Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has found himself at the centre of a digital storm following a tweet that has left the web3 community abuzz.
Responding to a comment from Ameen Soleimani, Buterin wrote: “make communism great again.” The tweet has quickly become a topic of debate, with some questioning its meaning, whilst others are puzzled by the apparent political commentary.
Whilst it may appear to be a lighthearted remark, Buterin’s tweet has raised more than just a few eyebrows. The political slogan has left many wondering whether the Ethereum co-founder was making a deeper statement or simply engaging in his usual form of internet humour.
Why is this tweet controversial?
The exchange began when Soleimani reacted to a post from Devansh Mehta, who had announced his new role at the Ethereum Foundation.
Mehta outlined his plans to integrate AI into Ethereum’s ecosystem, specifically in areas like funding, usefulness, and governance to which Soleimani’s response, “plz plz plz don’t be another gitcoin commie,” set the stage for Buterin’s unexpected reply.
The tweet quickly drew attention from across the Ethereum community with some interpreting it as a playful, ironic jab, but others were less amused.
What has been the community reaction?
Ethereum co-founder and CEO at Consensys Joseph Lubin weighed in, suggesting that Buterin “provocatively and ironically lashes out with a preposterous statement” when he gets frustrated.
Lubin described the tweet as an example of Buterin’s tendency to use irony and provoke thought through satire which is “consistent with his sense of humor and attention to the absurd” but perhaps “needs better TwiXer emotional control.” Lubin went on to defend Buterin’s record, highlighting his commitment to decentralisation despite the ongoing criticism he faces.
However, others were less impressed, particularly within the Milady community. One member felt the tweet was “unMiladylike” and misaligned with their values as a community. A few Ethereum fans also questioned whether the tweet was appropriate for someone in Buterin’s position.
Whilst some fans defended Buterin, claiming it was simply another example of his quirky online behaviour, others were less impressed and more concerned about the tweet’s potential impact on Ethereum considering his prominent role within the ecosystem.
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