Akshhhally a lot of what's now associated just with Nazis was a typical "worker party" symbols set in 20s.
Torches - because workers would assemble outside of their work hours, and it would be dark, it's not your soy modernity with labor protections.
This particular thing called "Roman salute" - apparently wasn't too popular outside of Nazis and Italian fascists, but there are archive photos of Communists in Russia in early 20s using that.
The raised fist symbol - well, everybody used it, and again, Nazis too.
Hammer and sickle - that one was in symbolic of Dolfuss' Austria, and it's not a coincidence, it was there because of socdems.
OK, all that isn't necessary. It's clear what gesture Elon intended. It may not be entirely clear what he meant, I think this is not Nazi endorsement, but rather a "f-ck you" to all parties he dislikes, who also happen to be keen on bringing up Nazis. But that wouldn't be controversial too, just weird for a grown up man.
I mean, it’s Forbes. It’s essentially one of the primary mouthpieces of this new-age Business Plot we’re living through. I’m unsurprised they’re sanewashing this.
I don't think he meant it as "let's go round up the Jews age conquer Europe" (or Canada or whatever). He's very likely on the autism spectrum and likely thought it was funny and just wanted to see how the mass media would react. He acts like a child in so many other contexts (dancing robots at the Tesla event? Seriously?), why not here?
That doesn't make it okay, and it's certainly inappropriate given the event, but it also doesn't make him a Nazi.
No, but coupled with the other people he's teaming up with, and the other things he's done, it's a pretty sure bet he's a nazi and meant it as such. Autism is not an excuse, and nazi salutes are not even in the same ballpark as dancing fucking robots! How do you even manage to equate the two???
Not to criticize you personally for playing devils advocate but fuck this weak ass justification.
This guy is the richest person in the world and he didn't become that by being some disadvantaged individual who doesn't understand what he's doing at times. He knew full well what he was doing. He was grinning the whole fucking time and acts like he knows he's untouchable.
I agree that I don't think he wants to 'round up Jews and exterminate them,' but I do think he wanted to empower the nut jobs that do believe in that (not just Jews but every Republican enemy) while also drumming up controversy to get everyone talking about him like he's always done in the past. He thinks this is all a game with few stakes for himself.
Look up his family history. His grandpa was a technocrat and raved about Orania. He's a product of his upbringing. His Dad ran emerald mines during Apartheid. Racism is taught. He's a damn nazi.
"I dont think he meant to shoot anyone he just walked up to a cop and pointed a gun at them, he likely thought it was funny and wanted to see how the cop would react"
I'm sure once the press coverage starts to take hold and their venture capitalist overlords realize what's going on, they will crack down on the mods hard. Just like they did back in June/July of 2023. Little piggy boy will punish any rebellious mods and then grovel in mortification to his corporate masters.