In a bizarre and unsettling turn of events, a Tesla Cybertruck owner has revealed that he was forced to part ways with his prized vehicle after being relentlessly harassed by strangers who labeled him a “Nazi.” The incident, which highlights the growing polarization in American society, has sparked outrage and disbelief, leaving many questioning the state of political discourse and the role of Tesla CEO Elon Musk in fueling division.
Ben Baker, a former Cybertruck owner, shared his shocking experience in an interview with *Business Insider*, detailing how his dream of owning Tesla’s futuristic truck quickly turned into a nightmare. What began as excitement over the innovative design and cutting-edge technology of the Cybertruck soon spiraled into a bullying campaign that targeted him and his family.
### **The Incident That Sparked the Outrage**
Baker’s troubles began just a week after purchasing the Cybertruck. He decided to take his family out for a casual coffee trip to Starbucks, proudly driving his new vehicle. However, what should have been a simple outing turned into an unsettling experience that left Baker questioning his purchase.
“As I was doing that, three people walked behind me and started looking at me and laughing,” Baker explained. “Then one of them called me a Nazi. I go, ‘What are you talking about? I’m just buying this awesome truck. I think it’s awesome. I’m not a Nazi.’ They were like, ‘Whatever, Nazi.’”
The incident left Baker stunned and confused. He couldn’t understand why strangers would make such a hateful and baseless accusation simply because he owned a Cybertruck. What should have been a moment of pride quickly turned into embarrassment and fear.
### **Family Pressure and Fear of Bullying**
After the Starbucks incident, Baker’s daughter expressed her concerns about the truck, fearing that it might make their family a target for bullying and harassment. She implored him to sell the vehicle, worried about the impact it could have on her social life and the safety of their family.
“My daughter said, ‘Dad, I don’t want to be seen in this truck. People are going to bully me at school,’” Baker recounted. Her concerns struck a chord with him, and he began to worry about the potential consequences of owning the Cybertruck.
Baker ultimately decided to sell the vehicle, prioritizing his family’s safety and well-being over his love for Tesla’s innovative design. “I worried about what would happen if one of my kids were attacked while they were riding in the truck,” he said.
### **The Role of Elon Musk and Tesla’s Polarizing Image**
While Baker didn’t explicitly blame Elon Musk for the harassment he faced, the Tesla CEO’s controversial actions and statements have undoubtedly contributed to the division surrounding the brand. Musk, who is known for his outspoken political views and provocative behavior, has become a polarizing figure in American society.
One particularly controversial moment occurred when Musk attended a Trump rally, where he flashed a salute that was openly celebrated by neo-Nazis. This incident, along with Musk’s frequent Twitter tirades and public feuds, has fueled criticism of Tesla and its CEO, making the brand a lightning rod for political controversy.
Critics argue that Musk’s actions have alienated certain groups and created an atmosphere of hostility around Tesla. For Baker, the harassment he faced may have been a direct result of the growing animosity toward Musk and his perceived political affiliations.
### **A Reflection of America’s Divided Politics**
Baker’s story is not just about a truck—it’s a reflection of the angry and divisive atmosphere in American politics. The labeling and categorization of individuals based on their choices, affiliations, or possessions have become increasingly common, creating a culture of fear and hostility.
“As long as we keep doing that and trying to put people into boxes and categorize them and label them, that’s just going to create more division and hate and it’s super unfair,” Baker said. “We have got to find a way forward together that brings back basic human decency but also common sense so that we cheer for American companies to grow and thrive and help our pensions, versus cheering for the fall of an American company.”
Baker’s plea for unity and decency highlights the need for a shift in the way Americans approach political discourse. The bullying and harassment he faced are symptoms of a larger problem—one that threatens to erode the fabric of society and create lasting divisions.
### **The Fallout and Tesla’s Future**
The incident raises important questions about Tesla’s future and the challenges it faces as a brand. While the Cybertruck represents innovation and progress, its association with controversy and division may hinder its appeal to certain consumers.
For Baker, the decision to sell his Cybertruck was not just about avoiding harassment—it was about protecting his family and taking a stand against the toxic culture of labeling and bullying. His story serves as a cautionary tale for Tesla and other companies that find themselves at the center of political controversy.
As Tesla continues to innovate and push boundaries, it must also grapple with the social and political implications of its actions. The brand’s association with Elon Musk’s polarizing image may prove to be both a blessing and a curse, attracting loyal fans while alienating others.
### **Conclusion: A Call for Change**
Ben Baker’s story is a sobering reminder of the impact that political division and hostility can have on individuals and families. What should have been a moment of pride and excitement turned into a nightmare of harassment and fear, forcing Baker to give up his dream vehicle.
The incident highlights the urgent need for a shift in American politics and culture—one that prioritizes unity, decency, and common sense over division and hate. As Baker said, “We have got to find a way forward together.”
For Tesla, the controversy surrounding the Cybertruck and Elon Musk serves as a wake-up call to address the social and political challenges facing the brand. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it must find ways to navigate the complex landscape of public perception and ensure that its products are symbols of progress, not division.
In the end, Baker’s story is not just about a truck—it’s about the power of labels, the impact of division, and the need for change. Whether or not Tesla and its CEO will rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the road ahead is anything but smooth.
