Daily Times

It is indeed disillusioning to note that the institution of power and authority in our society is increasingly characterized by inhumanity, harshness and double standards. People upon attainment of highest ranks and power fail to fulfill their words and promises, and even exercise their authority by snubbing the due expression of the individuals. They indulge in excessive procrastination and time lag in realization of their assigned work activities, tasks and assigned responsibilities held towards others. Exploitation in different ways is commonly seen by them as summed up by Charles de Montesquieu,“Every man, who has power is impelled to abuse it.”

Such negative traits of people holding dominant positions in different economic sectors, or in different pillars of state is merely deemed as exploitation of human rights. For instance, a change agent, who enjoys a privileged status in the society, and claims and promises to initially address issues of a distressed individual, turns back and snubs his or her basic expression without any valid reason, is tantamount to being an unfair and an insensitive catalyst of change in our society. Such agents of change could be welfare activists, law and justice providers, political cohorts and other advocates of humanity and tolerance. These powerful agents are highly learned, and possess strong knowledge and wisdom, but sadly lack badly in terms of their character and conduct. Abraham Lincoln has summed it up well, “Anyone can stand adversity but to test a person’s character, give them power.”

Such change agents tend to be dogmatic to an extent that they act like gods imposing their opinions and authority on others with extreme coercion.  Jean Anouil has rightly said, “Every man thinks God is on his side. The rich and powerful know he is.”

Change agents do not even give space to an individual to make his or her voice heard, in terms of issues, views and related concerns. They continue exercising their tyrannical authority to defend and win their position in this worldly contest of power and authority. The dictatorial style is deeply rooted in their conduct and demeanor. Granting extra favours, sympathy and consideration to those they expect favorable returns from in order to stand well in the limelight is their leading trait. Ignoring the hapless or distressed on grounds of honour and dignity regardless of consideration of humanity is appearing to be an increasing aspect of their personality. In addition to this, any threat to the prestige and dignity of such change arising agents compels them to avoid coming into contact with individuals no matter how wretched and miserable they are, and no matter how much of an immediate assistance they require. This is by and large extremely unfortunate, as narrated by Eric Hoffer, “Absolute power corrupts even when exercised for humane purposes. The benevolent despot who sees himself as a shepherd of the people still demands from others the submissiveness of sheep.”

At the end, the question which arises is: Do people in power and authority really have faith, morality and ethical conduct if they fail to fulfill their words and covenants? How do they keep on enjoying privilege, status and honour even after losing their credibility through immoral and unethical practices? Is worldly life offering them intense gratification of honour and privileges meant to last forever?