Did Western imperialism bring some good to the "savages"? Certainly. Christianity. Technological advancement. Prosperity (at least for some). Some individuals and organizations genuinely had noble intentions to help. Missionaries often started at such levels, but then unfortunately opened the doors for political entities with less than philanthropic goals.
Global imperialist fucks are often just as barbaric as the savages they aim to subdue and exploit. The difference is that the imperialist paints himself as being morally superior to the brutes they demonize, despite engaging in comparable behavior, albeit in a sophisticated manner.
A great book comparing and contrasting the eventual imperialism of the US to that of the European Empires, specifically in the Middle East, is "Power, Faith and Fantasy." Excellent historical review exploring the duality of these gray areas.
Did Western imperialism bring some good to the "savages"? Certainly. Christianity. Technological advancement. Prosperity (at least for some). Some individuals and organizations genuinely had noble intentions to help. Missionaries often started at such levels, but then unfortunately opened the doors for political entities with less than philanthropic goals.
Global imperialist fucks are often just as barbaric as the savages they aim to subdue and exploit. The difference is that the imperialist paints himself as being morally superior to the brutes they demonize, despite engaging in comparable behavior, albeit in a sophisticated manner.
A great book comparing and contrasting the eventual imperialism of the US to that of the European Empires, specifically in the Middle East, is "Power, Faith and Fantasy." Excellent historical review exploring the duality of these gray areas.