Late Sunday night, Elon Musk seemed troubled by the massive “No Kings” protests across the U.S. Millions took to the streets to protest a military parade connected to Donald Trump’s birthday, which many found lackluster and unnecessary.
Musk shared a screenshot from the video game “Bioshock” on his social media platform. The image displays a notable slogan: “No Gods or Kings. Only Man.” He asked his followers if anyone had thought about this during the protests.
In “Bioshock,” the underwater city of Rapture was founded by a character named Andrew Ryan, who wanted to escape societal rules after World War II. However, Rapture soon fell apart, revealing stark divides between rich and poor.
Musk’s reference to this game feels particularly relevant given the current wealth inequality in the U.S. Many share concerns about the growing gap between the wealthy and the average citizen. Recent data shows that the top 1% continue to accumulate wealth, while wages for many remain stagnant.
Musk’s post raises questions. Does he view himself as a visionary like Ryan? Or is it another jab at Trump, who recently claimed he does not feel like a king, despite sharing images presenting him as one?
Harvard historian Jill Lepore noted that reading science fiction should be more than just following a manual; it is often a critique of society. Musk’s connection to a dystopian game might hint at deeper reflections on the direction of the U.S., especially as his disputes with Trump escalate.
Surveys indicate that Musk’s popularity has been waning among both sides of the political spectrum, which could impact his business ventures. It remains uncertain whether he’s drawing a parallel warning about current events or if he aims to hasten a shift in power dynamics within the country.
As debates unfold and public reactions grow, Musk’s playful yet serious engagement with these themes highlights the complex narrative surrounding leadership and public perception in modern America.
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