And so, as of late, I've been listening to a few of Jordan Peterson's interviews.
I've avoided him, largely because of his far-right fanbase. And his appearing on Joe Rogan. Who I'm sure is a nice guy, but...just don't want to be seen in that "intellectual" hood.
But listening to him, I can see his appeal. He's a modern-day Messiah, and nothing he says in the least bit controversial. The fact that he's somehow perceived as controversial is more a commentary on the "Woke" Culture we live in. TO say that people need meaning in their lives and to strive for self improvement and to somehow turn off the vacuity of the news and social media - well, this is all fucking common sense. To disregard, dismiss the 100's of "preferred pronouns" is - at worst - fucking overdue and common sense.
And, as he's largely offending liberal sensibilities - his rational and common sense approach to sexuality and mental illness have made him a big target - (believe it or not, you can be too liberal...) - his appeal to the far right is largely that he's making sense and offering hopeful strategies for coping with what are - and will soon to be very difficult times.
In fact, a few podcasts in and I'm liking the guy more and more. His voice, a little shrill and anxious, it's the sound of a man being crucified for common sense, for speaking basic - not eternal - truths to power. So - oversized rap for being a bad-ass when it's just a reasonably smart (and educated) guy speaking his mind.