Social hierarchy and organization of people by income has existed in societies since the beginning of civilization, and while blatant classism is mostly illegal in America, a capitalist Democratic-Republic such as the US can still find ways to oppress lower-income individuals. Classism was closely studied and identified by Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels. Their ideas led to alternative ideas of government and economics that operate very differently than the US. Classism in the US increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most middle-class working Americans were barred from working, worked less hours, or left their jobs entirely because of the pandemic. Meanwhile, online businesses boomed and businesses that could move online did. Certain brands and organizations made ridiculous profits during the pandemic while almost everyone else was going bankrupt or at least losing significant amounts of money. Now, the power of the middle class has all but disappeared in a country where billionaires control everything.