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The plot of “Shooting an Elephant” and the protagonist's thoughts portray how racial tensions and societal expectations can alter a man's values. Orwell’s criticism of Imperialism and deep understanding of the plight of the Indians add thoughtful insight to the story. By doing so, he helps the reader better understand the injustices of Imperialism. Orwell channeled his animosity into his writing by, “Immersing himself in difficult situations and then writing about them with extraordinary insight” (Hopkinson 1). Only a select group of European men ruled millions of Indians through force, creating an imbalance of power. During this time the author witnessed much discrimination and injustice towards the Indians. Similar to the protagonist in the story, Orwell acted as the assistant district superintendent of the Imperial Police in Burma. The setting in Burma greatly impacted the story. In his writing, Orwell reflects his first-hand experience of the evils of Imperialism and his great hatred of the British government. He details the horrors experienced by the Indian subjects in his stories. He was, “Keenly aware of the inequalities of Imperialism” (Hopkinson 2) and openly expressed his disdain for the practice. After spending time working as a police officer in a rundown village in Burma, India, Orwell became aware of these injustices. When Britain gained control of India, the Indians faced persecution in their own country and forced assimilation into European culture. Imperialism benefited the British, but not the Indians. The British exploited the country for its abundance of goods such as spices and gold, and used it to expand their trading routes and sphere of influence. Great Britain colonized India and held control of it for over two centuries. The atrocities the British inflicted on their subjects, especially in India, greatly affected him. Born in 1903, Orwell lived towards the end of British Imperialism, a time of great conflict.