
Jordan Adam Per. 4
The Kipling poem gave interesting insight into the nature of the US’s worldview, and effectively outlined the idea of manifest destiny. That the poem couldn’t justify or condemn taking up the “White Man’s burden” made the topic appear as controversial as it really is in today’s culture, which I enjoyed. I completely agreed with the idea that anyone can be turned into “the other” if looked at properly, something that American culture does indiscriminately (ironically).
Our discussion also made me think about how “the other” is created only to serve the purposes of the creator. “Others” are made to separate them from their creator, and to justify any unkind actions or animosity towards them. A teacher for example might be seen as “the other” if a student wanted to vent their frustrations about a grade they found unsatisfactory. Whether it was the teacher’s fault or not is inconsequential, the student still uses abuse of their teacher’s name as an emotional outlet. People use an “other” as somewhere to point a finger and feel better about themselves, whether that blame is logical or not. I found that idea interesting.
Andrew Pilgrim Period 4
Kipling's poem is the primary example of the colonialist mindset of Europe and America in the 19th century. He assumes a superiority in his poem and believes that the white man has an obligation to bring "civilization" (knowledge, Christianity, etc.) to these childlike savages in parts of the world where we had never been before. Kipling believes it is a philanthropic service to bring civiliation to these people however it is absurd because he assumes an extremely arrogant and racist attitude to believe they need us to rescue them. Kipling's ignorance is the exact thing that post-colonialists criticize so much. The arrogance and racism is apparent throughout all of the orientalist movement, and Kipling just puts that attitude into one compact poem.
Shae Hurst Period 6
Kipling’s poem The White Man’s Burden gives us insight into the cultural acceptance of racism in the late nineteenth century. Racism was founded around tradition because people grew up with it, and it was part of their upbringing. Kipling preserves this sentiment through his description of people who were thought to be uncivilized and thus “half devil and half child”. The Civilized world had a very self centered, vain, and narcissistic way of looking at foreign relations. It was the, we are more educated, and more proper and thus we will help those who don’t have our beliefs to find the path of righteousness, mantra. People who didn’t fit into the mold of society were thought to need saving, and who better to do this than the country of liberty, and opportunity. Kipling displays his distaste for American foreign intervention in this poem because he does not necessarily believe that the western way of doing this is the one and only corrects way. Racism is something embedded in our country, because of our self proclaimed superiority and while we are a melting pot of many cultures, we have a clearly defined American way.
Jessica Karr, p.4
The poem to me was a clear example of blatant racism. The author seemed to realize things needed to change, but that didn't change the fact that their views were racist. A classmate made the point that a person can be racist and not even be aware of the fact, which I believe is very true of this poem, and of many people on this planet.
The creation of "the other" shows that people were unwilling to learn about other cultures, and were so unwilling to embrace their own faults that they had to pass them off onto other fictional cultures.
Tess Opincarne
Period 6
I thought the poem was a good insight into the mind of a "racist" in the time of slavery. It made me think about, first of all, the fact that though we see how wrong they were back then, and a vast majority of people today disagree with that point of view, to them it wasn't an extremist opinion- it was ingrained in their ideology from their parents, and theirs, etc. Kipling wasn't writing a racist work, he was just writing a poem, which at the time wouldn't be widely criticized for racism. Secondly, I found the subject of the poem in general to be an insight into racism "The White Man's Burden"? It seems to me that only ignorance can lead one to believe that being forced to master other people and control them is the hardest burden to bear. Yes, I could see how controlling your workers and organizing "the world" could be difficult, but how can a functioning member of society with even an ounce of empathy not recognize who is doing the larger share of the work? It's just difficult for me to even comprehend that train of thought.
