Corporate Resistance Thread - Boycott on February 28

[Victoria Raverna]

Tesla and Musk are synonymous.

But two years ago or more, that wasn't analogous to evil. Or even slighty awful. He didn't fully join the Nationalist Front until last year.

I think it was obvious that he is awful at least since 2018 when he did this:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/ ... do-twitter

Elon Musk came under fire on Sunday after launching an extraordinary attack on a British diver who helped rescue the boys trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand, baselessly calling him a “pedo” on Twitter and then doubling down.

[LordMortis]

That was in 2018? Wow. I thought that was after his 2020 public slide. He hinted awful even before then. I guess I was still in the forgiving him his trespasses at that time, probably because the news wasn't a daily Leon saturation then.

[Max Peck]

One thing that makes me feel a twinge of savage delight is the belief that his standing in the world hopefully now means his access to money hungry actresses and young female pop singers has been limited because they're more afraid of being shunned by the entertainment industry than they love his bank account.

Yes, I'm that awful.

I thought his thing was career advancing women within his companies.

This all began because Grimes kicked his ass to the curb. That's what started him down the path of becoming The World's Most Divorced Man.

[LordMortis]

I guess I stand majorly corrected and goes back a very long way.

https://www.aol.com/news/elon-musk-dati ... 52684.html

[hepcat]

This all began because Grimes kicked his ass to the curb. That's what started him down the path of becoming The World's Most Divorced Man.

Grimes was like third or more down the line in the rotation. I think it began well before her.

Trump and Musk share a love of trophy wives/girlfriends/bragging rights.

[Kurth]

To be clear, I'm not saying anything goes for everyone just because it's crazy time in America. I'm saying we shouldn't be surprised by much, and certainly not by some (potentially misplaced) anger expressed as name calling. The idea that people directing their anger at an icon that literally represents the target of their anger, is somehow 100% part of the problem, is ludicrous.

Tesla and Musk are synonymous.

But sure, supporting the dismantling of the American government and giving the finger to car owners is 100% part of the same problem.

Lu. Di. Crous.

I think less time needs to be spent explaining Kurth's position to us, which we fully understand, and more time spent explaining to Kurth just how anger works and why finger flippers are angry and why they are targeting Tesla owners.

Kurth is the one having difficulty understanding human nature.

This isn't even close to correct. I understand human nature. I'm just disappointed in it, as I'd be disappointed to learn that OOers here "understand," as in sympathize with, assholes giving Tesla owners the bird.

In all your smugness GreenGoo, have you thought much about the extent to which misplaced anger led us to the state we're in right now? What pisses me off most about people giving the finger to Tesla owners is that it's a mirror to some of the misplaced anger that MAGAts exhibited resulting in the election of Trump not once but twice. It's fine to be angry. But it's not fine - it's not understandable - to direct that anger at people or things or programs that are not deserving of it. That's stupidity. It's also incredibly counter-productive, as you risk losing people who very well may be aligned with your cause and would support your anger if directed at the right target and not misdirected at them.

I stand by my opinion that someone who hates Musk/Trump flipping off some random person driving a Tesla is 100% part of the problem that has led us to Trump. If you don't understand that, I think you're probably part of the problem as well.

[Zarathud]

Blame Musk for continuing to poison America for being blatantly partisan. And a shitty human being.

When Trump and Musk visibly delight in hurting other Americans, you expect them to roll over and be polite? American status symbols work both ways — and cars are classic symbols of consumerism.

I wouldn’t burn down a Tesla without talking to the driver first, but it IS going to prejudice my initial view of them.

[hepcat]

Blame Musk for continuing to poison America for being blatantly partisan. And a shitty human being.

When Trump and Musk visibly delight in hurting other Americans, you expect them to roll over and be polite? American status symbols work both ways — and cars are classic symbols of consumerism.

I wouldn’t burn down a Tesla without talking to the driver first, but it IS going to prejudice my initial view of them.

Says the guy riding to Adepticon in a friend’s Tesla next month.

[Zarathud]

You know I judge that friend as being more unsafe for the roads than AI. His parents bought him a Jeep because drove like curbs were optional. Plus, he’s spent too much time the past decade with Russians grinding out top tier raids in EVE and EverQuest.

I’m probably driving up to Adepticon myself to get over to a sci-fi bookstore downtown.

[hepcat]

But I’ve got like 2 buckets of dog crap I was gonna throw at you guys when I saw you in a Tesla.

[Blackhawk]

To bring this back on topic - when I drive by Target and refuse to shop there, am I insulting the workers that are employed there and need a paycheck? Should I be going into Target and buying things because I know my neighbor has a job there or can I drive by and give a giant building the finger without it being in any way related to the people that work there?

