Misunderstanding Tolkien: Why Musk and DHS Got it Wrong

Elon Musk and the Misappropriation of a Literary Legacy

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings has long been a cultural touchstone, revered for its rich storytelling and complex moral landscapes. Yet recent comments by Elon Musk and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reveal a troubling trend: a fundamental misreading of Tolkien's themes. As we delve into their comments, it's crucial to examine not just what they said, but the larger implications of appropriating a literary giant's work to serve political agendas.

Contextualizing the Concerns

Musk has notably invoked Tolkien to justify anti-immigration rhetoric, stating that hobbits could only live peacefully due to the protection of the “hard men of Gondor.” This perspective comically distorts the intent behind Tolkien's narrative, where the true strength of hobbits—embodied in characters like Frodo and Sam—is their humility, courage, and earnest conviction to do what is right, often in the face of overwhelming odds.

“Attaching yourself to Tolkien is part of a larger psychological phenomenon,” says Emma Vossen, a Tolkien scholar. “Those who wish to oppress need to see themselves as underdogs to justify their actions.”

The Misguided Messaging of DHS

Similarly, the DHS has engaged in what can only be described as “Shire-posting,” utilizing Tolkien references to bolster their immigration enforcement narratives. A tweet quoting Merry from The Lord of the Rings warns of a future without a Shire, a metaphor that completely misses the nuanced critiques of power and authority embedded in Tolkien's narrative.

• DHS Tweet - Quoting Merry on the Shire.

Tolkien's True Message: A Contrast to Modern Narratives

Much of what is invoked by Musk and DHS aligns more with a desire for control than with the ideals championed in Tolkien's works. An undercurrent of anti-authoritarianism permeates Tolkien's writings, as reflected in his disdain for the corrupt and ineffective stewards of Gondor. Musk's reference to “hard men” is particularly ironic, given that, by Tolkien's time, those very men had become emblematic of cowardice and disarray.

One must question: how can figures like Musk or those within the DHS align themselves with a narrative that emphasizes the virtues of humility and the perils of authoritarianism while simultaneously promoting exclusionary policies?

Resistance and Misinterpretation

Critics and scholars alike have emphasized that Tolkien's characters embody more than mere survival; they represent a profound ethical framework that eschews the very structure being promoted by those misappropriating his insights:

1. Hobbits derive strength from community, not militaristic protection.
2. The fight for freedom and justice in Middle-earth is often at odds with the institutionalized authority.
3. True courage comes from resisting tyranny and prioritizing compassion.

Instead of leaning into the richness of Tolkien's lore, Musk and DHS seem to pull a caricature from the narrative that supports their concerns. In their zeal, they overlook the very lessons Tolkien intended to impart.

The Cultural Ramifications of Misreading Tolkien

Historically, figures like Musk have attempted to align themselves with pop culture's mythos, yet their understanding remains shallow. This is not the first time Tolkien's work has been commandeered for ideological needs. From the far-right appropriation of his texts to more modern misinterpretations, it exemplifies how art can be wielded as a weapon for divisive politics.

Scholars caution that such misuse erodes the profound message embedded within Tolkien's creations. Robin Anne Reid, editor of Studies in Tolkien, frames this discussion well: “Those who love what Tolkien really stood for despair at the misuse of his works by folks who seem to have given them a surface reading.”

The Personal Implications for Musk

One might wonder why Musk, an individual who has achieved considerable success, feels the need to reference a fantastical realm to justify his statements. His track record within the realm of gaming, from the Elden Ring debacle to various failed ventures to engage with fan communities, paints a picture of someone trying to overcompensate for a disconnect from more traditionally nerdy pursuits.

In trying to establish credibility in a domain rooted in mythology and morality, Musk's missteps demonstrate a deeper cultural disconnect—not just with Tolkien, but with the core values that underlie creativity and storytelling.

Conclusion: A Call for Thoughtful Engagement

Tolkien's works provide us with timeless moral questions, ones best addressed through thoughtful discourse rather than oversimplified narratives. Rather than co-opting the legacy of such a figure for further division, we must return to the spirit of understanding, community, and genuine respect for differing perspectives. It's time we revisit the intricacies of Tolkien's narratives and recognize the power of literature to bridge gaps rather than deepen divides.