The Prospect Podcast Slavoj Žižek: ‘Elon Musk lives like a communist’
Apr 16, 2025
This week, philosopher Slavoj Žižek joins the discussion, tackling radicalization among young men and the complexities of feminism in the context of #MeToo. He critiques today's political left, arguing it faces a 'zero point' and theorizes on whether a Trump-like figure could revitalize it. Žižek connects the legacy of 1968 to Elon Musk's individualism and highlights the elitism in contemporary social movements, all while emphasizing the evolving challenges in parenting and the need for effective leadership in today's world.
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Left's Decline Since 1968
- The left reached its critical decline around 1968, with a false promise of liberation in culture and work.
- What was sought was commodification of sexuality and precarious work, reflecting a culturalization of politics instead of addressing class struggle.
Elitism in Woke Culture
- Woke culture and cancel culture often carry hidden elitism by excluding those who disagree with their views on inclusion.
- This elitism alienates ordinary people and undermines the causes it claims to promote.
Native American Naming Anecdote
- A Native American man preferred the term "Indian" over "Native American" as a critique of white cultural imposition.
- He humorously pointed out his name is a monument to the white man's stupidity, showing strong local irony.