What is meant by poem the white mans burden?

The "White Man's Burden" is a phrase and title of a poem written by the British poet Rudyard Kipling in 1899 that refers to the perceived duty of the white race to civilize and uplift the "lesser" races of the world. The poem was published at the height of the British Empire and was heavily influenced by the prevailing beliefs of imperialism, colonialism, and the inherent superiority of the white race.

In the poem, Kipling argues that it is the moral obligation of the white race to take up the "burden" of governing and civilizing the non-white peoples of the world. He presents this duty as a noble and altruistic mission, claiming that the white man has a responsibility to bring progress, education, and Christianity to the "backward" and "uncivilized" regions of the world.

The phrase "White Man's Burden" has become synonymous with the idea of Western cultural and technological dominance over other parts of the world. It reflects the paternalistic and often condescending attitudes that were common in colonial discourse during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Kipling's poem was widely popular at the time and was used to justify various colonial endeavors and policies. However, it has since come under criticism for its imperialist and racist undertones, particularly in the context of post-colonial studies and the decolonization movements of the 20th century.