The rich and powerful are supported by the status quo, and they'll resist any attempt to change it. Because they're rich and powerful, if they think it's necessary they'll resist that change with violence.

That's why things only tend to change when people are really, really "uncomfortable". If you're comfortable, then the injury and death you risk by attempting to change things isn't worth it. If people are already dying from starvation or disease, then it becomes worth it to risk death by challenging the status quo.