AIBU to not want a Tesla?

[Ticktockk]

My dh is insistent we get a Tesla. I am insistent we do not due to difference in opinion with Elon. AIBU?

Most likely. At least he’s conforming to the popular stereotype of Tesla drivers I guess. Personally I wouldn’t be seen dead in one.

Google is your friend:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/economy/2024/2/2/carmakers-at-risk-of-using-uighur-forced-labour-in-china-hrw-says

Tesla is also name checked in the list of manufacturers using these workers too though according to this article (personally I am not surprised by that either).

Can you identify those products please so we can avoid them?

If you partake in modern life, such as having a smart phone, you will own or use a product that was made using child and/or slave labour, its not easily avoidable.

So without names or brands, we are helpless really? I think that’s different to a make clearly associated with a particular person and political viewpoint.

As @Awasrsays products using child labour such as the cobalt mines in the DR Congo or slave labour from Uyghur Muslims in Chinese concentration camps are in so many modern products.

However there are a couple of standout examples:

1. Chinese EV such as BYD
2. Solar panels- approximately 95% of all domestic solar panels and solar farms in the UK directly use slave labour from Uyghur concentration camps in China. This is particularly interesting because really no one wants to discuss or admit this as it conflicts with the Net Zero goal and climate change.

I do not like that one bit. What products are you talking about? I would like to avoid that.

What exactly is a "pro-Zionist" company? Any that believe in Israel's right to exist? Because I'd imagine that would be most of them, in as far as companies can have opinions.

I think you may find that there are differences between zionists and the average Israeli. Having been to Israel myself and have met Israelis who are anti Zionism. Even today there are protests within Israel, some pro some against. The Israeli’s who are against Zionism are not against their own existence. They just don’t ascribe to Zionism, neither do I.
Some people do, some people don’t, I align myself with the ones who don’t…it’s all a choice.

Teslas used to be the best electric car, mainly due to the range, but there are now both better and cheaper ones on the market.

Zionism is the believe that the state of Israel should exist. Most Israelis believe that thr country in which they live should exist. Most major corporations probably do to since they do business there.

My friend had a Tesla and didn’t like it. She just cha fed to an electric BMW and says it’s much better and much more solid on the road.

@BlackTogetherAgain67 Good grief! What a limited life you have had! In what world, other than your narrow one, are these the best cars? They simply are not. Try spending decent money on a car and you might notice where Tesla’s are not that great. Ah, but you haven’t driven a top notch car have you yet you make a claim without any factual data to back it up.

Pretty much.

I won't lie, I strongly judge anyone driving a 23 plate or newer Tesla. There's no excuse for owning one, it tells me that you're either a fascist, fascist sympathiser or have zero moral compass. I'll let them off if they have an anti Elon sticker.

Or you just like the car itself? 🤦‍♂️

And you've proved my point entirely about lacking a moral compass. If you're prepared to give a man who spreads disinformation, racism and lies, who gives sieg heil salutes, whose sends men like Tommy Robinson to Moscow, who calls for civil war in the UK your money simply because you like a car you lack a moral compass.

And you've just proved my point. For all Elon Musk's faults I would rather buy a Tesla than a Chinese EV manufactured using Muslim Uyghur slave labour in Xinjiang concentration camps.

And you talk of a moral compass?

https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/chinas-economy-runs-uyghur-forced-labor

Good grief. Are you for real?

Yes, entirely. He is an odious human being, and choosing to line his pockets further says a lot about somebody's character. There will come a time in the future when, conveniently, everyone will say they were against him.

Equally there will come a time when just like the Nazi Concentration camps, everyone will conveniently drny knowing about the Uyghur Muslim minority concentration camps and the slave labour used to manufacture products like BYD cars and cotton for fast fashion brands like Shein.

I agree. I wouldn't touch Chinese cars or brands like Shein and Temu with a barge pole.

@1dayatatimeWhy not buy a European car then? Dont buy a Tesla or a Chinese one! Be discerning.

I would buy a Tesla. You are being ridiculous

Why though? He’s awful and why not support European brands? Just as good and keeping business and employment closer to home. Why support Musk?