Analysis Of Darkest Africa, By William Booth

In a race there always has to been a winner. There will always be someone in the middle, at the end, and leading pack. This form of competition is similar to the way in which imperialist competition took place. The British were not immune to this competition, and if fact led the pack in conquering the uncivilized lands. The British saw it as their duty to bring prosperity and hope to lands of people who otherwise may not have it. The notion causes the British to ignore the race against many issues on its own turf. William Booth, a man living during this imperial mindset found a parallel between “Darkest Africa” and the England he lived in. He writes essay in which parallels the world of England with that of Africa. There he calls attention to the similarities the front runner (England) and the …show more content…
He draws a comparison between both Africa and England. He suggests like the uncivilized lands of Africa, the urban areas of England are also barbarian, “Civilization, which can breed its own barbicans, does it not breed its own pygmies? May we not find a parallel at our own doors…with palaces of similar horrors” (Booth). He paints this “jungle” where disease and overcrowding permeates England. This picture within the confines of imperial ideology; suggests that the land Stanley visited “resembles” that of Darkest England. It “de-humanized its inhabitants, and the slavery to which they are subjected” (Booth). Comparing Africa and England through parallels further creates need for intervention. By connecting African Barbarianism to “Darkest England” Booth places a mirror in front of the British to suggest a need for change at the home front. The African barbaric practices prompt the British to go on a civilizing mission to create a better Africa. Yet at home, the British have ignored the problems at their own front door. The socio-economic division, and poverty also call for the British to help at