“Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment.” You don’t have to be Albert Einstein to figure that out … although in this case, it was Einstein who said it. Did you express your views with equanimity this week?
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Jordan Peterson did when taken to task by Channel 4’s Cathy Newman, in an interview that had memesters vibing his stay-cool style. It prompted thousands of comments and a plethora of think pieces, including Tess Livingstone’s provocative analysis, “What’s a girl to do, Jordan?”. Eloise was eloquent, and earns comment of the week:
“Good to hear some constructive criticism on Jordan Peterson. I find a lot of what he says compelling, particularly his critique of the social movements of the left but then he can be intellectually lazy and obstinate in the infallibility of his philosophy. (Listen to the very painful podcast episodes he did with Sam Harris).
“He offers a valuable perspective (one can argue about his first principles) but people, particularly young men, should be more willing to see his flaws and accept criticism rather than labelling all criticism as SJW nonsense just because he tells them what they want to hear. Otherwise they’ll be no better the SJWs they despise.
“With regards to his comments on women, he does provide a counter-narrative to the problematic ‘equality of outcome’ push on the left but he doesn’t acknowledge that while men and women do have different preferences and interests that are both inherent and socialised, our societies have sought to reinforce these divisions as largely inherent, discouraging women’s entry into many professions, and when he speaks on this topic, that is the message that (patronisingly) comes across, at least from my perspective as a young women.
“When women don’t see other women in particular fields, they are hesitant to enter them. Once upon a time, this was the case with law and medicine and now 50pc of graduates are women. You may say ‘who cares’ if women are poorly represented in fields such as engineering or computer science but we know that industries benefit from having diverse perspectives. I agree with the author that often he swings the pendulum too far the other way.”
Ken’s caustic comeback collected 168 likes:
“This article is akin to Cathy Newman’s interview of Peterson. It’s taking what Peterson says out of context or is straight-out inaccurate. One of the refreshing things about Peterson is that he’s telling home truths, and bases many or most of his observations on decades of being a treating psychologist of both men and women. What an irony that a female journalist chooses to block the concerns and experience of many women in this rant against him.”
Neil nodded:
Jordan Petersen has kept his own practice as a clinical psychologist outside his University work and the points he makes are from experience with many women who have come to him in that private practice with problems created by the real-life trials and tribulations he now seeks to point out to those who will listen … He claims no political position and an interest only in the truth.
Sage advice, said Sarah:
“I agree with Peterson. I’m a doctor working 60 hours a week. It is hard, very demanding and very stressful. Having close interpersonal relationships is extremely difficult. Luckily my husband is happy to work as a team to raise children and understood the impact my career would have on family life before he married me.”
Thomas tipped his hat:
“ ‘By the time you’re 40, if you don’t have a family and children you are one lost soul.’
“That’s true, as a generalisation. Obviously some women do not ever want to have kids and live happily without them, but the vast majority eventually realise children are what they want most of all. It’s usually around 35 that it dawns on them they’ve wasted their best years sleeping around with worthless men and obsessing over meaningless work.”
Danger, said Denzil:
“One has always to be careful of an article like this ... cherry picking without context is dangerous. I have seen a lot of Peterson’s work and I have rarely heard him say anything that would upset a well-grounded woman. That is why his interview with Cathy Newman was such a car crash (for her). She tried on the feminist rant only to be met with sensible well researched answers that she could not deal with.”
High five from Helio’s wife:
“I don’t find Jordan Peterson patronising. He is realistic and respectful; realistic about the differing natures of men and women and able to recognise, as most feminists do not, that difference does not mean unequal in value.”
Kathleen concurred:
“Sorry Tess, but I can’t fault a single word that JP says in this video. I know from personal experience that pursuing a career is hard work, often unsatisfying, always competitive and it doesn’t come without many sacrifices.
“Young women are fed a whole lot of aspirational and unrealistic claptrap, which is all well and good for some, but for others, it simply leads to regret and disappointment. JP’s video dispels some of the myths that are fed to young women about what’s important in life. More power to him.”
Benson pointed to ze, xe, em, zir and hir:
“JP doesn’t refuse to use these pronouns, he rails against being FORCED to use them. Until you people are willing to engage on the actual facts and on the actual issues, you’ll continue to lose against titans like Jordan Peterson. Glad he’s coming.”
Meg takes the middle road, and her equanimity earns her runner-up comment of the week:
“I encouraged my daughter to have a profession simply because it would give her choices in life. If she married and had children she could work part time and still bring in a good income. If she didn’t marry she would not be a pauper all her life.
“It has worked well for her and I wish I’d had that opportunity when I was young. On the other hand, there are girls who are not academically inclined and don’t aspire to a profession, so apart from encouraging them, I don’t think there is not a great deal you can do about that if the drive is not there.
“There will always be as many girls in ‘jobs’ as there are in careers. You also have to remember that there are also women who enjoy being mothers first and foremost and are happy to dedicate their lives to their families, and that is OK too. We are not all the same nor do we have the same ambitions, values or goals.”
arlys was apprehensive:
“The reality is, some young women of today are terrifying. They want it all. A career, a bloke with money and ambition, they are upfront with their demands, and are often controlling, demanding, and shrill. No wonder the blokes avoid them like the plague.
