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- July 3, 2020
- 3:38 pm
The Canadian psychologist and celebrity Jordan Peterson recently broke his near-year long silence and described his debilitating illness as the result of benzodiazepine dependence.
Peterson became ill simply as a result of following doctors’ advice. What does that say about our society and culture, our media environment, and the state of psychiatric medicine.
In this Rebel Wisdom investigation, David Fuller talks to one of the world’s leading investigators of the long term effects of psychiatric drugs, Robert Whitaker, a Pulitzer Prize shortlisted author.
He also links it to Eric Weinstein’s concept of the DISC, or Distributed Idea Suppression Complex, to explore why the knowledge of the long term dangers of these drugs is not reflected in the media conversation.
How has Peterson’s message contributed to a hidden epidemic of loneliness and depression among young men, and what cultural factors have exacerbated this issue?
Jordan Peterson, a Canadian clinical psychologist, has become a prominent figure in the world of psychology and self-help in recent years. His lectures and books have gained widespread popularity, particularly among young men who seek guidance on achieving success and personal fulfillment. However, Peterson’s message has also been criticized for promoting toxic masculinity and perpetuating harmful ideas about gender and race. This article will explore the rise of Jordan Peterson and the hidden epidemic that his message has contributed to.
Peterson’s rise to fame began in 2016 with the release of his book, “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos.” The book’s central thesis is that individuals must take responsibility for their lives and confront the chaos and suffering that exist in the world. Peterson argues that cultivating discipline, order, and self-reliance are the keys to achieving personal success and fulfillment. His message has resonated with many young men who feel lost and adrift in a society that they see as hostile to their interests.
However, Peterson’s message has also been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about gender and race. He has been accused of promoting toxic masculinity by suggesting that men should be aggressive and assertive, and that traditional gender roles are biologically determined. Similarly, his views on race have been condemned as promoting white supremacy and denying the reality of systemic racism. Peterson has disavowed these accusations, arguing that he is merely advocating for individual responsibility and freedom of speech.
Despite these controversies, Jordan Peterson has amassed a large and dedicated following, particularly on social media platforms like YouTube. His lectures and interviews have been viewed millions of times, and he has become a popular figure on college campuses and in conservative circles. However, the impact of his message is not limited to his fanbase. Peterson’s rhetoric has contributed to a hidden epidemic of alienation and despair among young men.
The hidden epidemic that Peterson’s message has contributed to is the rise of loneliness and depression among young men. Studies have shown that men are more likely to suffer from mental health issues than women, and are less likely to seek help or talk about their struggles. Peterson’s emphasis on personal responsibility and self-reliance may resonate with some men who feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness or failure. Furthermore, his message may reinforce the notion that men must define themselves by their ability to achieve external success, rather than by their internal experiences and relationships.
This hidden epidemic has been exacerbated by a cultural climate that is increasingly hostile to men. The #MeToo movement, while an important step towards addressing sexual violence and harassment, has also fostered a culture of suspicion and fear around male sexuality. Men who are accused of misconduct or inappropriate behavior are often subject to public shaming and career-ending consequences, regardless of the severity of their actions. This atmosphere of hostility and mistrust may contribute to a sense of isolation and desperation among young men.
It is important to acknowledge the real struggles that young men face in today’s world, and to address them with compassion and understanding. Jordan Peterson’s message of personal responsibility and self-reliance may offer some guidance and inspiration to those who feel lost and adrift. However, his message must be tempered with an awareness of the harm that it can cause, both to individuals and to society as a whole. We must seek to build a culture that values empathy, connection, and personal fulfillment over external success and achievement. Only then can we truly address the hidden epidemic of loneliness and despair among young men.
