Opinions Writer praises Jordan Peterson’s speech, is Banished from Newspaper
October 20, 2021
Traditionally, the Opinions section in a newspaper is typically well thought-out and supported by documented evidence to persuade readers of a point. However, in this issue of The Bucknellian, this forethought was shoved into the backseat as Ryan Laughiter ’24 wrote a disgusting, harmful article about Jordan Peterson’s recent on-campus speech.
“It was so moving that tears formed in my eyes.” Laughiter wrote. “He has the voice of a Canadian angel.” While Laughiter didn’t go into specifics about what Peterson talked about (something hateful or bigoted I’m sure), Ryan’s article was immediately slammed by comments, many of them coming from alumni, upon publication.
“This is absolutely disgusting.” One commenter wrote. “Everyone knows that you shouldn’t let controversial speakers on campus. This is why. They cause harm to our student body by making them cry.”
“This is why you do research before you write on something. Where’s the journalistic integrity in all this?” Another commenter said.
Perhaps the most stinging rebuke of all for Laughiter’s article was that there were no facts to prove his argument. Did he post a picture of himself crying to social media? If not, then he has no proof. He only has his feelings to go off of, but in terms of journalism, facts should trump them every time.
Using a feelings-over-facts mindset is disruptive to the paper as a whole. Not only does it create unintelligent takes, like Ryan’s, but it also dilutes the reliability of the paper to the general readership. After all, with Peterson being as misogynistic and transphobic as the media makes him out to be, we all know that he can’t make anyone emote naturally, much less shed tears of joy from hearing his speeches.
The obvious claim from now on is that Peterson is an android, pure and simple. His prime directive is to make speeches so boring that we all fall asleep while listening to him. Then again, doesn’t everyone do that during lectures? Maybe it’s because I have a lot of personal experience with it, but they’re often the most boring thing imaginable.
Josh • Nov 12, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Using a feelings-over-facts mindset is disruptive to the article as a whole. Not only does it create unintelligent takes, like Maximus’, but it also dilutes the reliability of the article to the general readership.
Liz • Nov 15, 2021 at 2:13 pm
When you can’t read the clearly marked “satire” tag and throw a temper tantrum… Lol. Your reading comprehension skills <<<<<<<<<<
J R H • Nov 12, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Have you ever read Peterson or listened to more than a soundbite? Or do you just let more successful pundits tell you what to think?
If you’re going to rip Peterson, make it interesting please. Not a single reader learned anything from this article.
Alik • Nov 12, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Most pathetic article ever. The entire article is just full of name calling and accusations without any sources whatsoever as to why Peterson would be a misogynist (for instance). No sources whatsoever. This isn’t an opinion piece, this just somebody having a temper tantrum.
Liz • Nov 15, 2021 at 2:08 pm
This article is very clearly marked “satire,” so you are correct. It is not an Opinion piece. Are you not embarrassed?
Thomas • Nov 4, 2021 at 2:29 pm
You sound so weak Maximus. That’s the first thing I see in this opinion piece. I sense a kind of spoiled entitlement… The vibe you get from an almost grown child who’s never had to worry about putting food on the table or paying a mortgage. Someone’s who’s been sheltered from the harsh realities of life. Life isn’t and will not be what you like to hear and want to do. Life is listening to the truth, even when you don’t like it and doing what you have to do to secure your future. Dr Peterson speaks of responsibility (taking on as much as you possibly can), remaining strong even when the world around you is crumbling and being an honest, reliable and hard working man or woman. Welcome to the real world, where mommy and daddy can’t make anyone give you the job, can’t protect you from words you don’t like and can’t silence Dr. J. B. Peterson.