By Blake Kim
“Ba Boom,” loudly echoes the TV as a familiar red ‘N’ appears onscreen. Netflix, the largest modern-day streaming service, provides countless TV shows and movies for families across the world. For a small monthly payment, this service offers a huge library of documentaries, games, anime, and award-winning movies—the list goes on. Who wouldn’t like Netflix?
Elon Musk—the conservative-leaning entrepreneur—has recently incentivized his 227 million followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions. During the past couple of weeks, this self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist” has suddenly attacked the company, posting to cancel Netflix as a whole after viewing Dead End: Paranormal Park. Observing a reference to a transgender identity, Musk developed a hatred for Netflix, angrily spouting, “this show is advertised for 7-YEAR-OLDS…this is not ok;” Musk believes ideas about sexuality should not be pushed onto children. Netflix’s stock price decreased by over 4% in one day (about $15 billion) as a direct result of Musk’s boycott, as he utilizes his large sums of money to garner influence and following. Netflix, on the other hand, has consistently promoted representation and acceptance for all members from diverse backgrounds and cultures; despite their beliefs, Netflix has yet to respond to Musk’s prohibition.
Elon Musk has continually suppressed transgender culture, both by boycotting Netflix and ostracizing his transgender daughter. Hopefully, soon Netflix will come out with an answer supporting diversity and defending the LGBTQ+ community.