Society's Child

Jordan Peterson warns against liberalism's 'totalitarian tilt': 'The left has gone too far'

RT
Sat, 23 Mar 2019 19:29 UTC

Comment: Watch Peterson respond, head-on, with specifics and sincerity to some challenging questions; a great reminder of why this intellectual and humanitarian powerhouse poses a threat to those who would rather you don't think too much on the policies being peddled by the left in today's Western society.

Controversial academic Jordan Peterson told RT's Afshin Rattansi that the left's obsession with equality of outcome is doomed to failure, advocating instead for individuals to assume greater personal responsibility.

"It seems to be very difficult for people on the left to draw a line between what's acceptable and what's unacceptable," Peterson told the host of RT's Going Underground when asked to comment on the rise in popularity of socialism-friendly politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn.

While acknowledging that the moderate left has ushered in labor laws and other reforms which have benefited society, the Canadian professor argued that the emphasis on "diversity, inclusivity and equity is a sign that the left has gone far too far."

Calls for equality of outcome, as opposed to equality of opportunity, particularly worry Peterson, who has become a pariah among liberals after he spoke out against gender-neutral pronoun legislation being proposed in Canada - an intellectual rebellion which launched him into the limelight.

I think that any attempt to pursue equality of outcome is doomed to a totalitarian tilt, because it's technically impossible to equalize outcomes across all possible identity groups

Peterson, however, insisted he has no illusions about the hardships of life which may make socialism so appealing to so many. But he suggested a different path.

"My contention is the best bet that you have in this veil of catastrophe and tears is to take responsibility for your own life and speak truthfully and act courageously," he told Rattansi.

Watch the full interview.

Comment: The interviewer clearly showed some bias towards the radical left. Also he insisted on broaching subjects that are neither Dr. Peterson's interest nor expertise. A disappointing effort, given Going Underground's usual high journalistic standards. It is to Dr. Peterson's credit that he still managed to make his points.

Reader Comments

Dus7 · 2019-03-23T21:47:39Z

What does Peterson mean with:

...the left's obsession with equality of outcome...

Obviously, everyone cannot and should not be expected to end up with the same income, education, etc., but certainly, there are universal human rights regarding basic and adequate food, housing, education, health care, and misc. opportunities that must be demanded. Then:

...the Canadian professor argued that the emphasis on "diversity, inclusivity and equity is a sign that the left has gone far too far."

How exactly can insistence on achieving basic human rights be over-emphasized? Perhaps the interview or this write-up about it could not include examples or discussion of what Peterson is really trying to say.

As it is, he puts it all on the individual to 'take responsibility for his/her own life'. In this world of criminal inequality and widely supported bias and ignorance, he seems to be blaming the victims. We should also "speak truthfully and act courageously". That will surely get you into a better school, help land a better job, pay for an adequate home, transportation, basic food and supplies, etc. Or maybe Peterson's subtly promoting insurgency and revolution, who knows. lol

It's hard to see what's wrong with:

bias towards the radical left

if they are the only ones interested in human rights and the well-being of humanity.

BluLiteDancing · 2019-03-23T23:58:11Z

“It’s hard to see what’s wrong with”: bias towards the radical left, “if they are the only ones interested in human rights and the well-being of humanity..”

Have you ever met someone so self righteous that you knew he or she was actually just a a piece of human filth deep down inside?

-That’s the modern day leftist IMO take the leftists go to for instance; the SPLC just recently designated a REAL HATE GROUP:

[Link]

In my experience volunteering at soup kitchens & homeless shelters, I see far more conservatives & Christians than leftist Antifa types.

Rowan Cocoan · 2019-03-24T00:08:32Z

Dus7 Is someone ghost writing for you? Sure doesn't jibe with what you've previously written.

R.C.

graeme15b · 2019-03-24T11:00:49Z

Dus7

What does Peterson mean with: ...the left's obsession with equality of outcome...

