you are the media now

By Marsh (Edi) Baptise

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has consistently positioned himself as a disruptor—not only in technology but also in communication and societal influence. His statement, “We are the media now,” underscores his belief in decentralized and direct communication as a means to challenge traditional media institutions. While many interpret this declaration as a call for democratized information, a radical feminist analysis reveals the ways this narrative may reinforce existing structures of power, privilege, and patriarchal control within digital and social media landscapes.

Musk’s assertion comes at a time when public trust in traditional media institutions is waning. With increasing polarization, accusations of bias, and the rise of social media as an alternative information platform, figures like Musk have capitalized on a shift toward direct communication channels. By using platforms like X, Musk bypasses traditional journalism, engaging directly with millions of followers to disseminate his ideas and influence public discourse. However, this direct engagement also raises questions about accountability, power dynamics, and whose voices are amplified or marginalized.

The radical feminist critique of media and power  interrogates structures of power that perpetuate patriarchal dominance, examining how systems—whether economic, political, or cultural—privilege certain groups while oppressing others. Musk’s framing of himself and his followers as “the media” reflects an individualistic, neoliberal ethos that ignores systemic inequalities within digital spaces.  Despite the promise of democratization, digital platforms often replicate patriarchal hierarchies. Musk’s overwhelming influence on platforms like X perpetuates a male-dominated discourse, where powerful men with significant resources control narratives. Women, particularly those advocating for feminist and marginalized perspectives, often face harassment, silencing, or algorithmic invisibility in these spaces.

Traditional media institutions, for all their flaws, are subject to journalistic standards, editorial oversight, and public critique. Musk’s vision of “we are the media now” displaces these mechanisms with a model of unchecked individual authority. Radical feminism critiques this as a continuation of patriarchal power—where individual men, rather than institutions, assume control without accountability to broader, more diverse collectives. Musk’s framing relies heavily on the participation of his followers, who act as amplifiers for his messages. Radical feminists might argue that this mirrors exploitative structures seen in other spheres of patriarchal capitalism, where unpaid emotional and intellectual labor—often disproportionately expected of women—is harnessed without recognition or reward. The digital “hive mind” Musk champions benefits him disproportionately, consolidating his brand and influence. 

Musk's, “we are the media now” reflects his vision of a decentralized information ecosystem where traditional gatekeepers are replaced by individual voices and networks. However, from a radical feminist perspective, this vision risks entrenching existing power imbalances and marginalizing vulnerable communities within digital spaces.