Of course not. But this is more a question of 'should I give a giant finger to people for shopping at Walmart, and maybe pee on their groceries?' without bothering to consider that they may not be able to shop elsewhere and still be able to afford enough food for their kids for the week.

It's completely understandable why people are angry at Musk and people who feel helpless (that's us) want to strike back at him. Completely understandable. But people who happen to own a Tesla from the reasonably before-times and haven't sold it for too little to replace it, or pushed it into a river - they're not the enemy, and you're not striking back at Musk by making them fearful.

Be pissed. Do pissed-off things as a result. It's human. But remember the other sides of acting human as well, like not judging people people based on a single factor that might well be beyond their control.

[Kraken]

Having more than once been on the receiving end of homophobic taunts just for driving a Miata, I'm trying not to judge Tesla drivers right now. Except maybe Cybertruck drivers. Screw them.

[Jaymann]

Miatas are gay?

The more you know...

[Blackhawk]

No, just non-binary.

[gbasden]

Miatas are gay?

The more you know...

Certainly they used to be seen as a "girl" car. I loved mine regardless.

[Kraken]

Miatas are gay?

The more you know...

Also, Subarus are known as Lesborus in the same circles. When I drove a Miata and Wife drove a Subaru, eyebrows were raised.

[GreenGoo]

I stand by my opinion that someone who hates Musk/Trump flipping off some random person driving a Tesla is 100% part of the problem that has led us to Trump. If you don't understand that, I think you're probably part of the problem as well.

I disagree. I think you have no idea how people feel because if you did you wouldn't be so quick to paint everyone with the same brush, or why they don't all react the same way, or the way you wish they would. I think your suggestion that anyone who expresses their anger is part of the problem is misplaced.

I am definitely part of the problem. I didn't want to be but it turns out I had no choice, so here we are. Me part of the problem and you lumping everyone together into a big mishmash of a problem.

That's a shame. How do you anticipate being part of the solution?

[Unagi]

The problem that Tesla owners have, that no one can help them with - is simply the undeniable fact that they are driving around in a 'conversation starter' - and that conversation is heated.

That's why 'the bumper sticker' exists, it's an attempt to have that conversation quickly and get it established that the Tesla owner is on your side of 'the conversation'.

[GreenGoo]

The problem that Tesla owners have, that no one can help them with - is simply the undeniable fact that they are driving around in a 'conversation starter' - and that conversation is heated.

That's why 'the bumper sticker' exists, it's an attempt to have that conversation quickly and get it established that the Tesla owner is on your side of 'the conversation'.

Sometimes the conversation starts with a hand gesture, is my understanding.

[Unagi]

heh.

And just to be clear, I am not saying that people want to have or actually have a conversation with random Tesla owners (ever) - I'm saying the brand now carries with it a lot of political baggage, and it's to be expected that some people will express themselves digitally because of that.

Personally, I couldn't do that - because a) I would be mortified if I did it to someone with politics that mirror my own and b) If the person's politics were deserving of the finger, I wouldn't trust what they might do to retaliate.

[Kurth]

heh.

And just to be clear, I am not saying that people want to have or actually have a conversation with random Tesla owners (ever) - I'm saying the brand now carries with it a lot of political baggage, and it's to be expected that some people will express themselves digitally because of that.

Personally, I couldn't do that - because a) I would be mortified if I did it to someone with politics that mirror my own and b) If the person's politics were deserving of the finger, I wouldn't trust what they might do to retaliate.

In other words, you are rational and not stupid!

[Kurth]

I stand by my opinion that someone who hates Musk/Trump flipping off some random person driving a Tesla is 100% part of the problem that has led us to Trump. If you don't understand that, I think you're probably part of the problem as well.

I disagree. I think you have no idea how people feel because if you did you wouldn't be so quick to paint everyone with the same brush, or why they don't all react the same way, or the way you wish they would. I think your suggestion that anyone who expresses their anger is part of the problem is misplaced.

I am definitely part of the problem. I didn't want to be but it turns out I had no choice, so here we are. Me part of the problem and you lumping everyone together into a big mishmash of a problem.

That's a shame. How do you anticipate being part of the solution?

There is an ocean-sized disconnect between your criticism that I am painting with too broad a brush and your sympathy for those who are angry at anyone and everyone who drives a Tesla today. I don’t think those two positions are in any way consistent.

You’re also putting words in my mouth. You know I’ve never expressed criticism towards people expressing anger about Musk or Trump. Plant a sign in front of a Tesla dealership? Go for it. Go to an anti-Musk rally? Hell yeah. I’m critical of a specific expression of anger misdirected at people for simply owning a Tesla. You know that, so please stop being disingenuous.

