The political action group Led By Donkeys has gained attention through an unconventional protest against Elon Musk. The group orchestrated an event involving a World War II veteran who used a Sherman tank to crush a Tesla Model 3. This act intended to symbolize resistance against what they perceive as Musk’s alignment with the far-right, albeit raising discussions regarding the effectiveness and implications of such a demonstration. While the event may have caused an uproar, it inadvertently served as a testament to Tesla’s vehicle durability.
A similar instance in the past involved critics targeting Tesla vehicles to make a statement about various societal issues. Criticisms levied against Musk, including accusations of political bias or environmental neglect, have been recurring themes over the years. The consistency of these acts points towards an enduring division in public opinion surrounding Musk and his ventures. However, Tesla’s reputation for safety and durability has remained relatively unscathed, as evidenced by its consistent high safety ratings.
Who Is Behind the Latest Protest?
Led By Donkeys, a political action group, led this bold demonstration. Featuring the 98-year-old Ken Turner, a WWII veteran, the group intended to send a powerful message to Musk. In the video, Turner accused Musk of supporting extreme political ideologies and suggested the tank stunt as a metaphorical response to fight these alleged dangers. The choice of using a historical Sherman tank was symbolic, reflecting Turner’s past battles against fascism.
What Happened to the Tesla Model 3?
Despite the tank’s weight, the Tesla Model 3 emerged relatively intact from the stunt. The vehicle’s glass roof and windows bore the brunt of the impact, yet the rest of the sedan, including its body and potentially its battery, remained largely unscathed, even though the battery might have been removed in preparation. Such resilience led commentators to praise Tesla’s robust safety features, further highlighting why the brand continues to receive high safety accolades.
How Did People React Online?
Social media reactions were mixed, as some users believed the protest was a wasteful gesture, while others viewed it as an innovative form of resistance. The durability of the Model 3 became a focal point in discussions, showcasing the strength of Tesla vehicles and sparking debates about resource allocation in protests. Furthermore, the event underscored the divisive opinions regarding Musk’s influence and Tesla’s societal role.
While the protest might have been a creative attempt to challenge Musk’s political affiliations, it inadvertently highlighted Tesla’s engineering strengths. This reflects ongoing tensions between public activism and commercial interests, with Tesla’s safety features unexpectedly gaining attention. Protests aimed at technology companies are not new, yet Tesla’s ability to withstand unconventional challenges continues to solidify its place in the automotive industry.