SNL produced an entire sketch parodying Musk’s decision-making process in Tesla HQ, where, instead of focusing on electric cars or space exploration, the billionaire held an emergency boardroom meeting to discuss his next target in the “culture wars.” Spoiler: It wasn’t the oil industry.
For his part, Musk seemed unbothered by the wave of criticism and ridicule that followed his tweet. In fact, true to form, he seemed to be enjoying it. When asked in a subsequent interview whether he had any regrets about making such a divisive statement, Musk chuckled. “Look, we have bigger things to worry about than flags. How about we focus on getting to Mars, curing diseases, and making classrooms about learning math and science again?”
However, it remains to be seen if Musk’s quip will translate into actual policy changes in schools, or whether this is just the latest battle in an ongoing cultural war that shows no signs of slowing down.
Musk wrapped up his media blitz with a statement that left both his supporters and detractors guessing. “If they want to put flags up in classrooms, fine. But if I’m sending rockets into space, they better make sure it’s my flag flying up there, not a rainbow one.”
As the dust settles from yet another Musk-induced Twitter frenzy, one thing is clear: The conversation about what belongs in classrooms is far from over. While Elon Musk may have kicked off this latest debate, it’s now up to school boards, parents, and educators to determine what will (or won’t) fly in America’s classrooms.
For Musk, however, it’s just another day in the life of a billionaire provocateur—one who seems to be just as interested in shaping the culture of Earth as he is in exploring the final frontier.
And as always, the world waits eagerly for his next move.
