The Double Standard of Elon Musk’s Critics

Olivia Wilde’s recent comments about Elon Musk have reignited debate over the billionaire’s behavior and ideology. This discussion often devolves into finger-pointing and moral posturing, with some calling for Musk to be held accountable for his views on population growth and others defending him as a champion of progress.

Wilde has been at the forefront of this criticism, labeling Musk “a creature” who has abandoned the ideals she once thought he shared. Her comments are notable not only because they come from someone who has met Musk but also because they highlight the double standard governing discussions around celebrity culture and social justice.

The incident that sparked Wilde’s ire was a 2022 interview in which she compared Jordan Peterson to “a pseudo-intellectual.” This move was seen by some as an attack on Peterson, while others viewed it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the misogyny underlying incel ideology. On Theroux’s podcast, Wilde further fueled this fire with her comments.

What’s striking about Wilde’s critique is its nuance. She acknowledges that Peterson thinks deeply about complex issues, even if his ideas are rooted in misogyny and a desire for power. Recognizing the complexity of these ideologies highlights how they can insidiously infiltrate mainstream discourse and be sanitized by those who don’t want to confront their true nature.

Musk’s views on population growth have been widely criticized as out of touch with reality. He claims humanity faces an underpopulation crisis, rather than a climate emergency, which has met skepticism from experts and ordinary people alike. Wilde’s comments suggest Musk’s words are not just misguided but symptomatic of a deeper problem.

This problem is the way in which some men, including those who consider themselves intellectuals or leaders, have internalized an ideology of entitlement and superiority. This is not simply a matter of individual psychology; it’s also about societal structures that enable and reinforce these attitudes. As Wilde notes, “This idea they need a reminder of encouragement and deserve more is ludicrous.” The reality is that many men are already being encouraged to believe in their own superiority – and it’s this message we must challenge.

The implications of Wilde’s critique go beyond celebrity culture or social justice, speaking to a deeper crisis of masculinity and entitlement. This is not just about Elon Musk or Jordan Peterson but also about how our societies are structured to reinforce these attitudes, often at the expense of women and marginalized groups.

Recognizing this requires acknowledging the ways in which we internalize and perpetuate these ideologies – through our words, actions, or silence. Critique should be about challenging ourselves to think more critically and empathetically, rather than solely attacking others. As Wilde says, “My issue with Peterson… is that many people who are not misogynists have adopted a sanitized version of the same philosophy rooted in deep misogyny.”

The conversation sparked by Olivia Wilde’s comments offers us an opportunity to reexamine our complicity in perpetuating these ideologies. We must be willing to challenge ourselves and others – including those we admire or respect – to confront how they contribute to this crisis of masculinity and entitlement.

The double standard governing discussions around celebrity culture is just a symptom of a deeper disease. It’s time for us to take a closer look at what’s driving these attitudes and challenge them head-on.