Many of the 'great unwashed' don't own squat now. It is between them and the bank, the finance company, the perpetual car payment, the lease, but they don't own it outright.
People have been wearing the chains of debt for so long the chains of slavery will seem familliar. It is only the illusion of ownership and freedom that keeps them thinking they are free, 200 dumbed down channels of circus, and cheap bread, and soon the complacency of legalized pot (you watch) while the barbarians are at the gate.