As i understand. He means that ideology, gender, ethnicity, etc shouldn't be the deciding factor determining who is selected for this, or that position, job, etc. Ability, and skill should be.

How exactly can insistence on achieving basic human rights be over-emphasized? Perhaps the interview or this write-up about it could not include examples or discussion of what Peterson is really trying to say.

As it is, he puts it all on the individual to 'take responsibility for his/her own life'. In this world of criminal inequality and widely supported bias and ignorance, he seems to be blaming the victims. We should also "speak truthfully and act courageously". That will surely get you into a better school, help land a better job, pay for an adequate home, transportation, basic food and supplies, etc. Or maybe Peterson's subtly promoting insurgency and revolution, who knows. lol

No, he doesn't blame the victims. What he is saying, basically is that life is more complex than simplistic black and white thinking. What he is saying is, people should take more responsibility for their lives and communities, and not expect that they have a god given right for these things. People have it backwards.

if they are the only ones interested in human rights and the well-being of humanity.

Thats not how it is working out though, is it? I could spend all day highlighting why this isn't so, but won't. So, in essence, when someone is looking outwards for solutions, rather than look within, they will never find solutions to anything, and defer all decision making to big government... See the problem?

GregH335 · 2019-03-23T22:24:35Z

The left are only interested in re-distribution of wealth. People need to EARN their own way. The liberals want to tax the crap out of working people to trade the freebies to the lazy for their votes. Liberals care nothing about LEGAL immigration but want to open borders to all illegal immigrants - even offering them social security benefits - in exchange for votes... Liberalism is a disease...worse than gonorrhea.

nedlud · 2019-03-24T11:49:23Z

WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

To all concerned:

Dus7 has successfully completed a course in vulcanization.

Successful vulcanization means a correspondingly higher, smoother speed when traveling on well-cared for roads. Frequently, a very much higher speed. And much much MUCH smoother.

This creates quite the illusion.

Which is very pleasing to its practitioners.

And results in a high degree of satisfaction.

Do not go off-road however.

Stay on official highways.

And call for their 'improvement'.

You too, can be vulcanized.

ned,

out

Tchoutoye · 2019-03-24T15:50:49Z

The Culture War is becoming increasingly silly because everyone involved is using rhetorically loaded labels that have idiosyncratic meanings that pertain only to the tribal bubble from which they are hurled at their opponents. The result is a huge, pointless semantic fog that only serves the status quo of the elite.

Peterson is great when he sticks to clinical psychology, but when he starts talking politics he quickly slips into crass generalisations for the sake of lazy straw man arguments. There is no such thing as The Left. There are Socialists, Democratic Socialists and centrist Liberals (a.k.a. "Faux Left"). Some of these are considered "The Left" for the sole reason that they promote identity politics, while others on "The Left" are heavily opposed to identity politics.

Dus7 · 2019-03-27T20:59:59Z

Tchoutoye I'm 3 days after the thread but TY for your comment.

GregH335 · 2019-03-25T14:56:20Z

It seems to be very difficult for people on the left to draw a line between what's acceptable and what's unacceptable.

This is because people on the left are lazy, complete idiots and fools.

GregH335 · 2019-03-25T21:17:11Z

Adam Schiff should be arrested and tossed into jail for lying about having proof of collusion.... This transvestite is an embarrassment even to the wacky liberals.

I wonder if the boys that have sex with their teachers get Straight A's? as a reward.

Kimster

"Parsi also claims to have heard from a Western-friendly "senior Global South diplomat" that "whatever agonizing claim the US had to lead a...

ReRan

Their spelling is wrong. Shouldn't it be attack'ems ?

ReRan

Needless, wanton violence. So sad.

ReRan

Depopulation agenda is well under way....less stupid humans might be better.

Gator

Society's Child

Jordan Peterson warns against liberalism's 'totalitarian tilt': 'The left has gone too far'

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