“It has swung too far, and the confusion is obvious, as young men say ‘I don’t know what she wants’. Well, neither does she. Taught to be in charge of all aspects of her life, and to aim for luxury and comfort, money and status, she is already on the frantic treadmill which is now normal life, looking for the perfect mate, who by now is running in the opposite direction, and she moans to friends there are no decent blokes out there.
“Peterson is trying to put the brakes on it, bring both sides back to reality, telling the girls to tone it down, there are good men out there, they might not always be what the feminist mags tell you are suitable, but when it’s all said and done, who wants to cuddle up to a magazine at night. Listen to this bloke.”
More power to JP, said Philip:
“He is articulating what should have been lauded years ago. Common sense is often confused and subsequently criticised. Common sense not being so common. He is right and most clear thinking women will get it. Breath of fresh air really.”
Vive le difference, said Peter:
“He is simply reflecting a biological fact; men and women are different. Equal, but different. The problem is the left and the new feminists don’t value or recognise these differences.”
Perfect, said another Peter:
“Gee it’s been an enjoyable couple of months. First Milo, now Peterson. Impotent frothing at the mouth has become almost as fashionable as organic tofu.”
Alex articulated:
“My wife and I are a classic example of Peterson’s argument. My wife was near mid-30s, me a little older. My wife had a career, a meaningful one working as a freshwater ecologist advising on the River Murray and she had an epiphany one day and came to me and said, ‘what I do is of no commercial value’.
“It was a profound realisation for her to come to. She began to question the whole ‘state intervention’ and came to the view it was an expensive dead end with no meaning or value. She continued in the role until I pushed for children and it became a choice between a dead end career and a meaningful family life.
“We now have a 14-month-old son ... I am guilty of not doing enough fathering and helping but my job now is to provide and put ourselves in a position to have one or two more children. I can’t do the job my wife does as a mother, nor can she run my business which consumes 60 hours or more of my time per week.
“My wife’s ex-colleagues are mainly women in their mi-30s or 40s, many are single, childless and unhappy. From my perspective, the public sector is full of feminist women who frown upon other women for marrying and having families. We need people like Peterson to speak these truths.”
Risible, said Ryan:
“What a grim existence Jordan Peterson presents in his video ‘The lies about getting a career’. His main argument centres around the fact that we should all do whatever everyone else is doing because that must be our ordained path. I shudder to think what living in such a world without thoughtless conformity would be like.”
David dug the memes:
“It reminds me of the meme going around at the moment. ‘Peterson: I had eggs and bacon for breakfast’. ‘Interviewer: So you’re saying all Vegans must die?!’ “
Last word to the inimitable Bettina Arndt:
“If Ms Livingstone watched some of the hundreds of YouTube videos Jordan Peterson has made about these topics she would realise his comments about women lawyers are based on many, many years working with them in therapy, trying to help them cope with their extremely demanding careers.
“He is a great advocate for women’s achievement but is also concerned that many find it extremely difficult to cope with the absurd demands of such stressful jobs while also wanting relationships and families. Typical lazy journalism, picking out a few quotes out of context and then making assumptions about what the man is saying.
“Obviously Ms Livingstone didn’t learn anything from the Cathy Newman interview, which has now been seen by over 5 million people. My advice to both men and women is to watch many of his interviews and read his new book. As a British journalist said recently, he’s ‘one of the most important thinkers to emerge on the world stage for many years’.”
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When a filing cabinet full of Cabinet files fell off the back of a truck at the ABC, hilarity ensued. It grated on Gerhard:
“The ABC published classified documents and the ABC should be made responsible for infringing our laws. If the ABC were responsible Australians then they would have handed the entire contents of the filing cabinets to the government. This ABC is anti-Australian and should be disbanded or at the very least de-funded.”
Unpatriotic, said Peter:
“Any patriotic ordinary Australian — yes, I know, not many left — would alert the authorities to what they found, and it is incomprehensible that our national broadcaster would do what it has done. It is truly scary that the only thing we can rely on is for the ABC to use every available opportunity to embarrass the current Government.
“If we were in a serious conflict what side would the ABC take? My real beef is that Turnbull should have come out with guns blazing on this, immediately and instantly. Instead, what do we get? Some sort of weak inquiry in to what happened.”
Sandy seethed:
“As Abbott used to say, we want the ABC be on Australia’s side. This is a totally unaccountable organisation, just full of self-interested people who run their own agendas.”
Ian was irate:
“The situation is symptomatic of the sheltered work shop called Canberra. A public servant walked away from responsibility, it happens every moment of the day. Their excuse would have been ‘It’s no longer my responsibility’ if it ever was? The system, the people the culture is deplorable!
