Elon Musk on Racism, Bailing Out Trump, Hate Speech, More – The Don Lemon Show [video] | Hacker News Reader

Elon Musk on Racism, Bailing Out Trump, Hate Speech, More – The Don Lemon Show [video]

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11 pointsjzig10 comments

Why are we asking tech CEOs about societal racism and politics?

Oh yeah, ratings.

Seriously though, it would probably be better and far more entertaining if we stop making politicians and business people celebrities and just go back to asking musicians, college professors, journalists, and actors for their political opinions.

We're plagued by this ideal that CEOs are somehow this elite class of people that should influence the way the world operates rather than finding non-billionaire individuals who are far more human and relatable.

I find him more relatable than most musicians, journalists and actors.

> Why are we asking tech CEOs about societal racism and politics

Technically he's still a tech CEO but practically it seems like he spends much more of his time and attention on societal racism and politics

Because this is Elon Musk and not a random tech CEO? Elon has made his position public and clear and so asking him to clarify his position is fair game. He is also one of the richest person on earth and money gives power. He is not above using his power and wealth for things he espouse. So, why should we not ask him?

> Why are we asking tech CEOs about societal racism and politics?

Because they are in control of how people communicate, and aside from Musk, they are the ones interested in the social, racism, and politics... not to mention ESG which is directly making companies get involved in all of that.

I agree, no CEO should be concerned with these issues, including adding features to their apps that are designed to flex their influence on society.

Elon inserted himself into politics by buying Twitter and changing its moderation policies to whatever pleases him.

From what I read, that was prompted by the former brass at Twitter moderating on political lines. Assuming the best intentions, it seemed like the goal was to remove politically motivated moderation.

That's what happens when Elon doesn't see his own politics.

> Assuming the best intentions

... Why on earth would you assume best intentions?

> Why are we asking tech CEOs about societal racism and politics?

We’re not asking “tech CEOs,” we’re asking one specific tech CEO who has chosen to insert himself into the conversation both by purchasing Twitter and by frequently and publicly commenting on those issues himself. When he wasn’t the owner of a major social media network and he spent his time talking about rockets and electric cars, hardly anyone was asking him about these topics.

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