BEST OF 2024: Jordan Peterson on why everyone should be afraid of what happened to him
Dec 30, 2024
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Jordan Peterson, a renowned clinical psychologist and media commentator, discusses his tumultuous legal battle with the Ontario College of Psychologists. He warns that if a high-profile figure like him can be targeted for his opinions, anyone is at risk. The conversation dives into the chilling effects of political correctness on free speech, the ramifications of recent court rulings on personal liberties in Canada, and the societal pressure professionals face regarding controversial topics. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between ideology and professional integrity.
Jordan Peterson argues that the regulatory actions against him demonstrate the broader threat to free speech and professional autonomy in Canada.
He emphasizes the need for individuals to resist self-censorship and advocate for their rights to prevent regulatory overreach and tyranny.
Deep dives
Jordan Peterson's Controversial Stand
Jordan Peterson has become a polarizing figure since his opposition to enforced pronoun usage, drawing both staunch supporters and vocal critics. Following a court ruling that mandated him to undergo social media re-education due to complaints about his public statements, he asserts that this action threatens not only his career but the freedoms of professionals across various fields. He argues that the regulatory powers of bodies like the Ontario College of Psychologists have extended beyond reasonable bounds, as evidenced by the nature of the complaints filed against him, many of which came from individuals not known to him or who were never his clients. This situation raises significant concerns about the power of such organizations to regulate professionals based on their public discourse, creating a chilling effect on free speech in professional environments.
Legal Battles and Professional Consequences
Peterson's ongoing legal challenges highlight a growing concern about the enforcement of social media policies in professional practices. He recounts his experience of being accused of endangering public safety and the steps taken by the Ontario College, which culminated in a requirement for his social media training. He stresses that this scenario poses a risk to any regulated profession, such as teaching, medicine, and trade occupations, where personal expression may now dictate job security. The ruling from the Ontario Superior Court and its implications signifies a precedent where professionals may face penalties for voicing opinions that do not align with prevailing sentiments, ultimately threatening their livelihoods.
The Erosion of Freedom in Canada
Peterson emphasizes a disturbing trend in Canada where bureaucratic oversight is gradually undermining individual freedoms, suggesting that Canadians may already be experiencing a loss of essential rights. He refers to the case law and its implications for professionals, indicating that the judiciary's support for regulatory bodies can lead to widespread disempowerment and silence among those who feel compelled to conform. He warns that complacency among the populace, illustrated by fear of losing jobs or credibility, effectively invites tyranny and mitigates the capacity for free expression. Peterson believes that the repercussions of this silence will extend beyond individuals, adversely affecting the next generation as they inherit an environment less tolerant of open discourse.
The Need for Resistance and Awareness
Throughout the discussion, Peterson encourages individuals to resist the impulse to self-censor and calls for a collective awakening to the dangers of silence and inaction in the face of regulatory overreach. He outlines that speaking up against these developments is not only vital for personal integrity but also for fostering a healthier public discourse. By reflecting on the historical contexts that led to such regulatory measures, he suggests that Canadians must actively engage in defending their rights to prevent the entrenchment of regulatory tyranny. The urgency of this call to action is amplified by Peterson’s belief that inaction today may lead to increasingly restrictive environments for future professions and general freedoms.
Over the holidays, we’re looking back at some of the best episodes of 2024, a year that may have marked the beginning of the end for left-wing political censorship, especially by professional bodies. Last January, the courts shut the door on overturning a decision by the College of Psychologists of Ontario that ordered Jordan Peterson into a mandatory rehabilitation program for his politically incorrect tweets, which had nothing to do with his practice and involved none of his patients. As Peterson tells host Brian Lilley, his options are now to either lose his licence, try moving somewhere else or submit and undergo “re-education” for his controversial opinions. But even more importantly, Peterson says that if Canada’s speech police can come for a famous psychologist and bestselling author like him, they can certainly come for anyone — including you. (Recorded Jan. 20, 2024)
