Friday night I heard about the Duggar nonsense and then Huckabee came out and was defending it. My head was spinning about the contradictory 'defendable' sins and those that meet his condemnation. I started focusing a lot on how much he really thinks it is his job to define our society and its people. My brain went back to a poem we covered in college and I started writing a sarcastic reply to it.
The next day I got into an argument on Twitter with a RWNJ that basically explained to me about how Liberals are Fascists (cuz, duh!) and it turned into his saying society was hijacked in the 1800s. It was hysterical. I wrote to him: "Its the White Mans Burden, if you don't know about it go read the poem. Im writing about it right now."
The very next day I finished my poem and went to the 'search' on Twitter and typed in 'White Mans Burden' to see if it was being discussed anywhere in the world because I could add a link to my blog and build readership (or hatership, usually). And I found out that just that day many people were discussing it. It turns out a well known author had just written this controversial article which is both compelling and frightening, and it kind of supported my insistence that we still live with the imperialistic ideals today. It really took it a step further, though. And ew.
I got a real kick out of the coincidence and wanted to share it with you all:
In my own acknowledged arrogance, I tend to read any piece with my own interpretations as being the satisfaction of its understanding. Even in school when we were met with opposing ideas, I was content to stop at my own and ignore all others. It is who I am. I admit my short-sightedness but don't intend to change it this late in life. The following is a response to Rudyard Kipling's White Man's Burden. I do realize that this poem was initially met from two sides when it was published. Some found it to be sincere where others determined it was not. When I was young I desperately needed this poem to be sarcastic. No one could really be that arrogant, right? But now I see that the arrogance defined therein is pervasive even today. Our entire society is still based on a mentality of the universal "white man" who not only has the right to overtake any nation of 'heathens' he determines useful, but enslave its people and take claim to their land. Today that collective white man is still trying to invade other countries for their resources and 'civilize' its people. He still wants to pass laws that control the rest of us so we can fit into his mold and be civilized to his dictates. Id really rather not. Thankfully, I am not alone.
Lift the white man's burden.
Its weight is much too strong.
He's sacrificed for many.
He's ignored himself too long.
The white man traveled 'round the world.
He's civilized us all.
He taught us to accept him.
But now we must stand tall.
Lift the white man's burden.
His grip will be released.
He brought us to this moment.
We leave him now with peace.
Offer him your patience.
Offer him your grace.
As the white man moves along
Shame not his true disgrace.
Lift the white man's burden.
His curse is now his own.
The white man has a place to be.
This place is what he's sown.
What the white man created
Won't be reversed from here.
But his captives can move forward now.
And go forth free from fear.
To all the nations women:
Its time now that you stand.
Rule your body and your mind.
They'll have dictates by no man.
The needs of every woman
Can now be met alone.
She will create her future.
Where triumphs are her own.
To every person forced here:
The white man needs his time.
He's focused on your actions.
And forgotten his own crimes.
He gave you laws to live by.
He gave you names and deeds.
He ignored himself through all of this.
He must now take his leave.
To all of those with variance:
The white man now is done.
This place belongs to all of us.
Where judgments will be none.
No 'comply' demand needs answered.
No person now is small.
The white man has no means here
To define or rate us all.
Lift the white man's burden.
His collective has grown weak.
He does not know just why he's wrong.
Be wary of his pique.
The white man has confusions.
The white mans lost his way.
The white man will be fine, its true.
As his discontents allay.
I spend none of my time believing I am a great poet. I am a bitch sometimes, though. So the above was a nice opportunity for the bitch inside of me to have a little fun. She thanks you. Kiss Kiss.