meme; power imbalance

[through_the_stars]

  

power imbalance a meme for taking advantage   With great power comes great responsibility. ...Unfortunately, as we know, not everyone in a position of power wields that power well. Some weaponize it, using their position of privilege to harm others. Not all people, mind you. We've all had great teachers, great bosses, and great, responsible friends. But for every happy story out there, there's a tale of some using their power for ill gains. That's what this meme is all about - those at the top and how they affect those beneath them. While this meme might seem sexual in nature, it doesn't have to be. There's a lot to explore with power dynamics. Maybe the person in charge is struggling to adjust to being the boss? Maybe the person reporting to them is vying for their attention, making the sticky, blurry lines that much worse? It's messy. How to Play Leave a top-level comment with your preferred roles and some scenarios you might want to see played out. Reply to others and thread! in power the boss - The one running the show. Whether it's a work environment or some kind of extracurricular, they're in charge. the instructor - So wise! So smart! So full of knowledge! the captain - They run things around here. Every aspect of your life is in their hands. So, yeah, you could kind of say they're in charge. the community leader - A boss in a less official form. On paper, they're just some Joe Schmoe, but to their group of cronies, there's no one above them. the celebrity - A traditional celebrity, like a movie star, or maybe something more modern, like your favorite Twitch streamer. Seeing as how they have millions of adoring fans, it's clear that they have the power here. the owner - Their name is on the lease. They own this place, or maybe they own you. Whatever the case may be, legally they're the one in charge. the older one - Just because you have a few more years on this Earth means you get to be in charge.  wildcard - Making room for any canon-specific or AU boss you want to see. the underling the student - You're here to learn from the best, to take notes and absorb all the knowledge you can. Getting distracted won't help. the intern - Not quite in the door yet, interns are infamous for being seen as below the best. They fetch drinks, and make copies. Please, just take them seriously for once... the employee - Don't ask me; I just work here. the stan - That famous celebrity needs followers. Fortunately, they have you! What kind of fan you are is really up to you. Are you a casual liker of popular posts, or do you have every second of every aspect of their day memorized? the follower - You just like their message and you want to hear more. Whether their a celebrity or a local leader of some kind, you're bought in to what they're selling. the victim - This power dynamic isn't by choice. There's something greater at play, like a fear of harm, or someone held hostage. Maybe your sole purpose in life is to be under this person. Tragic. the baby - Not literally a baby, of course, but you are the younger party. And because you're young, you need to listen to your elders. wildcard - Whatever works!

the situations reluctantly in charge - Being in charge isn't your preference, but if there's no one else to do it, then someone has to step up. This might be a new thing, or maybe you've been running the show for a while and you're still not used to things. king of the castle - Unlike the reluctant leader, being at the top is where you belong. You're used to having your way, used to having people at your beck-and-call. When you say jump, they say how high. green with envy - You're tired of having people above you! Sure, you're playing nice and getting along with the boss for now, but you're vying for that top spot. star-struck simp - In your eyes, this person can do no wrong. They're perfect. They're great. They're above you for a reason - because they know what they're doing. the good guy - As unlikely as it seems, the person in charge is actually good. Honestly. Seriously. They're doing their best, and they have a good heart, but you'd be forgiven for assuming otherwise. true love - The gap in your status is a deterrent, sure, but you're in love. Really, truly. Power has nothing to do with it. false love - Actually, no. Power has EVERYTHING to do with it. They're only with you because they're afraid of what you might do if they say no. abuse of power - Emphasis on abuse. Really, who's going to bat an eyelash at the big boss putting their hands on someone beneath them? Emotional and psychological abuse is just as valid. notice me - Even if their attentions aren't great, maybe it's just nice to be noticed. This goes both ways. Everyone admires the boss, but maybe only one person truly sees them. wildcard - All is fair when it comes to power.