Echoes of the Past: The South African Bullying of Elon Musk and Its Aftermath

Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur and innovator, has openly spoken about his experience with bullying during his early years in South Africa. While specific details about the bullies and their subsequent lives are not extensively documented, it raises questions about how these individuals fared and whether they have shown remorse for their actions.

A Seemingly Common Experience

The phenomenon of bullying is by no means unique to South Africa, and it is a stark reminder of the impact such experiences can have on a person's life. For those who have grown up in South Africa, bulling is a prevalent issue, as noted by many who have faced similar instances. However, the stigma and sometimes physical and emotional consequences of such experiences can be lifelong.

The Scrubbing of Asperger's Syndrome from DSM-V

A noteworthy aspect of this is the removal of Asperger's Syndrome from the DSM-V, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, by the American Psychiatric Association. This has led to a situation where medical doctors and psychiatrists might not formally acknowledge or treat Asperger's, potentially affecting those who may have been bullied because of social and communication difficulties often associated with the condition. This can be a significant oversight, as many individuals with these traits might have been bullied without any proper support or understanding of their condition.

Elon Musk's Experience and Its Impact

Elon Musk attended Pretoria Boys High, a school known for its strict, somewhat archaic traditions, in the 1980s. His experiences at this school, along with the bullying he faced, had a profound impact on him. Despite these challenges, Musk went on to achieve remarkable success, founding companies such as SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink. His story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination that can come from overcoming such obstacles.

The Lives of the Bullies

Though specific details about the bullies who tormented Musk are not publicly available, it is common for individuals involved in bullying to have varied outcomes in their lives. Without follow-ups or comprehensive data on such cases, it becomes challenging to provide a definitive answer regarding their regrets or successes. It is likely that many of those involved may have gone on to lead less exceptional but privileged lives, thinking they are important when they are actually mediocre.

Reflections on School Experiences and Societal Changes

The school environment in Pretoria in the 1980s was a mix of nostalgia and alarm. The school, known for its posh traditions, was divided into jocks and geeks, with "entitled" families and economically privileged backgrounds

It is hoped that the bullies who targeted Elon Musk have had their egos sufficiently dampened in the 'New South Africa' to reflect on their past behavior and future prospects. Musk, meanwhile, has certainly embraced his success and has likely put this episode well behind him. This situation raises important questions about how societies and individuals address and learn from such experiences.

Comments are open to all, and I stand ready to be flamed by the 'old boys' network.