2017/03/27: Dr. Oren Amitay and the Ontario Psychological Association

Recently, Dr. Oren Amitay, a lecturer in psychology at Ryerson U, invited me to talk to his class (and extended an invitation to other students at the university). He had previously been exchanging opinions about free speech, and the position I had taken on such issues, on a listserv operated by the Ontario Psychological Association. During this video, Dr. Amitay talks with me about the opposition he has faced regarding his opinions, and the steps taken by the OPA, in consequence.

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[meatofpeach]

Very courageous and admirable that Dr. Amitay is publicly supporting Peterson, especially if he doesn't have tenure.

[rdf]

By trying to stop Jordan speaking to classrooms of 50-100 people, these people have now given him an audience of 200, 000 subscribers.

Well done, genius.

[Kosumo]

Modern age heroes. Remember millions are with you and stay strong gentlemen.

[nowthatsprogress]

Thank you, Dr Oren Amitay. Proud to be your countryman.

[TCS]

Stay strong, Dr. Amitay. You have truth and morality on your side.

We all need to publicly support Dr. Amitay and Doctor Peterson at every turn and every opportunity. Silence is death to free speech and gives power to those who would see it destroyed. Please, everyone, speak out.

[jimfinigan]

Dr. Amitay and Dr. Peterson are a credit to the field of Psychology. They demonstrate courage in defending their informed opinion.

[sunsetxsong]

Dr. Peterson, you and Dr. Amitay are driving a very important discussion. The freedom to tackle controversial ideas and challenge the status quo is integral to democracy and free thought. Please keep sharing your thoughts and weathering the storm.

Critical thinkers cultivate humility and become adept at wrestling with abstract concepts and separating their emotions from a given issue in order to evaluate it more effectively. Unfortunately, it would seem that many opponents of this discussion often argue from a place of emotion, because this issue challenges their core beliefs and therefore makes them uncomfortable.

I think the two sides are talking past each other. Effective communication is based on WHAT you say just as much as HOW you say it. This does not necessarily mean downplaying, avoiding, or obfuscating facts. It means communicating facts in accessible, relatable language. I do not believe that learning how your audience/opponent relates to and understands people and ideas leads to a dumbing down of those ideas.

I think Dr. Amitay's colleagues were upset because they most definitely mistook his blunt approach for rudeness and self-righteousness. Clear language is immensely important when tackling big issues, I agree wholeheartedly. But the problem is that many people read between the lines in addition to simply reading words on a screen.

But at the same time, hurling accusations of hatred, bigotry, and prejudice are completely ineffective as well. Because people on the other side of the censorship issue argue from a place of emotion, they are often quick to attribute emotion to their opponents' words because they cannot conceive of arguing a point solely based on facts, without feeling some sort of driving emotion behind a given stance.

It's exhausting. And there is only so much you can do before you feel like you are trying to communicate with a brick wall of emotion.

[xxxmarcelino]

I was just wondering this morning when i would be graced with another video of yours.
Greetings from a Brazilian medicine student Mister Peterson.

[juanje]

Dr. Peterson,

a few years ago, I remember reading an article regarding feeling helpless when facing a problem.

it's always stuck with me that when presenting a problem to a large audience, they will feel helpless unless we are given a way to help.

Please tell us how we can help this brave man stand up against these fascists and hypocrites.

Thank you

[tcdewijk]

Dear Dr. Amitay. I hope all goes well for you in the upcoming days

[DelioPera]

Free speech is the only means we have to honestly convey ideas between once another. It is the most important thing we as humans have.

[perfectiondreamusa]

the lighting makes peterson look really intense

[duckslinger]

Dr. Amitay, thank you for all your outstanding work. I've been following you for a while due to your involvement with CAFE, thank you.

[storytunez]

Dr peterson I've made a tribute song to your Pinocchio analogy about totalitarianism. It's the final act of an album of mine called "Dialogue". It's called "Dr JBP and Pinocchio". It's on my channel and it would be amazing if it somehow reaches your ears. You're a hero for freedom of speech and at the very least I hope the tribute encourages you to keep doing what you're doing. Whether you hear it or not, thank you for everything you do

[curlysue]

give this a thumbs up if you'd be interested in a youtube series/channel by Dr. Amitay

[NathanMeffert]

Good luck, Dr. Amitay. As Dr. Peterson said, the internet/YouTube is certainly open to your ideas and perspectives. Don't forget it.

[jerrrrbear]

From the footages I have been so far on YouTube, I salute you for the tremendous amont of patience and self control you have demonstrated. I find myself rooting for you everytime I see people trying to bully you into silence. I am looking forward to see when you present your arguments in a decent debate. I wish you all the courage and strength that would keep you from hatred.

[Zoofnick]

You as the interviewer is a role we haven't seen much of. You did a pretty good job of it, especially seeing as you're new at it. One piece of constructive criticism would be that you cut Dr. Amitay off rather abruptly at a few points during the conversation. This may have been due to the conversation being over the internet and not in person. If you conduct any more of these kinds of talks (which I hope you do) it may be a good idea to wait just a second or two longer before interjecting to make sure that the guest has truly said his or her piece.

Overall this was a very interesting discussion, I hope for more.

[lloydgarth]

Dr. Oren Amitay, my hat goes off to you! I support you totally! We need to see and hear you more often.

[NotesForSpaceCadets]

Jordan's got better lighting than The White House.