yeah, this is a big worry (in the same way J.K. Rowling is)–people of this magnitude and influence in society can’t really be ignored in full, because a lot of people might be swayed by their significance alone into thinking something they believe is acceptable. Elon is more impulsive and, i dunno, eclectic? than Rowling, so that might temper his efficacy or even desire to do this, but it’d still be really bad if he actually started doing this because he can presumably manufacture an astonishing amount of consent if he wants to do that. far more than Rowling can, also.
I used to have enormous respect for Rowling since she was one of the only (if not the only?) billionaires to donate so much money to charity that she’s no longer a billionaire. That’s great, and if every billionaire did that the world would be a much better place. And of course I grew up with Harry Potter.
And I remember when I first heard about her views on trans people, there was a moment where I was like “Wait she’s a good person though, right? Is she actually onto something here?” Which led to me reading way more about her views than I otherwise would have.
And of course she’s not onto anything and is just being a TERF, and I wish she would just swallow her pride and admit she’s wrong and apologize, but the point is: yes, these people have a lot of influence and can’t be ignored. There are probably people who, like me, respected Rowling, but then didn’t bother to follow up and have been led down an anti-trans path.
Influential people need to be called out on their shit.
yeah, this is a big worry (in the same way J.K. Rowling is)–people of this magnitude and influence in society can’t really be ignored in full, because a lot of people might be swayed by their significance alone into thinking something they believe is acceptable. Elon is more impulsive and, i dunno, eclectic? than Rowling, so that might temper his efficacy or even desire to do this, but it’d still be really bad if he actually started doing this because he can presumably manufacture an astonishing amount of consent if he wants to do that. far more than Rowling can, also.
I used to have enormous respect for Rowling since she was one of the only (if not the only?) billionaires to donate so much money to charity that she’s no longer a billionaire. That’s great, and if every billionaire did that the world would be a much better place. And of course I grew up with Harry Potter.
And I remember when I first heard about her views on trans people, there was a moment where I was like “Wait she’s a good person though, right? Is she actually onto something here?” Which led to me reading way more about her views than I otherwise would have.
And of course she’s not onto anything and is just being a TERF, and I wish she would just swallow her pride and admit she’s wrong and apologize, but the point is: yes, these people have a lot of influence and can’t be ignored. There are probably people who, like me, respected Rowling, but then didn’t bother to follow up and have been led down an anti-trans path.
Influential people need to be called out on their shit.