MNHQ here: How would you feel about a Jordan Peterson webchat?

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello

We've been offered a webchat with Jordan Peterson (his new book has a chapter on parenting, although the publishers (Penguin) recognise a webchat is likely to be more wide-ranging than that). We know he's very controversial, to put it mildly, but also as you know we believe in the value of open debate. So we thought we'd ask you what you think: would you like the chance to put questions to him and debate him on-site or would you rather not?

Yes please.

It's easy for someone like Jordan Peterson to critcise Islam, because it takes the focus away from his own anti-woman views. How would "forced monogamy" even work? Does that mean women would be forced into relationships with men whether they want to or not?

You can criticise points from any religion for not being woman friendly, which is why I am an ahtiest. Jordon Peterson, however, is a Christian which I find hypocritical. If he does not like Islam for being misogynist, how can he be okay with any organised religion?

How would "forced monogamy" even work? Does that mean women would be forced into relationships with men whether they want to or not?

It’s called enforced monogamy. It’s not really a widely used term, from what I gather.

However, the basic concept is basically that monogamy is socially desirable and should be promoted over alternative models (polygamy is the most problematic in this line of thinking, as frustrated young men will cause social problems).

Incels aren’t “given” anyone, the point is that men need to better themselves to be more desirable to women. I think that’s always been the message with JP, not that women need to lower their standards.

Not saying I agree with any of this, but I don’t see the big fuss about it either. Men DO need to improve themselves, in general.

"monogamy is socially desirable and should be promoted over alternative models"

Isn't that what currently happens? Marriage is incentivised by tax breaks and so on, and is promoted by political parties and major religions as desirable and the norm?

I think he's interesting, so yes. I think he'd be totally fine with being cross examined mumsnet style

Marriage is incentivised by tax breaks and so on, and is promoted by political parties and major religions as desirable and the norm?

Not sure the stats, but the general feeling is that marriage breakdown has risen and single parenthood has skyrocketed, with ensuing social problems. So whatever we’ve been doing to promote it ... isn’t exactly working.

I’d say a lot of that has to do with irresponsible and feckless male partners, but that’s just my hunch .....

In other words, if men stop being assholes they become desirable partners. Who knew. Do we really not some misogynist asshole, who believes that women and men should not be working together, to tell us that. We already knew and plus, I like to work.

Oh god no.

He'll not engage with us properly, he'll just cherry pick what he wants to answer and drone out everyone else like a big entitled male fog horn.

Also he'll bring the JP fanbois

if men stop being assholes they become desirable partners. Who knew

Well, we know it. Honestly I don’t know what it takes, but JP can actually get through to some of these men. I wouldn’t be so supportive but I’ve known irl a handful of men that have really turned themselves around thanks to JP.

On that alone I give him credit. It’s a thankless job really.

Some of what’s said here just seems so extreme and (ironically) cherrypicked just so ppl can be like, see? He’s an awful MRA sexist who wants a woman given to every incel.

Just don’t engage if you don’t like him. He’s more relevant if you have a troublesome male child.

I'd be interested in hearing his views. I think it is important to listen to all sides; it doesn't mean we have to agree!

A thankless job? The men (and some women) who listen to him adore him like a superstar. He takes selfies with people and signs autographs and has people thanking him for their marriages.

What thankless job? They worship him and that's one of the propblems I have with this. It prevents critical thinking and also seeing the sides someone might ordinarily not argee with.

The men (and some women) who listen to him adore him like a superstar

I was speaking more that it’s a difficult job to motivate these losers to be better. I wouldn’t do it, certainly wouldn’t date anyone like that (though through DH know a number of guys that really, really do need help and he tries, I won’t though)

Yes please.

I don't agree with all his views but he has some good points.

Also what's wrong with him being right wing? I didn't know MN was just for the left ?

It seems as if we can have some common ground with Jordan Peterson, we agree that feckless men are a problem for society but can we find any common ground when it comes to the optimal solution?

Also what's wrong with him being right wing? I didn't know MN was just for the left ?

You've not been here long, then. On MN being right wing is up there with being a racist or a sadist or a paedophile or a homophobe. It's simply not possible to be right wing and be a decent human being apparently.

It's seen not so much a political leaning - more a sign that you are psychopath who would deal with poverty by throwing the poor into communal bonfires, given half a chance.

It's a no from me.
Please, no.

The problem is that JP is one of those feckless men, with an appalling view on women. What self-respecting woman could give any credence to the idea that she belongs in the kitchen, because let's be honest here. It is what he is saying in the most verbose possible way.

Absolutely, to having brilliant women scientists on - anyone you'd particularly like to see?

Can we have Gina Rippon? The arguments about the social construction of gender could be a refreshing antidote to JP's very original argument that men are just naturally more 'competent' than women. Could be a nice follow up.

She's had a book out recently and could perhaps provide some interesting advice for parents who want to raise their children to be as free from the constraints of gender as possible.

Yes, I'd be interested

Feckless? FECKLESS? Do you even know what that word means?

To be honest, I’d rather you invited Rod Liddle. Covers more or less the same ground and At least he would speak in clear, concrete English rather then meaningless waffle and would tell some good jokes.

Not particularly interested in what he has to say.

Mary Beard has a new book coming out towards the end of this year if you're looking for suggestions MNHQ

And from my NN I obviously have a bias but Lindsey Davis has a new book out this year too

Mary Beard has a new book coming out towards the end of this year if you're looking for suggestions MNHQ

LOL, there have been several comments saying 'I don't see why he we should give him the time of day - he'll only be wanting to plug his new book.' like doing publicity and interviews on the back of a new book is some terrible crime that only JBP has ever sunk low enough to consider.

I await a string of comments saying similar when Mary Beard's web chat is announced.

I wouldn't be interested in Mary Beard.

Mary Beard would be great, very interested in a web chat from her.