Jordan Peterson Destroys Q&A | 25 February 2019

The script opens with the host, Tony Jones, introducing the panel of a Q&A session in Melbourne. The panel includes political and military advisor Catherine McGregor, Canadian author Jordan Peterson, Labour frontbencher Terry Butler, the Federal Government Special Minister of State Alex Hawke, and writer and activist Van Badham. The discussion revolves around the rise of Jordan Peterson, who is seen by many as a figurehead against movements like socialism, globalism, and feminism. Peterson emphasizes personal responsibility and criticizes the view of the West as an oppressive patriarchy, while the other panelists prepare to engage in a debate on these topics.

Van Badham argues against the notion that feminism, globalism, or socialism are causing disenfranchisement. She points out that neoliberalism has been the dominant economic system in the West for decades, leading to job insecurity and community destruction. Badham emphasizes that both men and women feel disenfranchised in the current economic climate and criticizes the idea that feminism is a violent movement, asserting that it seeks equality and has not been associated with acts of terrorism.

Alex Hawke, a father of three young boys, discusses the identity crisis that he believes young men are facing in society. He suggests that messages from an early age tell men they are doing something wrong and that there is no place for them in the current societal structure. Hawke appreciates Jordan Peterson's work and believes it resonates with many because it offers an alternative perspective on masculinity and identity in a changing world.

Catherine McGregor shares her thoughts on the broader issues of societal change and the destabilization of traditional institutions. She discusses her personal experiences and the impact of institutional crises in the West. McGregor also touches on the rise of autocratic states and the historical parallels to the 1930s, suggesting that these factors contribute to the feelings of disenfranchisement experienced by many, particularly among men who have lost their traditional roles as breadwinners.

The script presents a video question from Milo Yiannopoulos, who challenges Jordan Peterson on his perceived silence on certain political issues and his alleged inconsistency between words and actions. Peterson responds by clarifying that he does not feel obliged to comment on every event and addresses the specific incidents mentioned, including an apology for a past misunderstanding. He also discusses his approach to engaging with different audiences and his reluctance to be seen as being in competition with others for influence.

The panel engages in a discussion about the role of feminism and the perception of men's issues in society. Van Badham argues that men are not oppressed as a group and criticizes the idea that feminism is undermining society. Alex Hawke expresses concern about the identity crisis faced by men and the impact of feminism on their roles. The conversation explores the complexities of gender equality, the importance of addressing men's issues such as mental health and father's rights, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of gender roles and equality.

Terry Butler speaks about the importance of women's representation in politics and the workplace. He discusses the Liberal Party's efforts to increase women's representation in parliament through rule changes that encouraged more women to run for office. Butler emphasizes that changing the structures can lead to cultural changes, allowing more women to participate in politics and decision-making processes.

Jordan Peterson discusses the concept of individual responsibility and its role in addressing large-scale social issues like climate change. He argues that individuals should focus on improving themselves and their immediate surroundings before attempting to reorganize the world. Peterson also touches on the importance of personal competence and leadership in making wise collective decisions.

Alex Hawke reflects on the benefits of living in a Western democracy, highlighting the prosperity, information access, and opportunities available to individuals. He contrasts these freedoms with the oppressive regimes and poverty faced by many people in other parts of the world. Hawke also addresses the issue of identity politics and the importance of recognizing the value of individual freedoms within democratic societies.

The panelists engage in a discussion about identity politics and its consistency with Martin Luther King's vision of a society where people are judged by their character rather than their skin color. Jordan Peterson criticizes identity politics for prioritizing group identity over individual identity, while other panelists offer different perspectives on the role of identity in politics and society.

Terry Butler and Catherine McGregor share their views on the importance of free speech and the challenges of dealing with offensive content in the public sphere. They discuss their personal experiences with criticism and controversy, emphasizing the need for resilience and the importance of hearing diverse viewpoints, even when they are disagreeable or hurtful.

Jordan Peterson discusses the issue of mandatory pronoun use as legislated by the Canadian government, expressing his concern about the infringement on free speech. He argues against government regulation of voluntary speech content and shares his experience with being criticized and misunderstood for his stance on this issue.

The panelists share their personal beliefs about religion and its relationship to the concept of human dignity. Catherine McGregor and Van Badham discuss their Christian faith and how it informs their views on social justice and personal identity. Alex Hawke, while not aligning with Marxism, acknowledges the importance of separating religion and state for societal success. Terry Butler, an agnostic, speaks about the secular humanist tradition and the inherent value of individuals.

Jordan Peterson reflects on his personal beliefs about God and religion. He describes himself as deeply religious and someone who acts as if God exists, although he does not claim to be an authority on metaphysical issues. Peterson's approach to faith is private and personal, and he expresses his beliefs in a manner that is cautious and respectful of the complexity of the subject.

In the final segment, the panelists discuss the nature of political discourse and the importance of respectful debate. They address the issue of personal victimization in the context of political beliefs and the need to listen to and understand different perspectives. The conversation concludes with an optimistic note about the robustness of democratic institutions and the value of maintaining open and respectful dialogue.