Twain's Critique of Missionary Actions

Mark Twain's critique of missionary actions, particularly those of Dr. William Scott Ament, emerged in response to the collection of indemnities from Chinese subjects following the Boxer Uprising. Ament, along with other missionaries, sought financial compensation from the Chinese populace, which Twain viewed as an exploitative practice. This response was articulated in his work 'To the Person Sitting in Darkness', published in the North American Review. In this piece, Twain addressed broader themes of imperialism, drawing parallels between the actions of missionaries in China, the colonial practices in South Africa, and the U.S. occupation of the Philippines. Twain's arguments highlighted the moral contradictions inherent in the missionary enterprise, which often claimed to promote civilization and Christianity while simultaneously engaging in acts that undermined the very communities they purported to help. His critique underscored the impact of imperialism on local populations, emphasizing the suffering inflicted upon them under the guise of benevolence. Twain's work served as a powerful commentary on the ethical implications of missionary work and the broader context of Western imperialism, challenging readers to reconsider the narratives surrounding these actions and their consequences for the affected societies.