“The ABC have been absolutely desolate in their moral responsibility to our national security. I doubt they will ever be held accountable just as if any individual public servant will ever be held accountable. I ask why is anyone surprised? ”
Kathleen was cross:
“It’s outrageous that the ABC has abused its position like this. Once the documents came into the ABC’s possession, it was duty-bound to notify the AFP.
“The ABC is a corporate commonwealth entity operating under the Public Governance Performance and Accountability Act 2013, which obliges all ABC employees to act honestly, in good faith and for a proper purpose. Note the words ... honestly, in good faith and for a proper purpose.
“You really have to ask whose side the public broadcaster is on. It’s surely not operating in the national interest. Heads should roll.”
Rapped Rick:
“Cut. Their. Funding. Shut. Them. Down. Drain. The. Swamp.”
Bernie was earnest:
“When I was in the army, anyone losing or even leaving unsecured a single document classified as ‘confidential’ would be subject to severe punishment — an indelible, career-threatening stain would besmirch that member’s record forevermore.
“Yet here we find some clown has sent hundreds of documents off to be sold to the highest bidder! I don’t care who is responsible — heads must roll.”
Michael of Sevilla was miffed:
“I used to be the custodian of ‘secret’ files and I was regularly audited to ensure that the ‘secret’ files in the safe matched the Secret File Log. That was 24 years ago so I guess standards have certainly slipped. However, for every classified document there is a custodian so finding the slack culprit(s) should be a simple matter for the AFP/ASIO. Don’t hold your breath though. Your taxes at work.”
Deplorable, said Peter the Deplorable:
“Whoever opened the cabinets would have immediately known the importance of the contents and should have called the AFP, instead they contacted the ABC. Total dirtbag, should be charged.
“Then to have the ABC try and take the moral high ground is a disgrace. There is no public interest in publishing the contents of these files, only point scoring.”
gbe griped:
“The ABC should have handed over the classified information as soon as they became aware. To publish elements of this classified information must breach some disclosure legislation. The Communications Minister and ultimately the Prime Minister must be held accountable in this, as the ABC is a federal government department, and they are the government ministers responsible.”
Ian educated:
“The ABC is not a federal government department. It is an independent statutory corporation established by the parliament (not the government). The minister is responsible for the legislation, but the body itself has a board of directors to which it is solely responsible. We do not have a government broadcaster in this country. If we did, it would be an organ of executive government like Pravda.
“If the ABC has any failing at all it is failing to teach people how our government actually works and the checks and balances in place and why they are there.”
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Janet Albrechtsen wanted Julia Gillard and Hillary Clinton to burst their bubbles. Judith went for Julia:
“110% correct. By why are so many people (especially women) taken in by this shallow performance? I was personally embarrassed to be a woman when the misogyny speech ground out of her mouth. That was my ‘not me’ moment.”
Grow a brain, said Brian of Piccadilly:
“They are living proof, as if more were needed, that one can be both intelligent and a complete idiot simultaneously.”
Catherine criticised:
“These two women ferociously used the fact that they were women to try and achieve their ends. They set the stage themselves for being assessed on this basis. It was illegitimate and dumb for them to have peddled their gender as a politically significant factor, and of course they were judged on that basis.”
Steve stated:
“A long list of female Prime Ministers/Presidents who will forever have a rightful place on school curriculums and balanced history books. Maggie, Merkel, Bhutto — all legacy builders. All conviction. All authentic. Even Theresa May will have a place — she might be weak, but she’s generally viewed as being decent during a period of Brexit stupidity in the UK.
“But Gillard ... nah. Forever ridiculed for being useless and for playing games to benefit herself. A wrecker, not a builder.”
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When Sydney University began manufacturing consent with a stick-figure guide to sex on campus, not all were impressed. Laurence laughed:
“Sorry students, you’re too stupid to know when sex is appropriate, however, you’re smart enough to pay for and complete our economics degree.”
An infinite jest, said Jason:
“How to have sex by tweed wearing academics who have never left the education system.”
Bradley blasted:
“I am so pleased I graduated from SU last century. And by the way SU, it is this rubbish and your attacks on free speech and pandering to Chinese students by only using world maps that reflect their point of view, that has seen me no longer give donations to my old faculty for teaching aids.”
Iterate, said Igor:
“Quantify and evaluate the term ‘enthusiastic consent’. Compare and contrast with ordinary consent. Support your answer with real life examples.”
Think big, thought Trevor:
“This is excellent marketing material to help sell our universities to the world.
“We use stick figures and cartoons to help students learn how to navigate in the global world. I can see we will be leading the world in producing the next generation of global leaders. Or will the world just see our universities as politically correct institutions run by fools?”
Geoff was just jaded:
“I shake my head and have no meaningful comment to add to this article. I keep saying it, the world has gone mad.”
It’s alien, said ET:
“I am so glad that I am at the latter end of my life. This world has gone MAD!”
An affidavit from David:
“It would probably be easier just to have your lawyer by your side when you put the hard word on.”
Miners change tune on climate change
Peak mining industry body The Minerals Council of Australia has joined the fight on climate.
Easy to point the finger
Demanding we abandon coal for climate is akin to asking NZ to give up love affair with sheep.