Tesla Cybertruck sparks debate over apartheid-era resemblance

The Tesla Cybertruck, an innovative project by Elon Musk, has found itself at the center of criticism due to its visual similarity to armored vehicles from the apartheid era in South Africa. Two researchers from Rice University, Vivian Chenxue Lu and Nana Osei-Opare, have highlighted the likeness between the Cybertruck and Casspir vehicles, which were symbols of oppression against the black population in South Africa.

In an article published in "Slate" magazine, Lu and Osei-Opare emphasized that although many believe the inspiration for the Cybertruck came from spaceships in science fiction films, its sharp edges are reminiscent of Casspir vehicles. These armored machines patrolled the streets during Musk's youth, when apartheid was commonplace.

Casspir vehicles were mainly used in neighborhoods inhabited by black residents, becoming a symbol of state repression. The resemblance to them raises concerns, especially in the context of modifications to the Cybertruck by some users who transform it into a combat vehicle.

Elon Musk, who left South Africa in 1988, a year before being drafted into the military, has also come under criticism recently. He was accused of performing a Nazi salute at President Donald Trump's inaugural rally. Some have defended the billionaire, arguing that the gesture was accidental and should not be interpreted as a reference to Nazis.

Some Cybertruck users, without Tesla's consent, have transformed it into a combat vehicle, which makes it even more similar to the Casspir. An example is the Chechens, who mounted heavy machine guns on the Cybertruck during the conflict in Ukraine.