The discussion revolves around Jordan Peterson, a renowned academic, who gained international recognition after a debate in Canada in 2016 over a new law regarding gender identity. Peterson argued against the law, stating it would infringe on free speech, leading to a surge in his YouTube subscribers to over 1 million. His videos, covering a wide range of topics from identity politics to Disney movies, have been viewed over 150 million times. He supported James Damore, a Google employee who was fired for suggesting that men and women have different interests due to biological differences. His recent book, "12 Rules for Life," has boosted his global presence further, and he has just sold out a 1,000-seater venue in Westminster.
Peterson has been subjected to heated debate and misrepresentations, but he maintains his views. He has often taken a stance against the radical left, and his opposition to a law mandating the use of preferred pronouns for transgender people in Canada contributed to his prominence. Peterson believes that a trans woman is not a woman, stating that women are generally capable of having babies, have female genitalia, and possess an X chromosome. He also asserts that the government should not compel speech, a stance that has been criticized by some.
Peterson identifies as a feminist, but he criticizes the current definition of feminism, which he finds to be an ideological weapon. He believes that everyone's interests are better served if people have equal access to opportunity. He also expresses a desire for men to regain their strength physically, mentally, and morally. Peterson's lectures have led to significant improvements in many people's lives, and he believes that equality of opportunity, not outcomes, is the key to achieving this.
Peterson acknowledges that achieving gender equality is a long process, but he believes that Scandinavian countries are moving in the right direction. However, he criticizes the social constructionist view that differences between men and women are socially constructed, stating that the differences increase rather than decrease as cultures become more egalitarian.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Jordan Peterson is a global superstar academic who first came to national prominence in Canada in 2016.
2. He debated about new laws on gender identity, Bill C16, which made it an offense to refuse to call someone by their chosen gender pronoun.
3. Peterson argued that this would infringe on free speech.
4. He has over 1 million subscribers on YouTube and his videos have been viewed over 150 million times.
5. Peterson supported a Google employee, James Damore, who was fired for suggesting men and women have different interests due to biological differences.
6. Peterson's latest book, "12 Rules for Life," has taken him on a global tour promoting his ideas.
7. He sold out a 1,000-seater venue, the Immanuel Center, in Westminster.
8. Peterson has been interviewed numerous times and has generated plenty of heated debate.
9. He has been misrepresented at times, but he believes it's part of the process.
10. Peterson does not think a trans woman is a woman, citing biological markers as relevant.
11. He believes in treating people with respect and dignity, regardless of their gender identity.
12. Peterson is not a feminist in the current sense, but believes in equality of opportunity.
13. He thinks feminism has become an ideological weapon and is associated with collectivist ideology.
14. Peterson wants men to regain their strength, physically, mentally, and morally.
15. He believes that men are having a crisis in terms of mental health, suicide issues, and their own sense of identity.
16. Peterson advocates for equality of opportunity, but not equality of outcome.
17. He thinks that equality of outcome requires a potent bureaucracy to enforce, which he finds appalling.
18. Peterson believes that the Scandinavian countries are close to achieving gender equality, but still have a way to go.
19. He thinks that the differences between men and women increase as cultures become more egalitarian.
20. Peterson believes that moral guidance is important, but does not think that Donald Trump is a good example of this.