Here's an interesting fact. The terms First World, Second World and Third World were developed by Mao Zedong. First World powers were the superpowers, the USSR and the USA. Second World states were the superpowers' allies like the UK, Poland et cetera. Third World countries were part of the Non-Aligned movement. Like Yugoslavia, and so on. It didn't have anything to do with wealth.
The fact is, the capitalist system is exploitive. Wages have been stagnant since the 1970's. The only reason sales are up is because of the mountains of debt people are in. Charities do not cut it.
It may be difficult for you to realize, but some people are stuck in their terrible jobs no matter what. And the fact is, most of these jobs do not pay enough.
The idea of the free market fixing ever thing is preposterous.
Furthermore, have you ever missed meals consistently? Until then, I'm afraid you will never understand of this.
I missed these meals while my parents were unemployed. They worked hard.
I will admit that many many people abuse the welfare system. However, remember why it was created. In the 1930's people were starving to death, charity didn't cut it. That would be the situation today. Also, it is a mathematical law that capitalism goes through recessions and depressions. What happens to the people who loose their jobs, or are not paid enough? Have you ever missed several meals a day for weeks on end? Try it. Then you might understand what its like to be abused by a class system.
This being said, I would like to reiterate the fact that I realize that people do abuse the system, a but of reform is needed, that's all.
It is still a non-savage country. The problem with generalizations is.. well.. they are far too general. Nothing is in black and white.
There is hardly much worse than the fascist invader which destroyed so much. Please take a look into what they did to Eastern Europe...