The powers were paraded in defeat

The words Paul uses come from the Roman triumph - the victory parade where a returning general marched defeated commanders through the streets for everyone to see. The rulers and authorities in this verse are not human governments. They are the unseen powers. The cross did not only forgive sins. It stripped them and put their defeat on public display, and their authority is now illegitimate.
Scripture links:
- Colossians 2:15 - "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." - A public defeat, in the language of a Roman triumph.
The powers still make noise. They no longer hold the title.