Joyce Carol Oates Critiques Elon Musk in Viral Tweet Storm

Elon Musk found himself at the center of online controversy after acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates targeted him in a sharp critique on X, the social media platform he acquired for approximately $44 billion. Oates, known for her extensive literary work, including over 60 novels, questioned Musk’s cultural awareness in a tweet that quickly garnered widespread attention over the weekend.

In her tweet, dated March 10, 2023, Oates responded to Musk’s boastful remarks about his wealth and influence. She wrote, “So curious that such a wealthy man never posts anything that indicates that he enjoys or is even aware of what virtually everyone appreciates — scenes from nature, pet dog or cat, praise for a movie, music, a book…” Her comments suggested that Musk, who is often described as the world’s richest person, appeared disconnected from the everyday values that bring meaning to life.

Oates continued her critique, stating, “In fact he seems totally uneducated, uncultured. The poorest persons on Twitter may have access to more beauty & meaning in life than the ‘most wealthy person in the world.’” Her observations struck a nerve, leading to a flurry of engagement from users on the platform.

In response, Musk took to the platform to defend himself. He claimed that Oates’ comments were “demonstrably false” and labeled her a “lazy liar.” In a series of tweets, he expressed disdain for her writing style, stating, “Eating a bag of sawdust would be vastly more enjoyable than reading the laboriously pretentious drivel of Oates.” He also accused her of being “mean” and “not a good human,” indicating that he was visibly rattled by the exchange.

Musk’s reaction did not end there. Following the incident, he began tweeting about films and literature, sharing superficial insights on movies such as “Edge of Tomorrow” and “The Fifth Element.” He notably referenced a quote from the philosopher Voltaire, attempting to connect it to his AI chatbot, Grok, though many perceived this as an unconvincing effort to bolster his cultural credentials.

The timing of Musk’s subsequent posts was particularly intriguing. Shortly after Oates’ critique, users reported seeing advertisements for a service called Blinkist, which summarizes books for those who may not read them in full. The ads claimed that Musk “reads a lot,” creating a curious juxtaposition against Oates’ statements about his apparent lack of literary engagement.

Oates later clarified that her intent was not to initiate an attack on Musk but rather to express genuine curiosity. She remarked, “Truly it was out of curiosity: why a person with unlimited resources exhibits so little appreciation or even awareness of the things that most people value as giving meaning to life.”

As the exchange continues to resonate online, it highlights the complex relationship between public figures and their engagement with culture. The incident underscores a growing discourse on authenticity, especially within the realms of wealth and influence, where cultural literacy is often scrutinized.