Upon reading such works as George Orwell"s "Shooting an Elephant," one realizes just how ineffective an imperialistic government is. Imperialism has been considered by some to be a perfectly adequate form of government. Unfortunately, these people are usually the ones who never experience Imperialism firsthand. The flaws of Imperialism are made painfully evident in Orwell"s essay. It is certainly impossible to truly understand what it must have been like to live under an imperialistic government without firsthand knowledge. However, Orwell shows the vast difference between the ideals of imperialism and this system of government"s unfortunate realities.

             One way in which Orwell reveals the chasm between the ideals and realities of imperialism is through his usage of the word hate. Through his experience with a "renegade" elephant, Orwell explains why imperialism as a political system is so very flawed. Hated by the men and women who"s job it was for him to protect, Orwell comes to realize just how futile Imperialism is. Orwell says, "Theoretically-and secretly, of course-I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British,"(NR 842) Orwell is saying that even though he is hated and mocked by the Burmese on a daily basis he realizes and understands their feeling for him and other Europeans. Orwell is constantly jeered at and insulted, yet he understands why the Burmese hate him. He realizes that their oppression under British rule is the reason he is hated. The British government"s rule has caused him to be "stuck between my hatred of the empire I served and my rage against the evil-spirited little beasts who tried to make my job impossible"(NR 843). He is forced to endure theses "evil spirited little beasts" on a daily basis, all their insults and mockery, he still knows that they have reason to hate him and the government he represents.