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!
Exploring “We and They”: A Timeless Lesson in Perspective
Welcome to an insightful journey into the poem “We and They,” a thought-provoking piece that playfully yet profoundly examines human nature. This article offers a comprehensive guide to understanding this widely discussed poem, providing a clear summary, an in-depth analysis, and a breakdown of its literary and poetic devices. Prepare to uncover the layers of meaning within this captivating work.
Summary of “We and They”
“We and They” is a compelling poem that delves into the universal human tendency to categorize and judge others based on cultural differences. It highlights how easily people define themselves as “We” and everyone else as “They,” often without truly understanding the perspectives of those outside their immediate group. While this poem is frequently misattributed to Rudyard Kipling, it remains an unattributed work that resonates deeply with readers due to its timeless themes.
The central idea of “We and They” revolves around the concept of cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. The poem humorously illustrates how what one group considers normal, proper, or even superior is simply a custom or habit to another. Through vivid comparisons of eating habits, hunting methods, social customs, and even medical practices, the poem subtly reveals the arbitrary nature of these distinctions. Its core message is a powerful invitation to empathy, urging readers to recognize that perspective is everything and that the lines separating “We” from “They” are far more fluid than often perceived.
In-depth Analysis of “We and They”
Stanza One: The Foundation of Division
The poem opens by establishing the fundamental division between “We” and “They” through the innocent lens of childhood. The lines,
Father and Mother, and Me,
Sister and Auntie say
All the people like us are We,
and everyone else is They.
illustrate how these classifications are often learned from a young age, rooted in a sense of belonging and perceived difference within one’s family and community. The simple, almost childlike language underscores the naturalness with which this binary thinking can develop. However, the stanza immediately introduces a crucial twist with the line,
And would you believe it? They look upon us as just another Them!
This powerful statement introduces the poem’s central irony: the “others” reciprocate the same judgment, viewing “We” with an equally detached categorization. This instantly destabilizes any assumed superiority implied by the initial “We” classification, setting the stage for the poem’s deeper exploration of perspective.
Stanza Two: Cultural Habits and Perceived Disgust
The second stanza moves from abstract categorization to concrete cultural practices, vividly illustrating the basis for judgment. The speaker describes “We” with familiar customs:
We eat pork and beef
with knives whose handles are made of cow horns.
This presents an everyday, unremarkable act from the “We” perspective. In stark contrast, “They” are depicted as having different habits:
They eat rice from a leaf,
and they are horrified by our customs.
The speaker’s tone here is dismissive, highlighting a lack of understanding or respect for “Their” ways. The parenthetical remark,
(Scandalous, perhaps?) they look upon us
as a simply disgusting Them!
further emphasizes the reciprocal nature of judgment. It 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, though perfectly normal in some cultures, is presented here to evoke a sense of otherness and perceived primitiveness, widening the chasm between “We” and “They.”
Stanza Three: Social Customs and Mutual Ignorance
The third stanza continues to explore differences through social interactions and activities, contrasting the ways “We” and “They” conduct their lives. The lines,
We shoot birds with a gun.
They hunt lions with spears.
highlight differing methods of hunting. One employs technology, while the other relies on more primal skills. The emphasis is not on effectiveness but on perceived sophistication versus uncouthness. Further distinctions are drawn in social customs:
They host their friends for tea;
we keep our friends around;
These lines demonstrate a difference in hospitality, again presented as an indication of “Their” perceived inadequacy or formality compared to the “We” group’s more casual approach. The concluding line,
and after all that, they look upon us
as an utterly ignorant Them!
powerfully reinforces the reciprocal nature of judgment. It underscores the futility of trying to establish a definitive superior culture, as each group views the other with similar disdain or lack of understanding.
Stanza Four: Lifestyle, Beliefs, and “Impossible” Others
The fourth stanza contrasts domestic comfort and perceived advancement with what is presented as primitiveness and superstition. The “We” group enjoys modern conveniences:
We eat refined food.
We have doors that latch.
These details suggest a secure, well-ordered, and comfortable existence. The contrast is sharply drawn with “They”:
They drink milk or blood
under an open thatch.
