There are very few well known world figures who I genuinely admire. A few I can think of from the past are Nicola Tesla, Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman, and Steve Jobs (Yes, I know, all old white guys; does that tell you something?). More recently Elon Musk would be added to this list. But like all the others, he has his faults and he has his detractors, so I like to defend him! This debate was about comments actor Elijah Wood and Elon Musk made after the (leftist) Labour Party lost the 2023 general election here in New Zealand.
Opponent
It's so deeply disappointing. 'So random': AM hosts react to Hollywood star upset Labour didn't win. He does like to film things here.
Me
I would take more notice of one of the world's greatest minds and innovators, Elon Musk, than some idiot fantasy actor, Elijah Wood. Tells you a lot about Labour supporters!
I don't watch a lot of movies, but I did think the Lord of the Rings was well done, although Elijah Wood's role in it wouldn't be a highlight. In general I find the opinions of actors to be ridiculously naive and stupid, but the people who listen to them are possibly even worse. After all, an actor's job is to be fake; to be something that isn't real. Would that not make them amongst the worst possible people to listen to?
Opponent
I wouldn't call Musk a great mind, when he fell head first for Russian propaganda.
Me
He makes mistakes. How many interviews with him have you heard?
Everyone makes mistakes, although I cannot recall exactly what this was in reference to, and it is that which makes these people even more interesting, as far as I am concerned.
Opponent
Musk thinks he owns the world.
Me
Heard a lot of interviews with him. Never heard him say that.
He comes across as very thoughtful and reasonable in interviews, and I have heard hours of podcasts featuring him. If he ever mentions his success it is just as a matter of fact, and I never get the impression he is arrogant.
Opponent
No, of course he isn't actually saying it, but he is up himself
Me
He's running 6 companies: a space company, Tesla revolutionising electric cars, Boring Company, NeuraLink, Starlink, etc. Do you think he might have a right to think he's pretty special? I do.
Opponent
OMFG (followed by multiple laugh-cry emoji)
Me
Care to expand on that comment?
And there you have it. A meaningless "OMFG" instead of making an intelligent, rational statement. If my points are so obviously worthy of derision, would it not be possible to expand on why? Apparently not.
DEBATE PAGE