Recently, Elon Musk, the co-founder of Tesla and SpaceX, and Canadian singer Grimes, have made an announcement of their relationship. As a couple, they will surely be talked about in the tabloids, but what lies behind their courtship? How did they come to be together? It is not just a matter of celebrity gossip, as the relationship between the two says much about the times we are living in.
When we look at the two of them from an outsider’s perspective, their pairing is quite strange. After all, Elon Musk is a tech mogul with a net worth of $19.4 billion and Grimes, who is perhaps best known for her hit single ‘Oblivion’, has a net worth of only $4 million. Moreover, Grimes identifies as a cybergoth, appearing in many music videos in gothic make up, whereas Elon Musk is outspokenly rationalist, investing in projects like artificial intelligence, self-driving cars and space travel.
However, the two personalities are more similar than it would appear. They share an interest in tech and AI, and Grimes has in the past produced sci-fi themed albums. Grimes is also a self-proclaimed ‘hardcore Elon stan’, which may have led them to cross paths. Despite their large age gap of 35 years, they seem to have strong chemistry and a shared passion for cutting-edge technology and space exploration.
Apart from the personal connection between them, the relationship between Elon Musk and Grimes serves to illustrate the current age. Both of them have managed to cultivate their own personal brands, making a living through the use of internet platforms, such as YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. They have become poster-children for the new generation of internet celebrities.
The rise of internet celebrities means that people now have the platform to showcase their talent and make a living from digital audiences. Online exposure has enabled them to have an extensive reach and become notable figures in the digital age. Just like Elon and Grimes, today’s tech-savvy generation is making an impact in unconventional ways.
Elon Musk and Grimes’ relationship also throws light on the idea of the ‘creative class’. The creative class consists of individuals like Muzak and Grimes, who rely on their intelligence, imagination and creativity to make a living. Unlike before, when one could only make money through manual labour, now people like Grimes, who are creative and tech-savvy, have more opportunities to bring in wealth and secure their livelihood.
Position in Pop Culture
The relationship between Elon Musk and Grimes has also caused them to become more visible in the public, gaining them an even wider audience. This has placed them in a unique, unprecedented position compared to other couples in pop culture. Grimes and Elon Musk have made an impact on the world in their own unique ways and their relationship has now added another layer to their fame.
Grimes has always been active on social media and is followed by millions, with her Instagram in particular having an audience of four million. While her fans might have liked her music, they are now also interested in her relationship with Elon Musk. Similarly, Elon Musk has grown an active fan base on Twitter, and now his followers have been given a peek into his personal life.
The couple are also aware of their celebrity status and are not averse to using their platform for various causes. They have increased awareness not only about their relationship, but also about various charitable causes, as well as cutting-edge technologies, like AI. They have embraced the limelight and have used their privilege to make a contribution to the world.
Impact on Society
The courtship between Elon Musk and Grimes has been the source of much interest and discussion. Apart from the public fascination with their relationship, the two have also set benchmark for new generations of internet personalities.
Today’s generation, especially those in the creative class, are well equipped with the skills and the techniques they need to build and maintain a digital presence. This opens up a wide range of opportunities and the freedom to create on the digital platform. Therefore, Elon and Grimes, through their relationship and influence, have encouraged people to pursue their passions, to leverage their knowledge of technology, to show their creativity, and to make a living.
The age of technology and the internet has also blurred the lines between celebrity and audience. It was once thought that celebrities and fans were separated by a wall between them, but now the gap is disappearing. Celebrities have now become accessible, and the audience can see lives that are more human and relatable. People have now begun to look to social media stars as sources of inspiration and celebrities like Grimes are setting new trends in fashion, technology and activism.
Issues of Representation
One thing to note about the pairing of Elon Musk and Grimes is that Grimes is one of the few female figures notable for her for her achievements, other than her relationship with a male figure. It is undeniable that Elon Musk’s status has far outshone Grimes’, and their relationship has cast her in the shadow of her partner’s success. While this is where the problem of representation in the media comes into play.
Women are not always given aplatform to be noticed for their individual talents and are often seen as mere appendages to powerful men. This reduces a woman’s identity to a ‘sidekick’ of a male figure and does not give her the autonomy that she deserves.
Grimes’ success, however, has been apart from her business tycoon partner. Although her net worth is smaller compared to Elon Musk’s, Grimes had built up a career path before they were even together. Her musical accomplishments have made her an acclaimed artist, and with more than three million followers on Instagram, she has managed to gain popularity on her own.
Conclusion
The courtship between Elon Musk and Grimes has brought them both into the stride of internet celebrities. They have made an impact on the world in their own unique ways and their relationship has now added another layer to their fame. It has set a path for future generations to follow, taking the advantage of digital platforms, to present their creative talents and make a living. However, issues of representation still remain, with women being reduced to mere companions of powerful men. Grimes, however, has stood out for her individual greatness and has been a source of inspiration for others, who strive to make a name for themselves on their own terms.