I’m beginning to think you’re arguing just for the sake of arguing.

“How do I anticipate being part of the solution?”

Fuck if I know. But I am going to continue calling BS when I see stupid and obviously counterproductive shit happening.

[Smoove_B]

I think the disconnect is that you think everyone is mad at people driving a Tesla. As I stated yesterday, me giving the finger to *a car* is not the same as me giving the finger to someone stepping out of the car. In the same way Canadians booing the national anthem isn't Canadians booing American citizens or even me. Or that a Target boycott isn't against Target workers.

Aren't you a lawyer? Don't you guys revel in the minutiae?

[hepcat]

I propose a compromise: All Tesla owners should be forced to place a sticker on their back window with the purchase date prominently displayed. If that date is before 2024, they should be left alone as they may simply have wanted to help with climate change. If it's after 2024, they should be berated as the supporters of authoritarianism they obviously are!

I think the disconnect is that you think everyone is mad at people driving a Tesla. As I stated yesterday, me giving the finger to *a car* is not the same as me giving the finger to someone stepping out of the car.

Can you follow them until they get to their destination and exit the car before doing that so that it's clear? Barring that, could you walk up to their car at a stoplight or what not, ask them politely to exit their vehicle, then flip the car the bird?

[Isgrimnur]

Miatas are gay?

The more you know...

Also, Subarus are known as Lesborus in the same circles. When I drove a Miata and Wife drove a Subaru, eyebrows were raised.

We have seen your glorious beard...

[Smoove_B]

Can you follow them until they get to their destination and exit the car before doing that so that it's clear? Barring that, could you walk up to their car at a stoplight or what not, ask them politely to exit their vehicle, then flip the car the bird?

If that will help the precious snowflake feel better, then sure.

[hepcat]

I'm just trying to make sure Zarathud doesn't end up getting his feelings hurt when you flip off the Tesla he's in next month. I mooned him once a few months back and he had to be admitted for observation for 24 hours...

...as did everyone within a 500 meter radius, admittedly.

[Kurth]

I think the disconnect is that you think everyone is mad at people driving a Tesla. As I stated yesterday, me giving the finger to *a car* is not the same as me giving the finger to someone stepping out of the car. In the same way Canadians booing the national anthem isn't Canadians booing American citizens or even me. Or that a Target boycott isn't against Target workers.

Aren't you a lawyer? Don't you guys revel in the minutiae?

Seriously Smoove? I think maybe you’re just joking.

But in case you’re not, at the risk of stating the obvious, as someone is driving along in a Tesla and sees someone flipping them the bird, how are they going to have any idea that the intent is to protest Musk and not them for driving the car?

Are you flipping off parked Teslas with no occupants? If so, please carry on. Otherwise, knock it off!

[Max Peck]

If flipping the bird at a Tesla is a step too far, I think I know how the fight to resist the fascist takeover of America is going to play out.

[Kurth]

I’m sorry to carry on with this argument about Tesla bird flipping, but I do think it’s important at a higher level. Misdirected anger is dangerous and counterproductive. It’s something we should work to point out and correct where possible. It’s not something we should sympathize with and tacitly approve.

I’m done now.

[hepcat]

If flipping the bird at a Tesla is a step too far, I think I know how the fight to resist the fascist takeover of America is going to play out.

Fine, I'll get my mooning pants ready. But I do this with no small amount of regret for what will ensue.

[Smoove_B]

Seriously Smoove? I think maybe you’re just joking.

But in case you’re not, at the risk of stating the obvious, as someone is driving along in a Tesla and sees someone flipping them the bird, how are they going to have any idea that the intent is to protest Musk and not them for driving the car?

Are you flipping off parked Teslas with no occupants? If so, please carry on. Otherwise, knock it off!

Again, I always go back to Dalton. Dalton is the way.

Also, as a NJ resident we average at least 2 bird flips per car ride. Am I flipping off a stop light? Someone that just cut me off? A car with a MAGA bumpsticker? Who can say?

[GreenGoo]

Fuck if I know. But I am going to continue calling BS when I see stupid and obviously counterproductive shit happening.

Do whatcha gotta do, I guess.

I believe their anger is understandable and Teslas are an easy target to express (harmlessly, I might add) that anger. You think it's 100% of the problem. Government dismantlement? Fingers. Recession? More fingers. Anti-trans and LGBT legislature? Whatever you do, don't flip the bird, otherwise Kurth will lump you in with your oppressors.

