THE HOLLOW LADDER -REPLACING CHEATERS WITH ACHIVERS

 Most of us were raised with the understanding that cheating is a violation of social norms, ethics, and, in many cases, the law. However, when children who cheat in school are not corrected, they learn a dangerous lesson: they can climb the social and professional ladder by exploiting the efforts of others. This creates a "culture of the shortcut" that eventually permeates entire organizations and societies, leaving honest individuals unable to trust the person sitting next to them.

For too long, I have personally witnessed and been a victim of bullies and cheaters who use sophisticated methods to steal what they haven't earned. This goes beyond simple dishonesty; it involves:

• Identity Theft and Substitution: Using "twin tricks," roommates, or siblings to displace someone's identity.

• Systemic Bias: Weaponizing ageism, racism, and gender bias to replace a legitimate worker or contributor with a "preferred" substitute who then lives off the original person’s investments and assets.

• Asset Misappropriation: Like a bank robber living free while the depositors are blamed and humiliated, these individuals enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor while the victim is targeted and marginalized.

There was once a well-known UNICEF charity program called "Trick-or-Treat," designed to help those in need. Today, it feels as though a younger generation has inverted that concept. They use "tricks" not for charity, but as a form of harassment and entitlement—pretending to be in need to justify stepping on others' shoulders to climb higher.

Unfortunately, because the law often fails to keep pace with these evolving forms of emotional abuse and intellectual theft, this movement continues unchecked. It is a painful reality to watch others claim your books, your work, and your assets while the systems meant to protect you remain silent.