While the British may have systematically had power over the Burmans during this period of Imperialism, in the case of “Shooting an Elephant,” it is the other way around. While Europeans are poorly treated in the area Orwell works, it is particularly bad for Orwell, as a police officer. Being in this position, Orwell must not show that he is frightened by his abuse. To show his true feelings would be interpreted as a sign of weakness by the people. In this way, the Burmans have power over Orwell because the system forces him to adhere to a strict set of expectations that keep the social status quo in check. While the British system Orwell takes part in may oppress the native people, he himself is actually oppressed in a non-legal and non-physical sense.
Further, Orwell is bound to the expectations of his social inferiors. When surrounded by a large group of Burmans, he knows that the only way to preserve his legitimacy as a powerful man is to shoot the elephant. “Every white man’s life in the East was one long struggle not to be laughed at.” As a member of the ruling class, Orwell is bound to much stricter regulations of conduct than the Burmans. If he loses his clout among them, either he will be replaced or the social structure will disintegrate. Meanwhile, the Burmans are free to taunt him on the street or trip him in soccer, with no consequence. Orwell is oppressed not by the native people but by the system.