Martin - Jordan Peterson, Ben Shapiro, & The I.D.W.
Aug 9, 2023
auto_awesome
Renowned intellectual and psychologist Jordan Peterson and conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro are the guests on this podcast. They discuss their impact on a fan's worldview, the oversimplified chaos versus order ideology, the ineffectiveness of debate, the appeal of intellectual dominance, Jordan Peterson's beliefs on God and gender differences, changing worldviews, recognizing jokes and idiots, and the current state of affairs.
The appeal of figures like Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro to young men can be attributed to a desire for stability and identity, but their rhetoric often promotes regressive thinking.
Martin's transformation from a follower of Peterson and Shapiro to a critical thinker was driven by empathy and human connection, challenging his previous beliefs.
It is important to approach Jordan Peterson's ideas critically and not conflate them with the broader principles of progressive ideologies.
Deep dives
Discovering Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro
As a teenager, Martin was drawn to the YouTube algorithm's recommendation of videos featuring Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro. He found their arguments empowering, especially as someone who had been bullied and was searching for an identity. He resonated with their belief that conservative voices were being silenced by a liberal mob, and he admired their ability to use words as weapons to dismantle their opponents intellectually. This appeal was heightened by their representation of a strong paternal figure, which Martin felt was lacking in his own life. He delved into Peterson's extensive biblical lectures, adopting a more literal interpretation of the stories and finding logical truths in them, further solidifying his connection to Peterson.
An Eye-Opening Experience
Martin's worldview began to shift when he interned at a public defender's office. Initially skeptical of claims that the criminal justice system was racist and unfair, he met clients who were accused of crimes and too impoverished to afford an attorney. Through conversations and human connections, Martin developed empathy and compassion for these individuals who were the most oppressed and violently suppressed in society. Meeting and befriending these clients shattered his previous belief in conservative white men as victims and made him realize that marginalized communities were the ones being victimized by systemic injustice. This firsthand experience challenged his former understanding of the world and ignited a changed perspective.
The Power of Critical Thinking
Over a period of around six months, Martin's transformation from a follower of Peterson and Shapiro to a more critical thinker took place. His newfound empathy and the critical examination of ideologies helped reshape his beliefs. He realized that certain routes to truth, such as engaging in debates, were not effective ways of understanding complex issues. Instead, he prioritized human connection and understanding the lived experiences of marginalized individuals. By questioning and critically analyzing the ideologies he had previously embraced, Martin was able to shed his former persona and open himself up to broader perspectives and a deeper understanding of social justice.
Jordan Peterson's views on order and chaos
Jordan Peterson believes that the underlying theme of order and chaos is prevalent in all great works of literature, including the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between order and chaos in human society and interactions. While some elements of his beliefs may resonate with individuals seeking a sense of structure and understanding in the world, his reductionistic view often oversimplifies complex issues. It is important to approach his ideas critically and not to conflate his beliefs with the broader principles of progressive ideologies.
The allure and dangers of evisceration culture
The appeal of figures like Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro to young men can be attributed, in part, to feelings of insecurity and a desire for stability and identity. These figures offer a simplistic worldview and a sense of certainty in an uncertain world. However, their rhetoric often veers into fear-mongering and promotes a hierarchical and regressive way of thinking. To counteract this, it is important to foster community, engage in group activities, and provide outlets for personal growth and self-expression that do not rely on divisive ideologies.
There's order. And there's chaos. Simple, right? Today our new friend Martin shares how he used to be a big fan of Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro, how he found videos as a teenager that helped him feel empowered as he searched for identity, the impact they had on his worldview, some of the idealogical tenants of Jordan Peterson, why so many young men are drawn to these kinds of figures, why debate isn't always the best way to uncover truth, and how working with prison inmates helped to change his mind. PLUS: The most recent single from LOLA BLANC!!!
Trust Me is brought to you by Shopify! Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme
Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com
