You’re witnessing capitalism run it’s course. There will never be a such thing as harmless capitalism. Capitalism cannot exist without exploitation. The ruling class has perfected slavery via consumerism. You don’t live in a free society, and it’s going to get worse.

Some easy reading will open your eyes to what’s going on around you. A book that’s often recommended is Black Shirts and Reds by Michael Parenti. Some of the views regarding China are pretty outdated, and even he fell for some of the western propaganda, but it gives you a much clearer picture of what actually goes on in the world in regards to western imperialism.
Inequality is a feature of Capitalism. It certainly doesn’t have to be this way. The ruling class wants us divided.