Question

Criticism that often arises in connection with Rudyard Kipling's work is his apparent support for British colonialism. How have the general attitudes of British readers toward issues of race and colonialism in literary works changed between the turn of the twentieth century and now? How does your answer apply to books for young readers, in particular?

Answer 1

Attitudes toward race have changed significantly in the twentieth century. At the beginning of the century, many thinkers continued to express the idea that the British were racially superior to the people in the colonies they ruled. The idea of racial superiority was probably favored by those who held political power because it provided some justification for the state's conquest and colonization of other lands. For this reason, writers who openly suggested that their race was superior to other races did not have much reason to fear censure by the authorities (in contrast, for example, to writings that were considered blasphemous). Further, such an opinion would not have offended the sentiments of the white majority in Britain. The idea of racial superiority would not have met with much opposition except, perhaps, from a minority of individuals. In other words, the idea could be voiced without provoking outrage.

However, after World War II, the task of governing the colonies came to be seen as a burden, and soon the British granted many colonies political independence. As Britain became less significant as a world power and countries with non-white populations grew in prominence, the idea of racial superiority became less defendable, and it gradually lost favor among political thinkers. The idea of racial superiority receded from mainstream intellectual discussion further in the latter part of the twentieth century as Great Britain and other nations embraced multiculturalism. The post-war age also allowed historians to examine the negative impact of British colonial rule. The negative effects of colonialism began to be accepted more widely among intellectuals. Today, in Great Britain (and elsewhere), public statements about racial superiority are associated with extreme political opinions and fringe movements. Today racial bias and a colonialist viewpoint are likely to offend many readers who believe in equality and the rights of nations to govern themselves. Any trace of racial prejudice in books for young readers is unacceptable to educators, publishers, and parents.

Answer 2

Attitudes toward race have changed significantly in the twentieth century. At the beginning of the century, many thinkers continued to express the idea that the British were racially superior to the people in the colonies they ruled. The idea of racial superiority was probably favored by those who held political power because it provided some justification for the state's conquest and colonization of other lands. For this reason, writers who openly suggested that their race was superior to other races did not have much reason to fear censure by the authorities (in contrast, for example, to writings that were considered blasphemous). Further, such an opinion would not have offended the sentiments of the white majority in Britain. The idea of racial superiority would not have met with much opposition except, perhaps, from a minority of individuals. In other words, the idea could be voiced without provoking outrage.

However, after World War II, the task of governing the colonies came to be seen as a burden, and soon the British granted many colonies political independence. As Britain became less significant as a world power and countries with non-white populations grew in prominence, the idea of racial superiority became less defendable, and it gradually lost favor among political thinkers. The idea of racial superiority receded from mainstream intellectual discussion further in the latter part of the twentieth century as Great Britain and other nations embraced multiculturalism. The post-war age also allowed historians to examine the negative impact of British colonial rule. The negative effects of colonialism began to be accepted more widely among intellectuals. Today, in Great Britain (and elsewhere), public statements about racial superiority are associated with extreme political opinions and fringe movements. Today racial bias and a colonialist viewpoint are likely to offend many readers who believe in equality and the rights of nations to govern themselves. Any trace of racial prejudice in books for young readers is unacceptable to educators, publishers, and parents. (plato)