Is Elon Musk A Nazi?
How our perception determines our reality and how we can learn from this incident.
By now, you are likely aware of Elon Musk’s speech at Donald Trump’s inauguration rally and the controversy regarding his gesture as shown in the above photo.1
Given the dark history of the Third Reich and their documented atrocities against those who they considered “untermenschen”2 (e.g. Jews), it is easy to interpret Musk’s gesture as a signal to neo-fascist and other extreme right-wing groups.
So… is Elon Musk a Nazi?
That is not a question that IMHO is easily answered either “Yes” or “No”. However, one thing I have learned in my life is that one’s personal perception determines most of what is real to them. Those inclined to lean to the extremes (left or right) may answer “Yes” based on this photo, while others may think of it as no more than a social faux-pas.
Just before writing this blog, I finished watching a YouTube video from clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. John Paul Garrison (a.k.a. “Dr. G”). In this video, “Dr. G” takes an objective and non-judgmental view of Musk’s body language. If you choose to watch this video, please keep an open mind while doing so.
It is an accepted fact that Elon Musk holds politically conservative views, but that may not mean he fully embraces the fascist ideologies of Germany’s Adolf Hitler, Italy’s Benito Mussolini, or Spain’s Francisco Franco. Only Musk knows for sure.
While our perception of Musk’s gesture is up for debate, it is not up to us to pass judgement on anyone, regardless of their political leanings. We are all human beings who share this planet and must learn to work with one another to make our society the best it can be for all of us.
With all that said, it behooves us to be mindful of our actions and our words, for those shape how others perceive us.
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In the meantime, please show kindness and compassion to one another and until next time…
Peace Out, Y’all!
https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/elon-musk-under-fire-for-alleged-nazi-salute-responds-with-everyone-is-hitler-jab/3721199/
Untermenschen. Oxford Reference. Retrieved 24 Jan. 2025, from https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803114815156.
I totally agree with you on this. I can see both how just a quick glance at him, plus any negative bias we already have about this individual could cause us to see his gesture as a vile one from a horrible time in the world's history. I don't know this man, only what I've read about him. That makes me think he's in love with being powerful and that love of power controls his actions. The way his hand is cupped could mean he was high-fiving someone, waving to someone, or worst case, using the Nazi salute from so long ago. Unless we can crawl into his brain, we will never know the true intent.