Actually The Bell Curve spoke of the increasing spread of the distribution into what could be interpreted as a smart, powerful ruling class and an underclass. They were not wishing for this, rather they were describing it.
Of course very few people actually read The Bell Curve. They only complained about what they *thought* was in the book. LOL
The days when an uneducated schlub could earn a “middle class” wage by polishing screws only lasted from 1946 until 1973. It was a short period in our history, and one which will not be repeated.