White Man's Burden - Cartoon Analysis Worksheet Answer Key

Deconstructing the "White Man's Burden": A Cartoon Analysis Worksheet and Answer Key

The infamous phrase "White Man's Burden," coined by Rudyard Kipling in his 1899 poem of the same name, has become a potent symbol of 19th and 20th-century imperialism. This phrase, while seemingly altruistic on the surface, masked a deeply racist and paternalistic ideology justifying European colonization and domination of non-Western peoples. Analyzing political cartoons of the era provides a powerful lens through which to understand the pervasiveness and insidious nature of this ideology. This worksheet and answer key will guide you through a critical analysis of such cartoons, enabling you to understand how visual rhetoric reinforced and perpetuated the "White Man's Burden" narrative.

Section 1: Understanding the Context

Before diving into the analysis of specific cartoons, it's crucial to understand the historical context surrounding the "White Man's Burden." This concept was used to justify imperialism by portraying European powers as benevolent civilizers bringing progress and enlightenment to supposedly "backward" societies. This justification, however, ignored the brutal realities of colonialism: exploitation, oppression, violence, and the destruction of indigenous cultures.

Key Concepts to Consider:

• Social Darwinism: The application of Darwin's theory of evolution to social structures, suggesting that certain races or nations were inherently superior and destined to rule over others.
• Paternalism: A policy of governing or treating people in a fatherly manner, often implying a condescending and controlling attitude.
• Civilizing Mission: The belief that European powers had a moral obligation to "civilize" non-European peoples through colonization, often involving imposing Western values, culture, and religion.
• Economic Exploitation: The systematic extraction of resources and labor from colonized territories for the benefit of the colonizing power.

Section 2: Analyzing Political Cartoons

Political cartoons are powerful tools for expressing political opinions and shaping public perception. By using visual metaphors, satire, and symbolism, they can convey complex ideas in a concise and memorable way. Analyzing cartoons related to the "White Man's Burden" requires careful attention to detail and a critical understanding of the historical context.

Elements to Analyze:

• Visual Elements: Pay close attention to the characters depicted, their clothing, expressions, and body language. What stereotypes are being employed? How are different races or nationalities represented?
• Symbolism: Look for recurring symbols like maps, flags, tools, and animals. What do these symbols represent? How do they contribute to the cartoon's overall message?
• Caption/Text: Examine any accompanying text or captions. What is the explicit message? What is the implied message?
• Perspective/Point of View: From whose perspective is the cartoon presented? Whose interests are being served?
• Satire and Irony: Does the cartoon use humor or irony to convey its message? How does this affect the impact of the cartoon?

Section 3: Sample Cartoon Analysis and Answer Key

Let's analyze a hypothetical cartoon depicting a white man carrying a "burden" (a person of color) on his back, struggling but determined to reach a distant mountain labeled "Civilization."

Cartoon Description: The cartoon shows a muscular white man, dressed in a suit, sweating profusely as he climbs a steep mountain. On his back, he carries a smaller, darker-skinned person who appears weary and burdened. The mountain peak is labeled "Civilization," while the path is strewn with obstacles. The background depicts a chaotic and underdeveloped landscape.

Worksheet Questions and Answer Key:

1. Identify the main characters in the cartoon. Describe their physical appearance and attire.

Answer Key: The main characters are a muscular white man in a suit and a smaller, darker-skinned person. The white man is depicted as strong and determined, while the darker-skinned person appears tired and burdened. The clothing reflects societal power dynamics; the suit signifies the white man's position of authority.

2. What is the "burden" the white man is carrying? What does this symbolize?

Answer Key: The "burden" is the darker-skinned person, symbolizing the perceived responsibility of the white man to "civilize" or "save" non-white peoples. This is a direct visual representation of Kipling's "White Man's Burden."

3. What is the significance of the mountain labeled "Civilization"?

Answer Key: The mountain represents the goal of "civilization," implying that it is a difficult and arduous task to bring non-white peoples to a state of Western development. This subtly justifies the struggles of colonialism as necessary steps towards a greater good.

4. How does the cartoon depict the relationship between the white man and the person he is carrying?

Answer Key: The cartoon depicts a paternalistic and potentially exploitative relationship. The white man is depicted as the active agent, carrying the burden, while the darker-skinned person is passive, seemingly unable to help themselves. This reinforces the idea of white superiority and non-white inferiority.

5. What is the overall message or argument of the cartoon?

Answer Key: The cartoon argues that the "White Man's Burden" is a necessary, albeit difficult, undertaking. It subtly reinforces the idea of white superiority and the supposed need for European intervention in non-Western societies. The hardships faced by the white man are emphasized to elicit sympathy and acceptance of the colonial project.

6. Identify any stereotypes present in the cartoon. How do these stereotypes contribute to the cartoon's message?

Answer Key: The cartoon employs racial stereotypes, portraying the white man as strong and capable, while the darker-skinned person is depicted as weak and needing help. These stereotypes reinforce the idea of inherent racial differences and justify the colonial project based on a perceived need to help those deemed inferior.

7. Does the cartoon use satire or irony? If so, how?

Answer Key: The cartoon uses irony by presenting the "burden" as a difficult but necessary task for the white man, implying that the "help" offered is actually oppressive and exploitative. The hardship of the task is highlighted to mask the fundamentally unjust nature of colonialism.

8. What is the intended audience for this cartoon? What message does the cartoon intend to convey to this audience?

Answer Key: The intended audience is likely the general public in Western nations, particularly those who support imperialism or are undecided about it. The cartoon aims to gain support for colonization by portraying it as a noble, albeit difficult, mission. It attempts to frame colonialism as necessary and even heroic.

Section 4: Expanding Your Analysis

This detailed analysis of a single cartoon provides a framework for critically examining other political cartoons from the era. By applying the same analytical approach to a variety of cartoons, you can gain a deeper understanding of how visual rhetoric was used to promote and legitimize the "White Man's Burden" ideology. Remember to consider the different artistic styles, techniques, and messages employed by various cartoonists. This will enable you to appreciate the nuanced ways in which the concept was presented and accepted (or rejected) by different segments of society.

Further Considerations:

• Counter-narratives: Seek out cartoons that challenge or critique the "White Man's Burden" ideology. These cartoons often offer alternative perspectives, highlighting the negative consequences of colonialism and exposing its inherent injustices.
• The Role of Media: Explore the role of newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets in disseminating these cartoons and shaping public opinion.
• Long-Term Effects: Consider the lasting impact of these cartoons and the "White Man's Burden" ideology on global relations and perceptions of race and culture.

By engaging in this rigorous analysis, you will develop a critical understanding of how visual rhetoric was employed to shape perceptions of imperialism and its justifications. This in turn, allows for a richer comprehension of the lasting legacies of colonialism and its impact on the world today. This process encourages a thoughtful exploration of historical narratives and their continued relevance in contemporary discussions about power, race, and social justice.