Elon "the Roman" or Elon "the Nazi"?
TLDR
In "Elon Musk and the History of the 'Roman Salute'" published in The Conversation, Samuel Agbamu examines the historical and symbolic origins of the so-called "Roman salute," tracing its evolution from a modern invention to its appropriation by fascist regimes. Agbamu highlights Elon Musk's controversial use of the gesture and critiques how classical symbols like the Roman salute are often misappropriated for modern political agendas. The article warns against the dangers of misusing historical imagery for ideological purposes.
Samuel Agbamu explores the myth of the "Roman salute" and its evolution over time, debunking misconceptions and providing a critical lens on its modern political implications. He anchors his analysis on Elon Musk's controversial use of the gesture at Donald Trump's second inauguration, which many critics compared to a Nazi salute.
Elon Musk's Gesture and Its Historical Roots
Agbamu explains that Musk's gesture, which some defended as a "Roman salute," has no authentic basis in ancient Roman history. Roman art, literature, and monuments show no evidence of a rigid, straight-arm salute. Instead, gestures depicted in Roman culture involve bent arms and open palms, resembling modern waves more than militaristic salutes.
Modern Origins of the Roman Salute
Agbamu clarifies that the "Roman salute" is a modern invention, not an ancient practice. The gesture first emerged during the French Revolution, symbolizing loyalty and commitment to republican ideals. This imagery was immortalized in Jacques-Louis David's famous 1784 painting, The Oath of the Horatii. Later, it found its way into American contexts, such as the Bellamy salute, which accompanied the Pledge of Allegiance in the United States before it was abandoned due to its association with fascism.
Fascist Appropriation and Political Hijacking
The gesture became synonymous with authoritarianism in the early 20th century. Italian poet and nationalist Gabriele D'Annunzio adopted the salute during his short-lived occupation of Rijeka (Fiume) in 1919. Italian dictator Benito Mussolini later institutionalized it within the Italian fascist movement, and Adolf Hitler adopted it for Nazi Germany, solidifying its association with far-right regimes. Agbamu underscores the irony that a gesture rooted in revolutionary republicanism became a symbol of oppression.
Elon Musk's Fascination with Roman Ideals
Agbamu critiques Musk's public admiration for figures like Lucius Cornelius Sulla, a Roman dictator infamous for political purges and authoritarian rule. Musk's invocation of Roman figures and symbols raises concerns about his political and philosophical leanings and the implications of his gestures, intentional or not, in modern political discourse.
Misuse of Classical Symbols in Modern Politics
The article highlights how classical symbols are often misappropriated to serve modern political agendas. The myth of the "Roman salute" as an ancient tradition has allowed it to be weaponized by far-right ideologies. Agbamu argues that such distortions of history obscure the true origins of these symbols, giving them a dangerous potency in contemporary politics.
Concluding Reflections
Samuel Agbamu's analysis in The Conversation is a cautionary tale about the power of symbols and the importance of historical accuracy. The "Roman salute" is not an authentic relic of ancient Rome but a modern invention with a contested legacy. Its evolution from a symbol of revolutionary republicanism to one associated with fascist regimes illustrates how historical symbols can be manipulated to serve ideological purposes.
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