Final answer:
The upper class has historically held a condescending and dismissive attitude toward the lower classes due to differences in social status and wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The upper class' attitude toward the lower classes varied depending on the time period and region being analyzed. In ancient Rome, for example, the upper class had a generally condescending attitude towards the lower classes. They often viewed them as inferior and believed that social hierarchy was a natural order of society. This attitude was reflected in their treatment of the lower classes, including limited rights and privileges.
In industrialized societies during the Industrial Revolution, the upper class also tended to have a dismissive and dehumanizing view of the working class. They saw themselves as superior due to their wealth and social status, and often regarded workers as mere means of production.
Similarly, in the United States, the upper class is a small percentage of the population and holds a significant portion of the country's wealth. This concentration of wealth can contribute to a perception of superiority and elitism.