Overall this poem does give off how America was racists, and how it wasnt thought of as wrong. In the olden days, peopel were so racist and i dont think much has changed. Yes, we do not express what we think of as racist as much, but think about it. Think about all of the comments people make on a day to day basis dealing with peoples colors, religions, and beliefs. People believe there is only one right way and this poem reflects on that. I mean come on, when they refer to African-Americans as half-devil half-child..what is that really saying? We need to get rid of these negative connotations and get on with our lives. Dont judge people as being the "other". There are different veiws everywhere, and what makes just ONE of them the right veiw?
Rosie Polaschek (Per. 4)
The poem we discussed in class, 'The White Man's Burden' by Rudyard Kipling, definitely had strong feelings about race and imperialism and brought up a lot of ideas about the stereotyped ideas that many countries projected onto "other" peoples that they were unfamiliar with. I felt like Kipling was commenting on the nature of all white men/the nature of all people who consider their status to be above someone else, not specifically Americans, as he was British and the British were also extensively colonial in their views. I think the poem was representative of the negative stereotypes that still persist today, and it made everyone think more about whether society still creates "others" out of groups.
Gabe Gonzalez Period 2
I thought the poem from Kipling was a reflection on the expectations and potential of the United States as a nation, and how our actions fall short of these. The poem and the circumstances of when it was written show how the United States avoids doing the right thing for its own benefit. In the case of the American takeover of the Phillipines, it explains how our nation disregards social responsibility for the benefit of our economy. I think the creation of the other shows the feeling of superiority one country or race takes against another.
Chris Hong Period 6
The poem we read talked about how people use different race talk about something that is not allowed at that period of time. for example, poem written in France is based on some exodic land to talk about sexual things. poem we read as a class was the same idea. people believe that it is alright to talk about something that is not allowed in some different country and it is perfectly fine. this whole idea makes me look at how racism is used in this poem. creating things to entertain themselves while completly giving the wrong idea to other people on other culture.
When we were talking about this poem, throughout the whole thing it really just made me cringe. And even when we talked about everyone being racist, all the examples used i was totally against. So i don't thing that everyone is racist i believe it is a stereotype for the typical American and them being prideful of who they are. But it is in no way showing that everyone is a racist. But i do think that when the natural human nature comes into effect the majority of people do try to make the other. Whether it be popular to unpopular, people who do things out of the ordinary or those who just follow the trends, or any other way of setting themselves out from others and seeing themselves as superior.
Bryttany Enge, Period 6
I thought that the Kipling poem was criticizing the so-called “White Man’s Burden”. The tone of the poem seemed sarcastic. In the poem, Kipling talks of killing people with a type of cruel humor. No one speaks of killing people as a necessity or as a burden the way the poem does. Therefore, I think that Kipling thought that America’s imperialism or imperialism in general is not justified by what is gained.
Cristina Rice
Period 2
I didn't like this poem. Even though it is true and this is how some people felt/feel it makes me mad. I don't think people should judge others based on color. I don't think it's fair that just because their different that makes them lower or lesser. I learned that the French women were supposed to be though of as nice people who do nothing wrong. To hide their inner fantasies but expressing them at the same time, they used the "other" race to display their feelings.
Katie Hodgson Per 2
The poem and the discussion we had in class made me think about how much EVERYONE stereotypes people. My dad said this to me one time and it made me think "Not all Muslims are terrorist but all terrorist are Muslim". it made me think about how that is some what true and how we stereotyped them as to be all terrorist...but they really arnt. And in the end everyone in the world is "the other" and i think everyone has a little bit of racism in them even if they say they don't.
Megan Lowry Period 2
At the time it was written, this poem was probably seen as a very honest piece of poetry. It makes the task of going to a completely foreign place to 'civilize' the people there not as an enjoyable thing, but as something that the "white man" is obligated to do, for the sake of the people themselves and because it was what God intended for him. But looking at this poem today, it seems terribly racist and trivializing of other cultures. If, however, we look at it from today's perspective, we can use the poem to see how ridiculous the entire imperialization and religous conversion trends were. They never made these other cultures better, they just made them more western. Its very hard to look at another culture without judging it by your own, but its all something we should try to avoid. By taking the history and feel of a place or people and just seeing it for what it is in itself instead of trying to make it fit with our own culture, we can experience so much more of the world. The idea of the 'other' is very narrowminded. It generalizes other populations, and is especially ridiculous in America because we have no set identity- the other may live next door to us. So although the White Man's Burden may seem like a horrible poem that shouldn't be read, it is important because it shows us how not to see the world.
