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Did Musk’s South African Childhood Lead to his Bizarre Salute?
Elon Musk’s Controversial Salute: A Boer Nationalist Gesture Rooted in Apartheid South Africa?
The inauguration of Donald Trump’s second term on January 20, 2025, was marked by a moment that has since ignited a firestorm of controversy: Elon Musk’s extended arm gesture, which many compared to a Nazi salute. While some dismissed it as an awkward wave or a Roman-style salute, others have speculated that the gesture may have deeper roots in Musk’s South African heritage—specifically, as a nod to Boer nationalism, a far-right ideology tied to the apartheid era.
This theory, while speculative, raises provocative questions about Musk’s political evolution and the influence of his upbringing in apartheid South Africa. Could Musk’s gesture have been a Boer nationalist salute, and if so, what does this reveal about his newly embraced far-right leanings?
The Gesture: Nazi Salute or Boer Nationalist Symbol?
During his speech at Trump’s inauguration rally, Musk extended his arm upward in a motion that many likened to the Nazi salute. While the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) defended Musk, calling it an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm,” others were less forgiving. Far-right groups, including neo-Nazis, celebrated the moment, with one leader stating, “I don’t care if this was a mistake. I’m going to enjoy the tears over it”.
However, some historians and commentators have suggested an alternative interpretation: that Musk’s gesture may have been a Boer nationalist salute, a symbol of Afrikaner pride and resistance rooted in South Africa’s apartheid history. The Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, were central to the establishment of apartheid, a system of racial segregation that oppressed Black South Africans for decades. Boer nationalism, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasized Afrikaner identity, language, and culture, often in opposition to British colonial rule and Black liberation movements.
If Musk’s gesture was indeed a Boer nationalist salute, it would align with his recent political shift toward far-right ideologies and his apparent embrace of his South African heritage.
Musk’s South African Roots and Far-Right Leanings
Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, during the height of apartheid. His father, Errol Musk, has been described as a strict, authoritarian figure who instilled in his son a hierarchical worldview and a disdain for empathy. Errol, who has openly expressed pride in his son’s rightward political shift, once described Elon as a “super-Leftie liberal” who later embraced his Afrikaner roots and conservative values.
Musk’s upbringing in apartheid South Africa may have shaped his political views in subtle but significant ways. The apartheid regime, which enforced white supremacy and racial segregation, was supported by many Afrikaners who saw themselves as defenders of a threatened culture. This legacy of racial hierarchy and authoritarianism may have influenced Musk’s worldview, particularly his recent alignment with far-right figures like Donald Trump and his endorsement of far-right parties in Europe, such as Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Musk’s controversial statements on social media, including his defense of the song “Kill the Boer” as a call for “genocide of white people in South Africa,” further underscore his connection to Afrikaner nationalism. While historians argue that the song is a protest against apartheid, Musk’s interpretation aligns with far-right narratives of white victimhood and racial paranoia.
The Intersection of Boer Nationalism and Far-Right Politics
Boer nationalism and far-right ideologies share a common thread: a belief in racial hierarchy and the preservation of white identity. In South Africa, this manifested in the apartheid system; in the United States and Europe, it has taken the form of white nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Musk’s recent actions suggest a convergence of these ideologies. His appointment as head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his support for far-right policies, such as deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy, reflect a broader agenda of consolidating power among the ruling class. His gesture at the inauguration, whether intentional or not, has become a symbol of this alignment, resonating with far-right groups who see him as a champion of their cause.
Speculation and Broader Implications
The possibility that Musk’s gesture was a Boer nationalist salute raises troubling questions about the influence of apartheid-era ideologies on contemporary politics. If Musk’s political leanings are indeed rooted in his South African heritage, it would suggest a continuity between the racial hierarchies of apartheid and the far-right movements gaining traction in the United States and Europe.
This theory also highlights the role of historical memory in shaping political identities. For Musk, who has described himself as a “free speech absolutist,” the gesture may have been a way to reclaim his Afrikaner identity while signaling his allegiance to Trump’s authoritarian vision.
A Gesture That Speaks Volumes
Whether Elon Musk’s gesture was a Nazi salute, a Boer nationalist symbol, or simply an awkward wave, it has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over his political evolution. By linking his South African roots to his far-right leanings, Musk has positioned himself as a bridge between the racial hierarchies of the past and the authoritarian politics of the present.
As the world grapples with the rise of far-right movements and the erosion of democratic norms, Musk’s gesture serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of history—and the dangers of ignoring its lessons.
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Read more…
- Elon Musk and the Controversy Over “Kill the Boer”
- Musk’s Political Shift and Family Heritage
- Elon Musk’s Gesture at Trump’s Inauguration
- The Deep Roots of Musk’s Authoritarian Politics
- Musk’s Controversial Salute and Far-Right Reactions
