Elon Musk, the figure behind the cryptocurrency DOGE, recently seized the moment presented by the No Kings protests in the United States to bolster his image among his followers on X. His attempt to align himself with the protests, which reportedly drew over five million participants, has sparked a mix of reactions, particularly given the backdrop of his contentious relationship with former President Trump.
Protests and Controversies
On June 15, Musk posted a cryptic message that many interpreted as a reference to the protests against Trump, coinciding with a tumultuous exchange between the two earlier that month. Musk had claimed credit for Trump’s election victory while insinuating that Trump associated with controversial figures, prompting Trump to threaten to withdraw the substantial government subsidies that support Musk’s ventures.
The post drew a predictable wave of enthusiasm from Musk’s followers, with many expressing their admiration and some recognizing the allusion to the video game BioShock. However, the reactions diverged significantly within the BioShock community, where fans are well aware of the character Andrew Ryan, a megalomaniac whose vision ultimately leads to his downfall.
- “Of course he took away the wrong message and probably thinks Andrew Ryan was the hero.” – 4morian5
- “It’s like that Trump supporter trying to disrupt a voting line by blasting Rage Against The Machines – Bulls on Parade and danced to it.” – rainorshinedogs
- “Does he know what shit ended up happening in the end with Andrew Ryan’s dream?” – Andrianwill-87
- “We have come full circle. Where once we had people quoting Ayn Rand thinking they were the new John Galt (especially young men), now we have billionaires quoting BioShock thinking they are the next Andrew Ryan.” – hunkaliciousnerd
This latest episode is not Musk’s first foray into gaming culture. His previous attempts to engage with the gaming community, including a misinterpretation of Deus Ex, have also drawn criticism and mockery. The irony of Musk’s situation is palpable, particularly given the ongoing controversies surrounding figures like Robert F. Kennedy, who has faced accusations of spreading misinformation.
In a bid to further establish his gamer credentials, Musk showcased his skills in Path of Exile 2, only to face backlash when it was revealed he had been account boosting, followed by a sharp retort from Ubisoft. These incidents raise questions about the authenticity of Musk’s gamer persona, leaving some to wonder if his understanding of gaming narratives is as profound as he presents.
As discussions unfold, one can’t help but speculate whether Musk is aware of the implications of his references. The connection he draws to Andrew Ryan, a character whose ambitions lead to ruin, seems particularly curious. It remains to be seen if Musk will venture into other gaming narratives, perhaps even referencing Handsome Jack from the upcoming Borderlands 4, which is set to release in September.
