In regards to the media, parents could be more dismissive of the doom and gloom. Instead I watch parents repeat in front of their children that corporations are evil, sea level will rise by 10's of feet soon, racism everywhere, reverse racism everywhere, the China Communists will take over the world, that the U.S. doesn't manufacture anything, etc.
I recall one adult in my entire childhood that laughed off a doom and gloom discussion and one other that said "relax you'll be fine". It immediately paused my chronic anxiety as calm is contagious.
"Do you think that those individuals that own corporations, would be interested..."
I can't even get my business partner to agree with me on mundane things let alone a grand plan to shape the world regardless of wealth.
Your argument hinges on this hypothetical "you" and that is like identifying the handful of termites that coordinated the building of the colony's mound.
Besides does this mindset serve you in any way ? Even if you are right, keep in mind there is a third role: sideliner. Many financially independent people are neither cattle or rancher.
Yes because it implies there is a conspiracy requiring God-like abilities to plan the long term outcomes of a multitude of decisions and actions many of which have conflicting goals.
What is more probable, that the current situation just emerged organically or that some elite group has conspired and executed flawlessly to make the world just like it is ?
There are subcontractors who work for my CM in China and I doubt they are paid much. It wasn't my plan to create wage-slaves and if I paid my CM more they would just likely pocket the difference. I'll admit I contribute to to problems you describe but that's very different than having intent and control.
I am on the opposite side of this problem. I do my best to hide my wealth (e.g., drive salvage car, cheap clothes, tiny condo, used furnishing etc.) and avoid talking about what I do/did for a living. I do this primarily because of the sentiment you mentioned.
But I wish a younger version of me would have met someone like present day me. I would have concluded, if that seemingly average guy can make it without stepping on anyone's neck and without greed then I would have had more optimism. So it seems wrong to hide my success.
Since I have no advice, may I ask a counter question ? If these are your friends it implies you think they aren't bad people and you are likely similar in many ways. Why are they a source of emotional pain instead of inspiration? Is it because the wealth gap has become so extreme ?
I recall one adult in my entire childhood that laughed off a doom and gloom discussion and one other that said "relax you'll be fine". It immediately paused my chronic anxiety as calm is contagious.