If I have offended anyone by my
original message on 'Kipling and Racism' - then I apologise without reservation
(A.Schicklgruber is not included). My intention is( in my very small way) to
defend and preserve Kipling's integrity and place in English Literature.
This position is frequently subject to defamatory attacks; these attacks
question his stance and opinion on a broad spectrum of
subjects.
I find it difficult to accept
that those seeking to couple his work to a 'racist' evaluation do him any great
service.
Incidentally would someone please
define 'Race' and 'Racism' in the context that it applies to RK for me ?
My extensive reference work gives me nine definitions; the last one (No 9) reads: Race 'A quality or
aggregate of qualities by which origin is determined; especially, the
characteristic flavour or taste of wine. I really can't find one that would
brand him a 'Racist'
Judith: Thank you for your well
reasoned and interesting comments.
I don't think RK was being
'racist' in the conventional (?) meaning of the term when he penned his hymn of
hate against the 'Hun'. His outburst was against a hated enemy and was very
probably echoed by the hundreds of thousands of young British soldiers with
their final breath during the battle of the Somme (84 years ago - 1 July 1916),
most of them would not know what 'racist' meant.
Lisa Lewis:
I'm not disagreeing with you
about anything,I welcome dispassionate debate, and I certainly never involve
myself in 'personal attacks'. My son in law - the one from the Caribbean - will be delighted to have your patronising
approval of his choice of reading material.
Sincere good
wishes
Michael
Jefferson