Elon Musk Just Dropped a Bombshell on Democracy!

Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, and founder of companies like SpaceX and Tesla, has once again stirred controversy by using his vast influence on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to amplify a contentious theory. The theory, which was originally posted on 4chan in 2021, posits that a “Republic” can only truly thrive under the leadership of “high status males.” According to this ideology, women and men with lower testosterone levels, referred to as “low T men,” would not be fit to participate in such a Republic.

On Sunday, Musk re-shared a screenshot of this theory on X, bringing it to the attention of his millions of followers. The theory, penned by an anonymous user, asserts that true free-thinking is the domain of “high [testosterone] alpha males” and “aneurotypical people.” The post suggests that these “high status males” are best suited to govern a Republic that is exclusively for those who possess the ability to think independently.

The post goes on to claim, “People who can’t defend themselves physically (women and low T men) parse information through a consensus filter as a safety mechanism,” implying that only individuals with high testosterone and those who are neurodivergent can objectively assess new information. It concludes by stating, “This is why a Republic of high status males is best for decision making. Democratic, but a democracy only for those who are free to think.”

It’s important to note that the term “aneurotypical” used in the post is not a recognized word, though it seems the original poster intended to reference neurodivergent individuals.

Interesting observation https://t.co/xHD5VeS1IC

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 1, 2024

Such theories, which promote the concept of hegemonic masculinity, are frequently criticized for their exclusionary and unrealistic nature, often being labeled as “toxic” and sexist. These ideas tend to resonate within alt-right circles, where they find an audience that is more receptive to such radical views.

Musk’s response to the post was simply, “Interesting observation,” which has sparked widespread debate about his intentions. Was Musk endorsing the theory, or was he merely intrigued by its critique of the status quo? This ambiguity has left many wondering where he truly stands.

The theory was initially uploaded to X by an account known as “AutismCapital,” which regularly posts content appealing to right-wing individuals and supporters of Musk. The account labeled the theory as “also known as the Reich effect,” possibly referencing Robert Reich, the former Secretary of Labor. Reich recently penned an op-ed in The Guardian, where he argued that Musk is “out of control” and needs to be reined in.

On Sunday, much of “AutismCapital’s” content focused on mocking Reich while defending Musk’s actions and beliefs. The account’s posts appeared to target Reich directly, further fueling the controversy.

Musk’s re-posting of the theory has led to speculation about whether he shares the beliefs expressed in it or if his motivation was merely to criticize Reich. This isn’t the first time Musk has delved into divisive theories and spread potentially misleading information on his social media platform.

Musk has frequently argued that controversial and even offensive content on X is a matter of “free speech” and should be allowed on the platform, even when it contains misinformation. This stance has often put him at odds with regulatory authorities and critics who believe that the spread of false information can have serious consequences.

In fact, just last Friday, X was blocked in Brazil after Musk refused to comply with a legal order in a prolonged dispute over the platform’s failure to block accounts accused of spreading fake news. This incident is a testament to the ongoing challenges Musk faces as he navigates the complexities of running a global social media platform while maintaining his commitment to “free speech.”

As the debate over Musk’s recent actions continues, The Independent has reached out to both X and Musk for further comments on his repost, though a response has yet to be received. The situation remains a focal point of discussion, highlighting the growing concerns about the influence of social media platforms in shaping public discourse.