Elon Musk’s Controversial Theory: Republic of ‘High-Status Males’

Elon Musk has sparked outrage after he voiced interest in a sexist theory suggesting that a “Republic of high-status males” should establish a democracy exclusive to those “free to think.”

The owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, shared a concept that suggests women or men with low testosterone would not be welcome in this hypothetical republic.

Initially, the idea appeared on the online bulletin board 4chan in 2021. Musk shared a screenshot of the anonymous post with his caption: “Interesting observation.”

Despite some terms in the theory being non-existent, it has been viewed as highly offensive and sexist online.

Neither Musk nor the original poster explicitly identifies individuals who could be considered “high-status males.”

The theory implies that only “high testosterone alpha males” and “aneurotypical people” should run the republic. “People who can’t defend themselves physically (women and low T men) parse information through a consensus filter as a safety mechanism,” the post states.

“Only high T alpha males and aneurotypical people (hey autists!) are actually free to parse new information with an objective ‘is this true?’ filter,” it continues. “This is why a Republic of high-status males is best for decision-making—democratic, but a democracy only for those who are free to think.”

The term “aneurotypical” is non-existent, likely intended to mean neurodivergent people.

The Independent has sought comments from both X and Musk regarding this repost.

While neither the theory nor Musk clarifies who might be termed a “high-status male,” it is inferred to refer to genetically male individuals with “high testosterone.”

Misogynistic influencer Andrew Tate coincidentally referred to himself as a high-status male in a past interview.

In a conversation with The Times in September 2022, Tate seemed to suggest that only men of a certain status could have multiple relationships, claiming himself to be one of these men. “If you are a high enough status male,” he said, “women do not expect loyalty from you like they would from a lower-status male. This has been proved.”

The post garnered significant backlash from numerous X users, calling the theory “sexist” and “outdated.”

One user commented, “This reduces complex human behavior to outdated stereotypes, dismissing the value of diverse perspectives. Critical thinking isn’t exclusive to a select few; it’s enriched by the varied experiences of all people. A thriving society draws strength from inclusion, not elitism. True leadership listens to every voice.”

This controversy is not the first time Musk has caused offense on his platform, which he took over in 2022.

The SpaceX founder often argues that controversial and sometimes offensive posts on X are part of “free speech” and should be permitted on the platform, even if they contain false or misleading information.

Since assuming control, Musk has laid off around 6,000 staff, or 80% of the workforce, including the entire moderation team. He has also allowed previously banned users like Donald Trump, Andrew Tate, and Tommy Robinson back on the platform.

Source: The Independent, The Times