Good example of the lower cl holding power and upper cl not realizing it?

I need an example of this for my english cl. a scene im trying to parallel is one where a slaves take over a ship and hold the crew hostage, then forcing the captain to act like hes still in control or theyll kill him. and when another captain boards the ship he doesnt realize whats going on because hes too stupid and the slaves mock him. I need a good example of something similar to this in modern society