Is Jordan Peterson a Nazi?: Exploring His Alt-Conservative Influences
Is Jordan Peterson a Nazi? Exploring His Alt-Conservative Influences
Recent discussions around Jordan Peterson's views and statements have raised significant concerns, particularly regarding his remarks on the Pill, immigration, and the decline of Western society. While Peterson has consistently maintained a public image as a psychologist and academic, his views and rhetorical choices have drawn parallels to more extreme right-wing ideologies, including fascism.
Decline of the West and Biopolitical Crises
In his statements and videos, Jordan Peterson has expressed worries about the declining birth rates in the West, which he associates with the Pill and a perceived invasion by non-Western populations. He advocates for a unification of identity and biology, suggesting that 'the West' is defined biologically rather than culturally. This perspective resonates with alt-right ideologies, which often emphasize racial purity and biological determinism.
According to Peterson, the growth of other races in the West would be detrimental, leading to a 'catastrophe' due to a perceived demographic takeover. This line of thinking reflects the broader worldview of white supremacists and neo-Nazis, who argue that non-white populations are incompatible with Western culture and civilization.
Alt-Conservatism and Plagiarism
More controversial is Peterson's alleged intellectual plagiarism, particularly through his extensive use of Nazi rhetoric and symbols. Author Troy Parfitt has collected over 3,000 examples of Peterson paraphrasing and imitating Hitler's ideas. Peterson often employs terms and concepts like 'order' and 'chaos,' which are central to Nazi ideology, while framing them in more palatable, academic language.
For example, Peterson’s books such as 'An Antidote to Chaos' and 'Beyond Order' continue the theme of order versus chaos, which has strong resonances with Nazi narratives. Peterson's use of the symbol of St. George slaying the dragon, a Nazi propaganda symbol, reveals his subtle influence on alt-conservative discourse. Peterson also commends Hitler’s order and structure while alluding to the symbolic nature of chaos embodied by communism and Judaism, though he does so with more cryptic language.
Public Appearances and Political Movements
During the Canadian Freedumb convoy in December 2020, Peterson's public behavior also garnered criticism for aligning with neo-Nazi ideologies. His support for the convoy, which is known for its right-wing and nationalist leanings, further solidifies his connection to these controversial movements.
Peterson's rhetoric during the convoy demonstrates his ability to draw in the alt-right community with his nationalist and racially charged language. Terms like 'order' and 'chaos' are used to invoke a sense of despondency and impending doom, reflecting a deeper ideological alignment with far-right narratives.
Conclusion: Jordan Peterson as a Crypto-Nazi
While Jordan Peterson has denied outright xenophobia and Nazism, his use of Nazi rhetoric, cryptic language, and support of controversial movements cannot be easily dismissed. His academic influence and public platform make his association with these far-right ideologies particularly troubling. Peterson's 'crypto-Nazi' approach—paraphrasing and mimicking Nazi ideals through subtle and coded language—underscores the importance of critically examining his views and their potential impact on broader societal discourse.
In summary, Jordan Peterson's association with alt-conservative ideologies, particularly his use of Nazi rhetoric and support for controversial movements, raises serious questions about his public image and the potential influence he wields. It is crucial to hold him, and all public figures espousing such views, to a higher standard of responsibility and accountability.