Ruling classes have a lot of influence in society, and thus define the social norms. If the society was racist, sexist, and elitist, it is extremely likely that

Ruling classes have a lot of influence in society, and thus define the social norms. If the society was racist, sexist, and elitist, it is extremely likely that it's because the ruling class is such. Thus they get to take responsibility for their views. Be it from ignorance or from spite, bigotry is still bigotry.