Musk’s remarks at far-right German rally not funny – OTA
The Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) has expressed strong condemnation over Elon Musk’s recent remarks, which have deeply offended descendants of the victims of the Herero and Nama genocides.
The criticism follows after billionaire Elon Musk told Germans that “I think there is, like, frankly, too much focus on past guilt and we need to move beyond that” during a virtual speech during a far-right rally for the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party.
In a press statement issued this week, Reverend Rupert Hambira said for those directly affected by the legacies of German colonial genocides, such as the Herero and Nama peoples, as well as the descendants of Holocaust survivors, these comments and actions undermine the ongoing struggle for justice, recognition and accountability.
He added that Musk's remarks are far from harmless or humorous but represent a serious threat to moral progress.
“For those of us directly impacted by the enduring legacies of genocide, Musk’s rhetoric is not an exercise in humour – it is a perpetuation of existential threats that jeopardise the integrity of global commitments to justice and human rights".
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He added: "We categorically reject such irresponsibility and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to truth, justice and the common good. The struggle for reparative justice and historical accountability is neither optional nor negotiable; it is a moral imperative that transcends the provocations of individuals who wield influence without a commensurate sense of responsibility. History will vindicate those who labour for justice, not those who trivialise it".
Hambira also highlighted that as the wealthiest man in the world, Musk holds unparalleled sway over public opinion and his statements are far from inconsequential.
“By using his influence to promote narratives that minimise or deny historical injustices, Musk normalises dangerous ideologies and emboldens perpetrators of hate and discrimination. This is not merely a personal failing – it is a societal threat.”
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The criticism follows after billionaire Elon Musk told Germans that “I think there is, like, frankly, too much focus on past guilt and we need to move beyond that” during a virtual speech during a far-right rally for the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party.
In a press statement issued this week, Reverend Rupert Hambira said for those directly affected by the legacies of German colonial genocides, such as the Herero and Nama peoples, as well as the descendants of Holocaust survivors, these comments and actions undermine the ongoing struggle for justice, recognition and accountability.
He added that Musk's remarks are far from harmless or humorous but represent a serious threat to moral progress.
“For those of us directly impacted by the enduring legacies of genocide, Musk’s rhetoric is not an exercise in humour – it is a perpetuation of existential threats that jeopardise the integrity of global commitments to justice and human rights".
Influential
He added: "We categorically reject such irresponsibility and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to truth, justice and the common good. The struggle for reparative justice and historical accountability is neither optional nor negotiable; it is a moral imperative that transcends the provocations of individuals who wield influence without a commensurate sense of responsibility. History will vindicate those who labour for justice, not those who trivialise it".
Hambira also highlighted that as the wealthiest man in the world, Musk holds unparalleled sway over public opinion and his statements are far from inconsequential.
“By using his influence to promote narratives that minimise or deny historical injustices, Musk normalises dangerous ideologies and emboldens perpetrators of hate and discrimination. This is not merely a personal failing – it is a societal threat.”
[email protected]
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