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Rudyard Kipling, best known as the author of The Jungle Book, wrote a poem titled The White Man's Burden in 1899. The United States acquired the Philippines as a possession as a result of the country's victory in the Spanish-American War. Kipling considered the island inhabitants to be a backward and uncivilized people; therefore, he felt the United States was obligated to civilize the indigents. The poem reflected the United States' obligation to intervene on behalf of the native people. The poem, intended only for the Philippines, was used by the European countries to dominate the natives of Africa, who were also considered inferior.
The poem opens with this line: "Take up the White Man's burden / Send forth the best ye breed / Go bind your sons to exile / To serve your captives' need."
Paul speaks that "just one man's trespass led to condemnation for all." Paul of course, is referring to the sin of Adam in the Garden of Eden. But the message is applicable to all; the sin of one man can lead many astray. Kipling's intentions may have been noble, but his poem gave permission for the nations of the world to subjugate those in developing nations. This should be a message of caution for all of us: if we violate the commandments of God, many individuals may be hurt in the wake.
The poem opens with this line: "Take up the White Man's burden / Send forth the best ye breed / Go bind your sons to exile / To serve your captives' need."
Paul speaks that "just one man's trespass led to condemnation for all." Paul of course, is referring to the sin of Adam in the Garden of Eden. But the message is applicable to all; the sin of one man can lead many astray. Kipling's intentions may have been noble, but his poem gave permission for the nations of the world to subjugate those in developing nations. This should be a message of caution for all of us: if we violate the commandments of God, many individuals may be hurt in the wake.
