Because our society is like a dysfunctional family in many ways.  Many those with obscene amounts of wealth believer they are or are seen by too many people as superior to others with less.  It's doesn't matter if they are dumb and immoral, what counts is how much wealth and power they have. 

Many People on the other end of the spectrum can't see past the glitz and glamor and fall for the illusion.  They will likely then will sellout for a chance to have a similar lifestyle.  I think most of us are guilty of this kind of behavior in one way or another and some more so then others.