Chapter 1: The Narrative of Bullying

Elon Musk has stated that growing up in South Africa was marked by violence, claiming it contributed to his resilience. However, this narrative raises questions about its authenticity.

“Just another sob story to promote the ‘came from nothing’ narrative.”

Musk was raised in a predominantly white suburban neighborhood, a stark contrast to the tumultuous black townships around him. Reports of severe bullying he allegedly endured at Pretoria Boys High School in 1988 seem exaggerated. A fellow student who attended the school two years later disputed Musk's claims, asserting he had no awareness of the extreme violence Musk described.

In May of this year, BizNews received correspondence from the former headmaster, Bill Schroder, who pointed out:

“It is well-documented in several biographies that Elon was bullied and an unhappy schoolboy in a school in Johannesburg and was moved to Pretoria Boys High in Grade 10. There is no evidence that he was poorly treated at Boys High and when he matriculated, he went to Canada, where his mother was living.”

Physical altercations among boys during their teenage years are common worldwide due to hormonal changes and aggressive behavior. So, what’s the fuss?

Musk lived a privileged life as a white child during apartheid in South Africa. After finishing school in 1988, he showed little concern for the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Now, he expects us to sympathize with his school experiences?

The violence in South African schools during the 1980s pales in comparison to the threats faced by today’s youth, where incidents involving knives and firearms are far too frequent.

“I grew up in SA, which is a very violent place. It played a role in toughening me up, that’s for sure,” Musk has claimed.

Is this really a valid point?

“People who are worried about words have never been punched in the face. If you’ve been punched in the face real hard, right on the nose, man, you’ll take any words.”

But is that true? While physical injuries may heal, the emotional trauma inflicted by harsh words can linger for a lifetime.

Does this tendency to dismiss emotional pain explain why Musk blocks critics on social media or confronts journalists who write unfavorably about him or his ventures? This behavior seems hypocritical.

Musk's excuses for not pursuing a Twitter acquisition are questionable. One can only hope Twitter does not enforce the sale to him, as it might lead to controversial figures returning under the guise of “free speech.”

His documented bullying tactics toward employees are concerning. He once threatened to terminate interns for waiting too long for coffee at SpaceX, even installing cameras to monitor the situation.

On May 31, Musk demanded Tesla employees return to the office for at least 40 hours a week or face termination, claiming this was less than what he expected from factory workers. At his Shanghai facility, employees were subjected to grueling conditions during lockdown, working 12-hour shifts for six days with only one day off, living in cramped quarters.

It seems the priority is on production and profits, disregarding employee welfare.

My concern for Musk's well-being is minimal.

And as for purchasing a Tesla? That’s a firm no.

Thank you for reading.

Here’s another intriguing perspective:

What Do Elon Musk, Trevor Noah, and Charlize Theron Have in Common — Or Not?

All are successful South African-born figures, but the differences might surprise you.

Chapter 2: Exploring Musk’s Childhood Experiences

The first video, "How a Tragic Childhood Lifted Elon Musk to the Top," delves into Musk's formative years and how they shaped his later success.

In the second video, "They ABUSED Me For Years!" Elon Musk discusses his difficult childhood experiences, providing insight into his resilience.