We and They
Father and Mother, and Me,
Sister and Auntie say
All the people like us are We,
and everyone else is They.
And would you believe it? They look upon us as just another Them!We eat pork and beef
with knives whose handles are made of cow horns.
They eat rice from a leaf,
and they are horrified by our customs.
While those who live up a tree
and feast on grubs and clay
(Scandalous, perhaps?) they look upon us
as a simply disgusting Them!We shoot birds with a gun.
They hunt lions with spears.
They wear full dress,
we dress to our own taste.
They host their friends for tea;
we keep our friends around;
and after all that, they look upon us
as an utterly ignorant Them!We eat refined food.
We have doors that latch.
They drink milk or blood
under an open thatch.
We pay doctors.
They pay wizards.
And impudent heathen, they look upon us
as utterly impossible Them!All good people agree and say
All nice people consider themselves We
and everyone else Them.
But if you cross over the sea instead of staying on the road,
you may find yourself looking at us
as just another Them!
Summary of We and They
There is no record of a poem titled “We and They” by Rudyard Kipling. The text appears to be an unattributed work that has sometimes been mistakenly linked to Kipling. It explores the human tendency to categorize and define others, highlighting how arbitrary distinctions are built upon cultural habits and preferences. By contrasting “We” and “They,” the poem examines how readily people judge those who differ from themselves while simultaneously being subjected to the same judgment. The piece, though playful, touches on themes of cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, and the subjective nature of perspective.
The central idea revolves around the realization that what seems normal or right to one group is simply a matter of custom for another. Through humorous comparisons—eating habits, hunting methods, social customs—the poem suggests that the lines between “We” and “They” are surprisingly blurred. Its core message is an invitation to empathy and a recognition that perspective is everything.
Analysis of We and They
Stanza One: Establishing the “Us” and “Them”
The opening stanza introduces a childhood perspective that establishes the initial framework for categorization. The lines “Father and Mother, and Me, / Sister and Auntie say / All the people like us are We, / and everyone else is They” demonstrate how these classifications are often instilled from a young age, based on a sense of belonging and perceived difference. The simplicity of the language underscores the naturalness with which this division occurs. The final line of the stanza, “And would you believe it? They look upon us as just another Them!” introduces the central irony: the others reciprocate the same judgment, viewing “We” with a detached categorization that destabilizes the assumed superiority implied by the initial classification.
Stanza Two: Cultural Habits and Disgust
The second stanza delves into specific cultural practices to illustrate the basis for judgment. The description of “We eat pork and beef with knives whose handles are made of cow horns” presents a normal, everyday act. The contrasting depiction of “They eat rice from a leaf” is followed by a dismissive tone: “They are horrified by our customs.” The parenthetical remark, “(Scandalous, perhaps?) they look upon us as a simply disgusting Them,” reveals the speaker’s inability to see their own practices as anything other than superior, while simultaneously condemning “They” for not adhering to their standards. The imagery of eating off a leaf evokes a sense of otherness and is portrayed as uncivilized, widening the chasm between “We” and “They.”
Stanza Three: Social Customs and Ignorance
The third stanza focuses on social interactions and activities, contrasting the way “We” and “They” conduct themselves. The line “We shoot birds with a gun; they hunt lions with spears” highlights differing methods of hunting—one employing technology, the other relying on more primal skills. The emphasis is not on effectiveness but on perceived uncouthness. The lines “They host their friends for tea; we keep our friends around” demonstrate a difference in hospitality customs. Again, this is presented as an indication of “They’s” perceived inadequacy. The concluding line, “After all that, they look upon us as an utterly ignorant Them!” reinforces the reciprocal nature of judgment and the futility of trying to establish a definitive superior culture.
Stanza Four: Lifestyle and Impertinence
The fourth stanza contrasts domestic comfort with perceived primitiveness. “We eat refined food; we have doors that latch” suggests a secure and well‑ordered existence. The contrast is drawn with “They drink milk or blood under an open thatch,” presented as lacking sanitation and security. The reference to paying doctors versus paying wizards reinforces the perception of “They” as superstitious and uncivilized. The line “And impudent heathen, they look upon us as utterly impossible Them!” illustrates the speaker’s bias and unwillingness to acknowledge validity in “They’s” perspective.
Stanza Five: The Final Irony and Perspective Shift
The final stanza delivers the poem’s central irony and subtle message. “All good people agree and say / All nice people consider themselves We / and everyone else Them” reiterates the pervasive nature of categorization. However, the concluding lines—“But if you cross over the sea instead of staying on the road, you may find yourself looking at us as just another Them”—represent a crucial shift. They suggest that immersion in “They’s” culture may lead one to view “We” in the same detached, judgmental way. This dismantles the initial premise of superiority and highlights the subjective nature of perception.
Literary and Poetic Devices in We and They
- Repetition: The refrain “They look upon us as another Them” emphasizes reciprocal judgment.
- Irony: The poem hinges on situational irony; “We” judges “They” while “They” judges “We” in return.
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions contrast lifestyles and evoke both positive and negative associations.
- Diction: Simple, colloquial language reflects everyday judgments and reveals underlying bias.
- Rhyme Scheme: The ABABCDCD pattern lends a light, playful tone that masks deeper themes.
- Anaphora: Repetition of “They” at the beginning of several lines emphasizes otherness.
“We and They” is not merely a descriptive poem; it is a thought‑provoking meditation on the human tendency to categorize and judge. By presenting this dynamic with playful irony and simple language, the work invites us to question our own assumptions and consider the possibility that “We” are not always as different from “They” as we believe.