The general idea that whites were the superior race had been around long before the late 1800's, but around this time period, that idea was amplified and turned into a responsibility. What began in Europe as imperialism, eventually morphed into the larger concept of, a "civilizing mission." The beliefs behind this concept were that Westerners could, and should, civilize the primitive non-white peoples. The common view was that white Europeans had the obligation to govern and convert all savages to superior European models. What truly fueled this movement though, was the sense of responsibility that white individuals felt towards the "savages." It was their duty to protect and help shape those who could not do so for themselves in the hopes that one day the savages would be able to self govern based on a Western democracy. The justification for this movement came from the "intention" to protect natives from tribal warfare and from more indecent forms of exploitation by white settlers and business men.European woman also played a major role in the civilizing mission. As we heard in class, the instinct of these woman to help can be categorized as "maternal imperialism." Woman felt the empathetic need to help and therefore took up positions such as teachers, colonial missionaries, nurses, and some even accompanied their husbands overseas. The thought was that if white woman were present in the colonies, they might be able to prevent "race-mixing," which was very common with European men. If they could eliminate the production of half-legitimate whites, then it would be easier to convert everyone to the superior white ideology.
Soon after the "civilizing mission" had made its way through the borders of Europe, it found itself spreading to the Americans. Exactly like the Europeans, "Americans believed that their civilization had reached unprecedented heights and that they had unique benefits to bestow on supposedly less advanced people." (McKay 813)
The white man believed his burden was that he was too superior and had a Godly responsibility to share that superiority of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles with those considered less.
When in actually the white man's burden is the blinders he maintains when viewing those of a different race.
Sources Used:
McKay, John P., et al. A History of Western Society. (page 813) Bedford/St. Martins, 2017.
It's crazy to think that this happened so often. That Europeans thought they were more civilized than other races, due to different cultures. We still see habits of this today. Of "civilized" cultures trying to reform others to their standards. History truly does repeat itself.
ReplyDeleteIt's awful to think of how much culture they destroyed because they thought they had the right to. They ruined so many people's lives, and so many people still view white people with contempt, even those who have never done any harm to them. It's embarrassing to think that if I had been born around that time that I might have been like them.
ReplyDeleteI particularly liked the quote from McKay bringing in the US and the last line! Definitely thinking for the present day, as the comments show as well. The ability to call out this form of thinking today is both is brave and central.
ReplyDeleteI think it is such an interesting concept that white individuals always have believed that through history, they are obligated to make other peoples lives better. I never really understood the rational behind it but the idea still stands to this day.
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