I’m no worshipper of Elon Musk, but it is telling that when someone attempts to do something truly new in the world, he is criticized and demeaned — while those who create “apps” that help you sell your soul and your data to a corporation are lionized and celebrated.
Hmmm, could there be an agenda here, perhaps? Some propaganda, maybe? Oh, perish the thought!
Part of it is that I believe there is some transference here (for lack of a better term) — hardware is not cool. Rockets these days aren’t even cool. Batteries aren’t cool. Al that physical stuff…just so ugh. That’s the kind of thing the working-class deplorables deal with. Yuck.
Even though Musk is rich, this stench of physicality — of doing real things in the corporeal world — clings to him. Where it’s at is creating an app that gives someone tiger ears and for $1 they can also add a bunny nose, not getting rocket fuel or nickel metal hydride on your hands.
I know Musk has his worshippers and celebrants. Every flashy parvenu will. Rarely do I see though such pushback though even against Mark Zuckerberg who should be a far more despised figure.
Examining why is what I’m doing here, not championing Musk in particular. This derision aimed at Musk is a symptom of our despair and of our abandonment and renunciation of changing the world out there, rather than the world on the screen in front of us. Therefore, anyone who actually does big things credibly well — like Musk — is an implicit threat and critique of that lethargic otiosity.
