Archive — US — techcrunch
How this weekend’s ‘Tesla Takeover’ protests against Elon Musk came together onBluesky
Grassroots protests against Elon Musk, dubbed 'Tesla Takeover', are planned for February 15 in various U.S. cities as citizens express outrage over perceived government overreach and lack of transparency. Initiated by disinformation researcher Joan Donovan and filmmaker Alex Winter on Bluesky, the movement aims to devalue Tesla stocks to challenge Musk's influence. The protests focus on local activism and encouraging broader community discussions.
Key points
- The 'Tesla Takeover' protests are set for February 15, with hundreds planning to gather at Tesla dealerships.
- The movement was sparked by smaller protests, notably in Maine, leading to a call for collective action.
- Joan Donovan and Alex Winter initiated the movement on Bluesky, emphasizing the importance of local activism.
- The protests aim to hit Musk financially by devaluing Tesla stocks, which is crucial since Musk's wealth is tied to his stock ownership.
- The initiative has led to over 42 planned events across the U.S., with participation increasing daily.
- There are concerns regarding misinformation spread by Musk and his supporters, prompting fears of potential violence towards government workers.
Why it matters
- The protests reflect a growing trend of citizen activism against perceived corporate and government mismanagement.
- Similar activist movements have emerged in response to tech company influence over political processes, notably around data privacy and transparency.
- The rise of platforms like Bluesky fosters decentralized organization of movements, enabling grassroots participation.
The 'Tesla Takeover' protests signify a collective pushback against emerging corporate power, aiming to hold influential figures accountable while fostering community solidarity and dialogue about activism and government integrity.