Ryan De La Riva
P-2
The discussion we had in class did not give much insight into racism or the creation of the “others”. I say this because I already had experienced being the “others” because of my dad and me being with him in certain areas. My dad is Mexican and he is a dark skin man and their have been times when I was with him in a cloths store and some one was fallowing us through out the store. As for the poem I find it very racist even in the title it shows how racism it is “The White Man Burden”. Also the discussion we had on terrorism gave me insight on how most people think that something is right if it’s for a just cause or that terrorism isn’t terrorism if there is power behind the threat.
to me i think that the poem overall talked about how america was racist and still is racist. i do although think that now we are not near as racist as we used to be. i know there are a select few who are extremely racist, but i think that overall as a community many people have gotten better and learned to accept others as they are. i thought that when we figured out what the poem would mean now it was very intersting to see how things have changed. this poem really makes you think about how others were treated in the past and i think that its terrible what we did to others and im glad that things are different now.
stuart dransfield
period 4
The Kipling poem that we read and discussed was very interesting in my opinion. I had never heard that the French playwrights would take things that happen in France and set them in an oriental race. This however did not surprise me because things like this are still happening around the world, like we talked about in class with white kids acting black and so fourth.
The poem itself had a negitive or sort of angry vibe to it.
Bergen Anderson per. 2
The Kipling poem that we read in class discussed racism. This is nothing new and will always continue, even though it has decreased. I also thought it was interesting when we discussed it in class that the term oriental is a deragatory term to asians because it is a term that European's made up. This poem is filled with emotion, just as anything regarding racism always is and will be because of how many it has had affected.
Stephanie Bateman Period 2
After we read Kipling's poem, our class had a good discussion on the different variety of stereotypes. Although his intent might have been to discuss only racism, we were able to pull out many other aspects. We talked about terrorism, racism, descriminations of all kind. In the poem it discusses imperialism, and how people thought it was their "duty" to reach out to other nations. Its not the very same today as it was back then, but I think we still see the need to try to make the world a "better place" even though sometimes its not actually helpful we're just doing more harm than good.
Regan McComb p.6
After reflecting on the Kipling poem and class discussion I think the overall point that "The White Man's Burden" is trying to get across is the concept of "the other" and racism as well. We all associate people that are in someway different than ourselves as "others" whether we want to believe it or not. I think the last line of this poem clearly demonstrates these concepts: " The judgement of your peers!"
Sam Bellefeuille P-6
The poem that we read in class was interesting, even though i didnt understand some of it. What the poem mostly got across to me was about how America is or was racist.
The first line really sets the tone for the entire poem, "take up the white man's burden." This really tells you that the poem is going to be sour, and not so nice towards people. The line really brings up many different emotions about how the play can go and what effect it will have on the reader. The peom also started a conversation we had in class about "the other." Knowing that no two people are alike on the planet, means that every single person is an "other" therefor it is wrong to say that a person of color is more of an "other" than anyone else.
Daniel Reisz Period 6.
The Kipling poem that we read in class was a great introduction to orentialism. This poem was created to show racism and how we get into a comfort zone and we feel better about ourselves by picking on and making fun of'the others'. I feel this poem also showed great emotion for making a change and will be important to look back and read it again when we finish our unit.
There are many ways one could interpret the poem we read in class. Overall I found this poem very interesting not only in the text but the emotions its displayed. To me this poem was about racism and how everyone is racist. Racism is still a defiant issue in todays society, however it has gotten significantly better. I also found the class discussion on " the others" and peoples responses very insightful.
