Instead of helping to do this, they abased themselves, and grovelled before their oppressors, and compelled and taught their children to do the same.
THEY were the people who were really responsible for the continuance of the present system.
Owen laughed bitterly to himself.

What a very comical system it was.
Those who worked were looked upon with contempt, and subjected to every possible indignity.

Nearly everything they produced was taken away from them and enjoyed by the people who did nothing.

And then the workers bowed down and grovelled before those who had robbed them of the fruits of their labour and were childishly grateful to them for leaving anything at all.
No wonder the rich despised them and looked upon them as dirt.

They WERE despicable.