The Shadows of Power

Behind promotions and applause lies a hidden world of exploitation, fear, and lost potential. Misused power leaves silent scars that few see.

- Nowsheen Mushtaq

We are raised to believe that power carries duty and that true leadership stands for protection, guidance, and fairness.

“With great power comes great responsibility,” we are told, a phrase meant to inspire.

But in practice, the moment power lands in someone's hands, ideals often give way to ambition.

Responsibility shifts into permission to dominate, silence, and treat people as steps on a ladder.

In many institutions, offices, schools, and social circles, power becomes a career push. Those at the top rarely rise alone, but the people who helped them often fade into silence, or worse, face exploitation.

Subordinates become tools, with efforts claimed, voices ignored, and respect sacrificed, all in the name of “success.”

What makes this more disturbing is how normalised it has become.

Exploitation wears the mask of discipline. Humiliation is justified as authority. Overworking others is called “pressure of responsibility.” And questioning power is seen as rebellion rather than courage.

Slowly, people start believing that suffering under someone powerful is the price one must pay to survive.