When you're facing up against power and authority, it's easy to feel helpless and like you don't have any options, feeling like the only thing you can do is try to mitigate the fallout they're causing by trying to keep peace with them. The thing is, they're counting on you thinking and feeling that way; a lot of times, petty authority and controlling behavior rely completely and wholly upon silence. 

 

It's difficult to do, but if you ask around enough, you're likely to find there are others with the same experience as you—though they'll probably share the same feelings that speaking up will only lead to more trouble. Though it takes time, energy, and effort that you can't really afford, you might find that seeing it through will result in exposure and change that is desperately needed.