It's ludicrous. You have done nothing to convince me that your position is correct, only that (sometimes) that anger is misplaced (which was a starting point that we all agreed on before your input), and that this misplaced anger is bringing about the downfall of the USofA. You haven't defined what "the problem" is, so I'm just going with that.

No one is claiming that the anger is not (potentially) misplaced. I'm claiming your position on that misplaced anger is ridiculous on its face.

Let's look at it another way.

People have trump signs on their lawn. Other people drive by, giving them the finger? Valid expression of anger or part of the problem? What if the person does not support drumpf, but the spouse does. You've "accidentally" given the finger to the wrong person. 100% part of the problem?

Anger is by definition a strong emotion. Strong emotions often overcome rational thought. If control of emotions was easy, mental health issues would drop substantially.

But you're not asking the angry people to do better. You're telling them in no uncertain terms, no wiggle room, that they are "just as bad as" the oppressors. I can't possibly agree, because that's ridiculous.

[Kurth]

Seriously Smoove? I think maybe you’re just joking.

But in case you’re not, at the risk of stating the obvious, as someone is driving along in a Tesla and sees someone flipping them the bird, how are they going to have any idea that the intent is to protest Musk and not them for driving the car?

Are you flipping off parked Teslas with no occupants? If so, please carry on. Otherwise, knock it off!

Again, I always go back to Dalton. Dalton is the way.

Also, as a NJ resident we average at least 2 bird flips per car ride. Am I flipping off a stop light? Someone that just cut me off? A car with a MAGA bumpsticker? Who can say?

My whole life on the East Coast in Philly and Boston, this was the way.

But I’ve been in Portland, OR for the past ten years. Using a horn here is culturally verboten, let alone flipping someone the bird.

I’ve admittedly grown soft.

[Blackhawk]

When did OO become so black and white?

[GreenGoo]

When did OO become so black and white?

Not sure, but I know a recent example was when Kurth said that flipping the bird is 100% part of the problem.

[Kurth]

Fuck if I know. But I am going to continue calling BS when I see stupid and obviously counterproductive shit happening.

Do whatcha gotta do, I guess.

I believe their anger is understandable and Teslas are an easy target to express (harmlessly, I might add) that anger. You think it's 100% of the problem. Government dismantlement? Fingers. Recession? More fingers. Anti-trans and LGBT legislature? Whatever you do, don't flip the bird, otherwise Kurth will lump you in with your oppressors.

It's ludicrous. You have done nothing to convince me that your position is correct, only that (sometimes) that anger is misplaced (which was a starting point that we all agreed on before your input), and that this misplaced anger is bringing about the downfall of the USofA. You haven't defined what "the problem" is, so I'm just going with that.

No one is claiming that the anger is not (potentially) misplaced. I'm claiming your position on that misplaced anger is ridiculous on its face.

Let's look at it another way.

People have trump signs on their lawn. Other people drive by, giving them the finger? Valid expression of anger or part of the problem? What if the person does not support drumpf, but the spouse does. You've "accidentally" given the finger to the wrong person. 100% part of the problem?

Anger is by definition a strong emotion. Strong emotions often overcome rational thought. If control of emotions was easy, mental health issues would drop substantially.

But you're not asking the angry people to do better. You're telling them in no uncertain terms, no wiggle room, that they are "just as bad as" the oppressors. I can't possibly agree, because that's ridiculous.

Ludicrous. I do not think that word means what you think it means.

But I’ll tell you what is ludicrous: You continuing to misstate what I’ve said. 100% PART of the problem. Not 100% of the problem. And I’ve never suggested that those angry at Musk and misdirecting their anger at innocent Tesla drivers are as bad as the MAGAts and Musk sycophants that support them and put them in power. Again, your arguments are overblown and disingenuous.

You’re arguing it’s harmless treating someone badly who’s done nothing wrong and probably shares your anger.

I’m saying it’s not.

I’ll agree to disagree at this point.

[Blackhawk]

When did OO become so black and white?

Not sure, but I know a recent example was when Kurth said that flipping the bird is 100% part of the problem.

Followed by everyone else saying that it was 100% not.

[pr0ner]

The only place I see people calling for the sale of Teslas is here.

I still eat meat. I still shop at walmart or amazon when necessary. I'm probably left of most people here.

Who gives a shirt about virtue signaling?

I've seen it all over Facebook among my more left leaning friends.

I have a friend who already sold his Tesla.

[YellowKing]

FWIW I flip my Trump neighbor's garage banner off every time I drive past it. Because unlike owning a Tesla, hanging a banner in your garage like a cult member is a 100% intentional act of support for Trump's policies. And even if his wife is a non-Trumper, I'm still flipping her off for marrying an asshole.