The stiff-armed salute, historically associated with neo-Nazism, has seen its meaning broaden, particularly after Elon Musk's public use of the gesture during Inauguration Day. Communications Professor Kurt Braddock notes that the gesture is indicative of far-right ideologies. Following Musk’s public salutes, many others have begun mimicking the act with varied public reaction—some facing job loss while others experience no repercussions. Musk's joking attitude towards the gesture and its implications has further fueled the concern of normalizing extremist signals, as evidenced by multiple incidents across various social contexts, including recent events in Poland.
The gesture's meaning has been expanding again for some, to the great alarm of others. After Elon Musk's salutes, NPR has counted at least a dozen other people mimicking the salute.
Musk has repeatedly made jokes after the public outcry, including making puns with the names of Nazi leaders like Joseph Goebblels. He did so again recently as a guest on Joe Rogan's podcast.
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