Explain the civilizing mission of westerners?

Answer 1

The civilizing mission of Westerners, often referred to as the "White Man's Burden," was a belief that Western nations had a moral obligation to bring civilization, culture, and progress to "less developed" societies. This ideology justified colonial expansion and the imposition of Western values, education, and religion on indigenous peoples. Proponents argued that this endeavor would uplift and modernize these societies, although it often resulted in exploitation, cultural erasure, and significant social and economic disruption. Critics highlight that this mission was rooted in ethnocentrism and often served to legitimize Imperialism and colonial oppression.