Andrew Song Period 6
I was not there when we read this poem in class, but from what I've been reading in these other blogs is that this poem was some-what racist. Also maybe about how people are fine with people they dont know, doing outlandish things but if that same scenario was in their backyard then they would freak. My opinion on this is that as long as it isnt hurting me or affecting me in a negative way, other people should be able to do what they please.
Trisha Hancock Period 2
After reading this poem the overall meaning was how america is/was racist. It doesn't really fit into how america is now, even though there is still sterotypes, and racism going on, I feel this poem does a better job talking about the past, and how bad it use to be. Our class discussion was very interesting. Hearing peoples thoughts on racism, and how they feel about it was very eye opening to me. I don't like how people use the word "other" to describe another race, they are still people, and everyone should be treated equally until them as individuals prove themselves otherwise, instead of people judging them as a whole.
Dathan Bauman period 2
The poem we read was weird view on life back then on how it was a burden for white men to teach or take over others. I thought it was weird how they would put actions that they considered non-religious in the other races. This poem probably wasn't seen as racist and many white people actually thought they had a burden by god. This is probably how stereotypes started.
Lacey H
Period 4
The main thing this poem talks about is obviously, the "white man" and how he controls for the worse. The other ("sullen") person/people could be anyone or anything. Such as a race, hair color, gender, etc. "To veil the threat of terror" is basically to make people do what you want by scaring them.
It's pretty much just being negative about Americans, or white people in general about how they have an "other" who they control as much as possible, without thinking of the actual human being.
Clayton Butler period 2
The poem that we read in class gave me an idea about how arrogant we really are. The poem pretty much summed up the way the British felt about all other races, the name of the poem says it all. It speaks as if everyone race and religion that is different from British beliefs is totally wrong and not right. Not only that but they think that everyone else is like a child and they have to take care of them in order for the greater good to prosper.
Christin Thrane
Period 4
The tile of the poem clearly indicates racism. The fact that “The white man” is considered the most important race is an example of how people usually think/thought of them selves. This also shows how it’s correct that anyone can be thought of as “the other” because people usually consider things different from what they are used to abnormal. This doesn’t necessarily have to be racism, but is simply a reflection of how people think. Kipling was sure that people needed his race – “the white man” and this is telling us that he thought of himself as more important and better than others.
Selena Swaim, per. 2
Kipling's poem, "The White Man's Burden," shows his imperialistic attitude of superiority over foreign people. It discusses how it is the white man's burden to take control of the world. The American's action of taking over the Phillipines is described with "savage wars of peace." Kipling uses his wording to describe how America's intentions were to create peace, however the Phillipinos feel as if they became no more free than they were before. Another quote that shows the American's arrogance is where it says "and reap his old reward: the blame of those ye better, the hate of those we guard..." From the white man's point of view, they are being blamed for "bettering" the Phillipinos, and being hated for guarding them.
Andrew Kemis PEriod 6
Kipling's poem which we discussed in class raised some interesting questions such as should racism be pointed out and how the education system spurs the creation of reacism in youth. It is true that schools create an atmosphere where students are kept seperated from one another by grade and that cliques form. This is the beginning for where young people learn the racist ways. In class we also discussed whether it was necessary and good to point out racism and say it is not a problem to recognize it. The question I have to ask is why is it considered racism for Kipling to write certain thoughts and not for other peoples and nationalities to do the same but in the opposite direction. There was a heated debate about whether or not racism should be pointed out. In some respects it should be and there are however situations where it should not be. I feel that stating that there is racism in schools caused by cliques is an easy thing to say but to recognize it as a problem is the easy part and that no one really has the courage or drive to try to right the problem because it is an uncomfortable topic and situation. The fact that Kipling is critized for racism can be justified but I feel it is going to strongly punished because other countries use the race card against other countries and people. Its a complicated issue and I don't even think I understand what I'm trying to say. The fact is that racism has been reduced greatly in the recent years
Jacob Carpenter
Period 4
Over time the American people have begun to accept the fact that no matter how different you may be, being different overall isn’t that bad after all. The people of America have learned over time slowly but surely that is actually doesn’t matter what color your skin is, or what you believe in. We’ve begun to see that were all in this game of life together, and that no matter how you go about it there will always be different races. Sure there are some groups who just will not get over it, but America as a whole has become much more accepting toward “different” people. In my opinion, when the class interpreted the poem, it was very interesting how things have changed. This poem really makes you think about how others were treated in the past and I think that it’s terrible what we did to others and I’m glad that things are different now.
