Band Aid and the White Man's Burden

An analysis of this assignment formed the first portion of my presentation on Webquests presented at at UW-Madison's Active Teaching Lab.

Click to watch Webquests presentation    |   Click to watch subsequent Q&A

 
 

Assignment Introduction

This week we will explore the imperial themes of humanitarianism, science, and religion.  Europeans did not simply go out into their empires to conquer and trade, but envisioned their empires as having more noble purposes as well.  For Wednesday's class read Kipling's the "White Man's Burden" and then do the group project comparing his infamous 1899 poem to the 1984 song by Band Aid.

 
 
Band Aid (1984)

Band Aid (1984)

 

Instructions

The song "Do they know it's Christmas" was released 30 years ago last Christmas. Performed by over 30 of the 1980's top British and Irish musicians, the song was released to raise money for the infamous 1980s Ethiopian famine.  Later, in 1985, the musicians reunited for a massive concert which raised hundreds of millions of dollars for the same cause.  While written and performed for an honorable ideal (alleviate the suffering of others), the song has come under criticism for its portrayal of Africa. 

Read the lyrics to the song (enclosed above) as well as the news stories below.  Finally, read Rudyard Kipling's "White Man's Burden" (enclosed above) and then in your group answer the following questions in no fewer than three paragraphs. If you would like, you may also use additional outside sources to bolster your claims (citation required). As with previous weeks, include the names from all in your group in the final document, but have only one of you post it on the discussion post. Your group answer should be posted by noon, Tuesday, February 24th.

After you have finished your group response, read over and reflect upon the other groups’ answers.  Then, in 2-3 sentences explain your thoughts on the West's "responsibility" to Africa as well as the questions concerning "Band Aid." Be sure to explain the reason why you hold those beliefs. Remember, just like in previous weeks, connect your answer to the group response you found most persuasive. Your individual answer should be posted by 11:59pm, Tuesday.

 
 

Compare "Do they know its Christmas" with "White Man's Burden." Are the two advocating similar ideas?  Does "Band Aid" and other similar (and popular) Western humanitarian efforts perpetuate the view that Africa is in perpetual need of assistance from Westerners? What other misconceptions about Africa do critics of "Band Aid" fear the song perpetuates? Explain your answers.

Required Readings

  1. Band Aid lyrics
  2. White Man's Burden - Poem
  3. BBC Article on 20-year remake - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4015231.stm
  4. Telegraph Article on 30-year remake - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/11220735/Band-Aid-30-line-up-revealed.html
  5. BBC Criticisms of Band Aid - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30119293
  6. Artist Criticisms on 30-year remake - http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/19/turn-down-band-aid-bob-geldof-africa-fuse-odg
  7. Recent questions as to where "Band Aid" money actually went - http://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/mar/09/bob-geldof-bbc-band-aid

Additional Readings (not required)