Comments by "I Hate Unicorns" (@ihateunicorns867) on "How To Argue Against Someone Who Twists Your Words" video.

I wish you’d stop using Jordan Peterson as an example of logic and reason. He’s manipulative in his arguments. Poor old Cathy Newman never stood a chance. Peterson will say two statements together alluding that there’s a connection (eg Women are not in as many high-profile jobs as men, and hierarchies are natural and even Lobsters have them). This leaves the other person in a lose–lose situation. They can either deny one of the statements (which is not a good idea as they are generally truthful) or try to clarify what Peterson is saying (eg “So you’re saying…”). And then they end up being the one saying these ridiculous things. There’s a reason so many Nazis and other far-right groups love Jordan Peterson. He’s not famous for being clever, he’s famous for being controversial by refusing to use the correct pronouns for transgender students at his University. His method of arguing is subtly facetious and designed to attract attention. He’s the Donald Trump of academia. Don’t give him the attention he craves.
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TheWhiteWhale This is exactly the problem with Peterson I was talking about. When it comes down to technicalities, he never directly says what he is alluding to, leaving this 'get out of jail free' card. He didn't say he wouldn't call transgender people by the correct pronouns, but he did say that he wouldn't not call them by the incorrect pronouns. And then people fixate on the details, when what we should be asking is why does he think that his choice to say a word is more important than acknowledging the existence of someone's identity? Peterson is not out to educate. He is out to stir up regressive controversy. And yes he does have an unhealthily large following of people with far-right political views (including many people who openly identify as Nazis).
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