phillip foshee
period 6
This poem to me felt alot like an act to look down on america. It had alot in it that talked about our society being racist and what we have done in the past. To me this poem was a bit hard for me to comprehend. Much of it was difficult reading and part of me thought it wasnt the best recelection of the past.
Brendan Cox
Period 2
The poem that we read explained the rules of using people to our own benefits. Personally I dont believe in anything like this. I understand hard work can only be accomplished if you do it. The racism in this poem was crazy and i understand the racism and how it is linked with "orientalism"
The disucssion raised in class showed me that all people really look at racism differently. Some blame it on the fact that other poeple place people into their own groups or the "others" themselves seperate into their own group by choise instead of trying to inter-mingle with others. They have their own group of friends and their own places where they hang out, exapmles of this would be like people at school. It is almost liek they are making them selves the others. There are also people though who will think differently of other people so they treat them differently just because of race and i think that is wrong and without having others i think that this world would be very boring. We need diverse cultures so that we can have history and create new things and styles of life. Diversity is a crucial part of life in the world if everyone was the same there owuld be nothing new to learn from it.
rebecca taicz period 6
Although at first glance the poem appears to be a blatent statement of racism, and its natural placement in life, it could also be interpreted as a satirical piece making fun of those who believe racism to be alright. However, given the time period in which it was written, I believe the first explanation to be more likely. It also ties into orientalism, because the idea behind orientalism is that the white or caucasian races are superior, and morally just, thus making anyone that differs wrong, since there has to be an opposite. Setting a story or play in such a setting then makes it okay, since it would be only natural for people to behave that way in 'the other' parts of the world, and there is nothing wrong with watching it.
Joel Maltos
P-4
ummmmm, I don't really know what to say since I was absent the day we read the poem. So, not only did I not receive the poem, but I was not present during the class discussion.
Instead, I took the time to read all the blogs that have been written and create my own analysis without even reading the poem.
It seems that the poem that the class read and discussed is focused on early America and the focus is only on Americans residing in the the states or colonies. There is a great emphasis on the quote "the others", relating to other ethnicities and religions that americans feel do not belong in the country. The poem was written to make people aware of the racism that happens everyday in the states because we have grown up around steroetypes. But now, I feel times are changing. Our country thrives on equalism and racism has decreased a great amount in the last half century.
Erika Hodges per. 2
I think this poem is a load of crap. There is no white mans burden because we ruined everything we had to take care of and now when we try to fix things we hurt people. We are the others if anything and people look down upon us and its ridiculous! We only think we are better than everyone else because its how we were taught. I've met some pretty dumb americans and some pretty smart asians or shall I say orientals...its crap, the poem is crap and all it did was piss me off and make me seriously hate americans and our dumb stereotypes and now I want to move to canada. End of story.
Zoe Thiemann Period 6
This poem talked about America and how it was and is still today, racist. Racism is an issue today, however it is not nearly as bad as it used to be. It is hard for me to say that everyone is racist, but in a way it is true. America has many stereotypes of how someone should be and there were certain boundaries that used to be rarely crossed which is why America was so racist towards those "others" who crossed those boundaries. More recently though, these boundaries and stereotypes are broken more and more frequently which is why people are becoming to accept differences. I am very against racism and this poem represented negative stereotypes and racism very well.
