A Tesla Cybertruck owner says there is a concerted effort to publicly shame people who drive the all-electric truck. He recounts several instances where people pointed and laughed at him while driving his Cybertruck.
The cyber truck is, at this point, a malfunctioning status symbol. I suppose a 100K truck that sucks at being a truck is intended to communicate the driver is a successful tech guy but, whenever I see one, I think "there goes a rube". I have a similar reaction when I see those gaudy designer bags or "luxury" branded tee shirts. I don't think "there is someone who is successful" I think "that person is an idiot."
There should be a catchy term for status symbols that communicate the opposite of their intention. Stupidity symbol? Status irony? Status error? None of these really roll of the tongue.
I think the question is, why do those people not seem to react the same way to a cyber truck.
Price does matter right? I saw a comment in the original post on the Tesla forum saying people wouldnt laugh if it cost 15k. I think they are right but I dont think they realize why it would be less embarrassing if it was a budget car.
Whatever effect it has should be named after that one Indian guy who was so rich, he made an entire polo shirt woven from gold fabric just because he could.