> The intentions of the ruling class are not to oppress others but merely to protect their own interests You're exactly right. But oppression is a useful tool

> The intentions of the ruling class are not to oppress others but merely to protect their own interests You're exactly right. But oppression is a useful tool to protect one's interest. Demoralizing people and showing them that you have them by the balls is an effective tactic. "Oh, you want to come at me? Have you seen our prison system? It's not worth it, not in a thousand years"