I thought that the White mans Burden was a very racist poem and tried to make other people think that white people are the best and everyone should thank them for what they have done. But that is for today's standards. For when this poem was written, it was probalby accepted and thought nothing more of than a nice piece of poetry. People might have realized it was racist but probalby didn't care to act upon it. And with the Class discussion, i realized how Racist America was back in the day but how it was accepted and no one was going for change for such a long time. And for the term the other, I do not think that is right to use because they are people just like everyone else just look a little different than the majority.
Alyssa De Hoop period 4
The speaker of the poem convicts his audience by telling them how racist they are. At the end, the speaker even warns them that they will be judged some day because of their actions. The writer says they are half devil and half child and also repeats over and over "take up the White Man's burden". Which refers to the burdens white men carry because of their racist actions.
Brendan Connor
Per.4
I actually want to start this with a question. Discussion about racism is usually from a white person's point of view. The early accounts of racism we hear about are always from white people, or at the very least Egyptians. I would love to know other cultures opinions about whites. I'm not talking about the African-American opinion, as that has been made abundantly clear. But I would like to know the opinions of people living in countries that are predominantly Asian or black.
Alex Garcia Period 6
In the poem, Kipling presents a view of the world, in which non-European cultures are seen as childlike. This view suggests that white people consistently have an obligation to rule over, and encourage the cultural development of people from other ethnic and cultural groups until they can take their place in the world by fully adopting Western ways. The term "the white man's burden" can also be interpreted as racist or an explanation of racism. Another idea that we discussed was that the rich have a moral duty and obligation to help "the poor", whether the poor want the help or not.
Spencer asavadejkajorn period 4
After reading the poem in class I believe thewriter was trying to say that racism and the "the other" was, is, and will be a part of America. People have their own representation of the other, and have their own opinions on the matter. Some are extreme and some make no difference. People in America will always have their own opinions and we can't change their minds and that is something we will all have to live with
Megan Housekeeper, Period 6
I thought that reading Kipling's poem in class in relation to Orientalism brought up some interesting discussion points. I see imperialism, as described in "The White Man's Burden" as a way for people who feel their culture is superior to dominate other cultures and eventually eliminate them entirely. To me, imperialism is about "civilized cultures" and their idea of the inferiority of other nations. Bringing up this idea is controversial in the classroom, especially because our country was founded on these corrupt values. The creation of the "other" is something that will always be present, and the I think that using it in art to portray something unfit for a certain society will always be a common tool.
I think that it is wrong to simply ignore this dynamic, it should always be discussed following pieces of orientalist art, but it would also be wrong to eliminate works of art with merit and value.
The peom we read in class i believe is about racism mainly towards the native people. It is like you mentioned in class about the line that read, "Your new caught, sullen peoples, Half deviled and half-child". This line refers to the native people of neighboring countries. This poem really shows how far we have come with racism. That we no longer in most parts of the country have problems with it anymore.
Karin Ochsner Period 4
Jinny Kim p.4
I was gone on friday, so I don't know about class discussion but I know the story of the poem that we read in clss on wednesday.
The poem "The White Man's Burden" was very interesting. White's burden, which means lead the world. Also To many westerners, any people whose way of life and religion were different from had a mission to spread Christianity and the Industrial Revolution everywhere. I think this could be sounds like racism but it is true destiny. Today, overall, the leader of world is whites and others are following with that. I believe that is the destiny of our world right now.
Nathan Zimmerman, Per. 6
The Poem by Kipling entitled "The White Man's Burden" made me think about the differences between cultures of the late 19th century and early to middle 20th century in America. The idea that one race is dominant over another race in terms of status based on skin color or customs in now perceived as radical. It was the consensus no more than 50 years ago however. Furthermore, our class discussion on our countries doctrine of "manifest destiny" or the idea that foreign nations need our help to sustain themselves because they are too inept themselves made me think about the idea of "the other." "Others" i believe in this context were built up as something to be tamed. A wild creature of no regard for civility. This was why, i believe we were convinced that our actions were warranted.
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