There are words whose very mention evoke a similar reaction from most of us. Tyranny is one of them. Is it the "tyrannical" boss, or Hitler or Stalin, or one of the post-colonial rulers in sub-Saharan Africa? The arbitrary exercise of power, which constitutes tyranny, comes in many forms.
Any kind of domination—even our own beliefs—can be tyrannical. For example, physical appetites, if indulged beyond their normal purposes, can tyrannize one's daily life. The critical opinions of others about us—about our physique, what we wear, or an incorrect evaluation of our job performance—can all be forms of tyranny if we don't understand that this negativity doesn't describe our real, spiritual identity.
The popular culture of a region or country can be a form of tyranny, if we don't affirm the need to live according to the spiritual and moral values we hold dear. But such examples are all within our ability to root out right now, through exercising our God-given control over our bodies and our thoughts.
