I have seen a lot of tesla vandalism online the last few days and I’m kind of on the fence about it.
I’ve seen several examples locally here in BC, Canada.
I think totally warranted at newly purchased teslas going forward. Also it serves as a deterrent for potential future buyers.
But vandalizing a car that is a few years old I think is lame. Those driversare already being punished enough by driving something around that’s worth less than scrap.
People who are struggling can’t afford teslas.
Musk supporters don’t change their opinion based on information. Tesla owners who bought before they realized musk is a nazi don’t need education.
Vandalizing an object that materially supports fascism is obviously morally acceptable.
There are people who could afford Teslas but now can’t because everything has gotten more expensive. Those people, too, are struggling to maintain their standard of living. Teslas are expensive but they’re not yachts it’s not like Elon’s only customers are the filthy rich.
What about people who don’t follow the news and don’t know Musk is a Nazi or think this is all blown out of proportion?
Why? What will it accomplish? Because the optics of vandalizing unrelated people’s cars are really bad.
If you bought a $120,000 Cybertruck you’re probably still doing just fine.
I’m lax on the Model 3 and Y. They’re relatively cheap and affordable everyday cars. But Cybertruck? You knew by then he’s a lying douche and you still gave him a shit ton of your money.
It’s not directed at the owner, but bystanders.
If you didn’t know or care that musk was a self confessed nazi, seeing vandalized teslas is still likely to discourage you from buying one. We’re social primates and forceful, visible displays of disapproval work.
Isolating a nazi brand and putting downward pressure on sales is vastly more important than an overwhelmingly wealthy demographic - tesla owners - having to use their insurance (worst case) or spend 5 minutes washing their car (as in OP’s example).