CULTURE

Why Attacks on Teslas Are Condemned More Than Anti Black Hate Crimes

Selective use of the term “terrorism” raises questions about America’s priorities

Man in black leather jacket sitting with arms crossed | Photo by Darina Belonogova

It’s no secret that American society prioritizes the protection of private property. This was once taken to such extremes that the market allowed for the sale of African people. Once designated as chattel, the law offered protection to enslavers. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 serves as a prime example, as the federal government upheld slavery by finding, capturing, and returning runaways. Fast forward to the modern era, and most citizens would claim to value humans over property, having learned from the nation’s past. However, there are signs that our society does not always share this ranking. Indeed, some seem to value the protection of private property more than the lives of Black people.

Consider, for instance, the federal government’s response to attacks on Tesla vehicles. The car company has become unpopular because of its CEO, Elon Musk, a senior Trump advisor. Musk’s guidance has contributed to thousands of federal workers losing their jobs. And proposed plans to limit or reduce Social Security and Medicaid triggered public backlash. The Tesla stock plummeted, another sign of widespread discontent. Some citizens responded…