Even tyrants are, to some extent, made accountable by their people. We see this demonstrated in Orwell’s story of shooting the elephant. By all rights Orwell should have the power, and therefore the choice. His consequences for doing as he pleased would not have been institutional but rather social. The power of the crowd lies in their opinion, their potential disdain for him. If Orwell did not care that he would be made a fool of, it would make him more powerful. However, as humans, we tend to care what others think of us. Those in power want to be seen as strong and capable, therefore they are slaves to that desire, giving power to the Burmese. Furthermore, Orwell is also a slave to the system in his participation in imperialism. He describes it as an “evil thing” and expressed his desire to leave his job. However, in the time when he wrote the story, he was complicit. Orwell is powerless in the sense that he is under the influence from both above and below.
Introduction to Comparative Politics: Nationalism, Ideology, and State Power
Professor Shervin Malekzadeh
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Thank you very much”
I absolutely agree with you. In the scale of power, first comes the British state (the imperialist power), then the Burmans, and last of all Orwell. Orwell certainly is complicit in this case, and with that phrasing I think I understand more how it feels to be in his position. It is like witnessing a horrible act (such as a beating) in a crowded public place. In such a case, everyone would act as bystanders, as they adopt the mentality of the crowd (if no one else is intervening, why should I?). Yet Orwell has it even worse, as he is sandwiched on two sides rather than one. On top of this, he must be an active participant in the beating or whatever action, suggesting that he is no longer just a bystander, but completely powerless to control his actions.