The narrator opens the poem by sarcastically suggesting that the US continue to “Pile on the Black Man’s Burden” by focussing on oppressing their own citizens before attempting to control international countries. There is a need to “Halt ye your fearless armies” from invading other countries; instead, these armies should continue to oppress the people of color that are American citizens.
Whilst this occurs, the white man will “wail with laughter drown”, as they continue to oppress those of color as a way of offering “help”. The Narrator then goes on to the topic of black slavery and racism, highlighting the pride white people take in their “Your Jim-crow laws and customs.” However, they end the poem with the promise that one day “Will reign God's judgments fierce” and they will be punished for how they treated their non-white counterparts.
