Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 13

Reflection Paper - Essay Example Most of them looked in their mid-30s, and they were most likely looking, for a restaurant, to dine in. I also noticed another group made up mostly of white Americans who were in The Mall for pleasure, including shoppers and tourists. In addition, it was also possible to make out some groups of people, in this case more diverse with white, Hispanic and some black people, who looked like conventioneers. Out on the streets, they all looked relaxed while some also looked to be people watching, as well. It was not possible to miss the bearded black man walked past me on the street looking through the trash bins. A number of similar men were also in the vicinity further down the street with shabby clothes, and most of them had cigarettes dangling from their mouths, oblivious of the numerous signs against smoking. As I neared my destination, I saw a group of people, mostly white, who looked out of place. Most of them are in camouflage trousers with grey tank tops, big backpacks and chained wallets. One group has particularly huge backpacks and has a walking toddler and another in a stroller. They are identifiable as what one of my lecturers calls transients, living on the street as street kids. It looked as if they were headed for the train station. Sitting in the outside area of the Starbucks later, I notice many passers-by with rolling suitcases, most of them white. The suitcases, one can guess, has their belongings, and they do not seem to be in any rush or have any purpose. In fact, most of the people I have seen today do not seem to be frantic or excited with most looking relaxed. This particular group seems to be going about everyday activities with the suitcases rolling behind them. Most of the people seated around me are white with a few Asians. I spot two Hispanic men working at the sports souvenir shop also people watching. They do not take any notice

Analyzing the Poem The White Mans burden by Rudyard Kipling Essay

Analyzing the Poem The White Mans burden by Rudyard Kipling - Essay Example The poem was published in 1899, a period wherein racial discrimination is still the norm in America. Although slavery was finally abolished and outlawed in 1865, people of color were still treated as inferior. The audience of the poem, hence, was still characterized by prejudicial outlook, seeing imperialism as a favor and even a burden for America as the best of the white men will be sent on a mission to civilize the colored colonials. This theme is underscored by several concepts, which can be classified into three: captives, wild, serf, sweeper; burden, terror, pride, profit, gain; laurel, manhood, praise, wisdom. The first set of keywords described the colonials, the next described the process of imperialism and, finally, the last set highlighted the rewards. It is clear that the poem encourages imperialism. Kipling appeared to campaign for this move not only because it is a noble thing to civilize others. Also, he seemed to consider imperialism as a precondition for the United S tates to be finally recognized by its peers, which of course are the European colonials. There is an implied proposition that in order for America to be finally considered as a world power – within the league of the European club – it must be able to govern its own colony. There are scholars who believe that this poem by Kipling is a satire. But this interpretation is quite far-fetched. The tone, the diction and the themes involved are on the serious side and no attempt at humor is apparent. The thesis is clear: America must take the burden and colonize a backward nation. His poem provided the arguments for these. First, there is the suggestion that imperialism is a task that must be accomplished because it is noble. The colonization will benefit the colony. America and its best would strive to make the client state and its people ready and worthy member of the community of nations. Secondly, Kipling argued that imperialism is a selfless act, hence, noble, as America