First we must examine what Social Darwinism means. In the 19th and early 20th centuries this theory gained popularity to rationalize imperialist, colonialist, and racist policies as Anglo-Saxon culture spread and took lands and territories from other cultures. Social Darwinists believed that the weak were bounded and that the strong grew in culture and power over the weak. Therefore, the term “survival of the fittest” was coined by the English philosopher Herbert Spencer. They viewed society as an organism and linked wealth to strength. The best competitors would win, get rich, and then survive only by making that company stronger. If you were poor, you should not receive assistance and would not be eligible for society. Social Darwinism was debunked throughout the 20th century as biological and social research expanded, demonstrating that this theory only undermines rather than supports society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay By analyzing the poem we will notice that its intent was actually a letter to America encouraging them after they won the American/Spanish war. Kipling fully embraced the imperialist mentality and believed that it was the "white man's" duty to expand and conquer "uncivilized" nations. The phrase "send the best you have raised" refers to sending the strongest and most intelligent men to conquer uncivilized people. He is warning America that it will be a hard life for the people who go to colonize these new territories, yet it was the duty of these imperialist nations to civilize and convert the “gloomy peoples” who are “half devil and half children”. although, at first glance, this poem is imbued with ethnocentrism, if you look closer, there is also a warning about the difficult road and the price to pay to overcome another country. Kipling firmly believed that it was the white man's duty to overthrow these "uncivilized countries." The natives, the “captive peoples” are “surly people, “half devil and half child”. They are saved and behave ungratefully towards those who want to improve them. In today's society, this attitude is understandable, yet Kipling seems to be baffled by the fact that these people did not launch thanks to their "civilizing" conquerors. As the poem continues, it is not all a love letter to imperialism. He wrote it as a warning to America not to allow laziness and make the same mistakes England made. He also warns about patience. By saying that it is the "toil of the servant and the street sweeper", not the "governing government of kings", he makes it clear that this work is difficult and burdensome. Encourage the reader to push through even when people criticize you, with the statement “and you will reap his old reward.” Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay My first impression of in the poem, I thought Kipling was criticizing imperialism. When I started my research and found that people actually believed in Social Darwinism, my jaw dropped. This poem really shows how society has changed over the last two centuries. People believed they were doing good by forcing others into their beliefs and customs. I wonder who the naive people are, those who are overthrown by the colonists or the imperialists who overthrow them? At the same time, we haven't really changed. There is still war, there are still governments overthrowing other governments. Even though our thinking has changed, we are trying to evolve as a society, greed doesn't seem like it.