Conspirituality

Brief: Why Didn’t I Yell STFU at Jordan Peterson in 2017?

Feb 8, 2025

In 2017, a notable figure sparked a heated debate about hate speech and its societal implications. The discussion delves into the alarming rise of fascist rhetoric and the failures in addressing harmful ideologies. It explores the dynamics of political discourse, highlighting the dangers of personal attacks and the inadequacy of rational debate against oppression. The podcast also considers the history of antifascism and stresses the importance of proactive organizing in combating rising authoritarianism. The impact of language on marginalized groups is critically examined, urging action over words.

45:11

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Quick takeaways

The podcast emphasizes that liberalism often fails to effectively confront rising authoritarianism and demands a shift towards organized activism against harmful ideologies.

It critiques Jordan Peterson's rhetoric as a manipulative tool that simplifies complex social issues, contributing to the normalization of extremist beliefs in public discourse.

Deep dives

Confronting Fascism and Personal Reflection

The discussion reflects on the challenge posed by fascism in contemporary society and the role of liberalism in failing to address it effectively. The speaker recalls a personal encounter with Jordan Peterson in 2017, where his rhetoric against marginalized groups struck a nerve. This experience is framed as a pivotal moment that highlights the struggle to confront harmful ideologies directly rather than passively critiquing them. There’s a recognition that liberal approaches often fall short in countering a rising tide of authoritarianism.

Intro

2min

Reflections on Hate Speech and Cult Dynamics

27min

The Dangers of Authoritarian Rhetoric in Political Discourse

10min

Racism, Fascism, and the Ineffectiveness of Discourse

3min

The Reactive Nature of Antifascism: Organizing Against Fascist Threats

2min

In the spring of 2017, Jordan Peterson first went viral by writing this in Canada’s National Post:

I will never use words I hate, like the trendy and artificially constructed words “zhe” and “zher.” These words are at the vanguard of a post-modern, radical leftist ideology that I detest, and which is, in my professional opinion, frighteningly similar to the Marxist doctrines that killed at least 100 million people in the 20th century.

Remember that horseshit, or things like it? Did you guffaw because he was obviously absurd? Did you try to reason with his stans online? Did you see him as a crank influencer, or a dangerous political figure?

Did you hope his ideas would be beaten down in the marketplace of ideas? Or did you seek him out at a public event and shout him down with a bullhorn?

Today, word salad like this is everywhere—including in Project 2025, now driving the Trump admin.

Matthew visits the antifascist woodshed to investigate the liberal manners, free speech naivety, and lack of community alliances that dissuaded him from grabbing the mic during a Peterson Q&A in 2017 and shouting:

“Your ideas are fascist and you should STFU. You are endangering trans people with your bullshit. Why do you care about how they experience their bodies, you whining pervert? Why are you inciting hatred against young people who want a better world?”

Because… look where we are now.

Show Notes

Read the Memo Pausing Federal Grants and Loans - The New York Times

President George H.W. Bush on political correctness (1991)

The History of Political Correctness—Lind

The Pitfalls of Liberalism — Kwame Ture

The Forgotten History of the World's First Trans Clinic | Scientific American

Jordan Peterson: The right to be politically incorrect | National Post

Bill C-16, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity or expression)

Jordan Peterson is trying to make sense of the world — including his own strange journey

Postmodern Neo-Marxism — Jordan Peterson’s Shadow

Doug Ford met Jordan Peterson, appointment calendar reveals | CBC News