This imagery evokes a sense of lacking sanitation, security, and refinement. The difference in healthcare practices further solidifies this perceived divide:
We pay doctors.
They pay wizards.
This comparison reinforces the perception of “They” as superstitious and uncivilized, relying on magic rather than science. The stanza culminates with the speaker’s biased and dismissive judgment:
And impudent heathen, they look upon us
as utterly impossible Them!
This line illustrates the speaker’s deep-seated prejudice and unwillingness to acknowledge any validity or logic in “Their” perspective, labeling them as not just different, but “impossible” to comprehend or accept.
Stanza Five: The Ultimate Irony and Shift in Perspective
The final stanza delivers the poem’s most profound message and central irony. It begins by reiterating the pervasive nature of categorization:
All good people agree and say
All nice people consider themselves We
and everyone else Them.
This highlights how deeply ingrained this “us versus them” mentality is within society. However, the concluding lines offer a crucial shift in perspective:
But if you cross over the sea instead of staying on the road,
you may find yourself looking at us
as just another Them!
This powerful statement suggests that true understanding comes from stepping outside one’s own cultural boundaries. By immersing oneself in “Their” culture, one might begin to see “We” from an external, detached, and potentially judgmental viewpoint. This dismantles the initial premise of “We’s” inherent superiority and powerfully underscores the subjective nature of perception. It is a call to travel, to experience, and to understand that our own “normal” is just one of many, and that we too can be “Them” to someone else.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “We and They”
The poem “We and They” employs several literary and poetic devices to convey its message effectively and engagingly:
- Repetition: The recurring phrase,
They look upon us as just another Them!
or variations thereof, serves as a powerful refrain. This repetition emphasizes the reciprocal nature of judgment and the poem’s central irony, driving home the idea that “We” are also “Them” to others.
- Irony: The entire poem hinges on situational irony. The speaker confidently outlines the differences between “We” and “They,” often with a tone of superiority, only to reveal that “They” hold the exact same judgmental view of “We.” This creates a humorous yet thought-provoking effect, highlighting the absurdity of ethnocentric thinking.
- Imagery: The poem uses vivid and contrasting imagery to depict the lifestyles and customs of “We” and “They.” For example,
We eat pork and beef
with knives whose handles are made of cow horns.is contrasted with
They eat rice from a leaf,
and
We shoot birds with a gun.
with
They hunt lions with spears.
These descriptions evoke clear pictures in the reader’s mind, making the cultural differences tangible and illustrating the basis for the judgments.
- Diction: The poem employs simple, colloquial language, particularly in the opening stanza, to reflect everyday judgments and biases. Words like “disgusting,” “ignorant,” and “impossible” reveal the underlying prejudice and emotional responses associated with viewing others as “Them.” This accessible language makes the poem’s themes relatable to a broad audience.
- Rhyme Scheme: The consistent ABABCDCD rhyme scheme throughout the poem lends a light, almost nursery-rhyme-like quality. This playful tone often masks the deeper, more serious themes of prejudice and cultural misunderstanding, making the poem’s message more palatable and memorable.
- Anaphora: The repetition of “They” at the beginning of several lines, particularly when describing the customs of the “other” group, emphasizes their distinctness and otherness from the “We” perspective. For instance,
They eat rice from a leaf,
…
They hunt lions with spears.
They wear full dress,This device reinforces the perceived separation and highlights the focus on the “other.”
- Juxtaposition: The poem constantly places contrasting ideas, customs, and beliefs side-by-side to highlight the differences between “We” and “They.” This technique is evident in comparisons like “We pay doctors” versus “They pay wizards,” effectively showcasing the arbitrary nature of what is considered “normal” or “advanced.”
The Enduring Message of “We and They”
“We and They” is far more than a simple descriptive poem; it is a profound meditation on the human tendency to categorize, judge, and often misunderstand those who are different. By presenting this dynamic with playful irony and accessible language, the poem invites readers to question their own assumptions and biases. It encourages a deeper understanding of cultural relativism, urging us to consider the possibility that our “We” is not inherently superior, and that we are all, in some way, “Them” to someone else. This timeless work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and the invaluable lessons learned when we dare to “cross over the sea” and truly see the world from another’s perspective.