That might be one way to read it. But it sure looks like a message of Dis-Empowerment. "Obey. Submit. Do what you're told. The people in charge know best."I'm surprised more readers don't see it as a form of oppression. That scene with Etta on her throne supervising corporal punishment sure looks like a scene with the villain abusing captives and you expect the hero to crash in and rescue the victim.