Podcast Summary: The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast – Episode 513: Hollywood Undone and the Return to Comedy | Rob Schneider

Introduction

In Episode 513 of "The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast," Dr. Jordan B. Peterson engages in an in-depth conversation with comedian, actor, and author Rob Schneider. The discussion delves into the transformation of Hollywood, the erosion of free speech, the impact of postmodernism, and the broader political landscape affecting American society.

Hollywood and the Shift to Identity Politics

Rob Schneider begins by critiquing the evolution of Hollywood from a celebration of artistic merit to a venue dominated by identity politics. He laments the establishment's requirement for a minimum percentage of LGBTQ+ representation and racial diversity to win accolades such as the Academy Awards.

Rob Schneider [00:24]: "They started making these decisions. You cannot win an Academy Award unless you have 40% LGBTQ, unless you have people a certain percentage of color. The crew is this."

This shift, according to Schneider, has marginalized genuine artistic commitment and humor, turning Hollywood into a machine that perpetuates exclusionary practices for financial gain.

The Importance of Free Speech

The conversation transitions to the fragile state of free speech in modern society. Peterson underscores the rarity of true free speech rights globally, emphasizing their precarious nature in the West.

Jordan Peterson [00:33]: "It's a pronounced minority of people in the world who have anything approximating the right to free speech. So the fact that we take it for granted is something like a miracle."

Schneider echoes this sentiment, highlighting how the pandemic exacerbated governmental overreach, leading to increased censorship and surveillance.

Rob Schneider [09:44]: "Our rights being taken away... the Constitution and our Bill of Rights. And if people don't stand up for it, yes, it can be taken away."

Pandemic and the Rise of the Surveillance State

Schneider discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the consolidation of power within tech industries and government agencies, resulting in heightened surveillance and reduced personal freedoms.

Rob Schneider [10:02]: "The machine that comes into place and that takes advantage of certain situations... is making money."

Peterson adds that such consolidation leads to a form of oligarchy, where multiple power centers vie for dominance, undermining genuine freedom.

Jordan Peterson [14:10]: "The rise of a hydra... something like a warring oligarchy."

Postmodernism and Power Dynamics

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on postmodernism's influence on contemporary thought and its alignment with Marxist principles. Peterson argues that postmodernists reject the metaphysics of freedom, viewing all interactions through the lens of power dynamics and group identity.

Jordan Peterson [34:23]: "Postmodernists believe that the metaphysics of freedom itself... there's no game but power."

Schneider concurs, noting that this ideology has infiltrated academia, leading to systemic racism and the undermining of individual liberties.

Rob Schneider [38:27]: "If you scrape and look down and you go, what is postmodernism? That's communism. That's Marxism."

Changing Political Landscape and Media Influence

The dialogue shifts to the transformation of media and its role in shaping political discourse. Schneider criticizes the legacy media and major tech companies for suppressing conservative voices, asserting that alternative platforms like podcasting have become the new bastions for free speech.

Jordan Peterson [42:35]: "None of these people were capitalized right... they were disenfranchised liberals."

Schneider highlights the unexpected success of conservative podcasters, attributing the Republicans' control over media to unforeseen grassroots movements rather than financial dominance.

Vaccine Policies and Public Health Concerns

Schneider brings a personal angle to the discussion by addressing vaccine safety, particularly concerning children. He expresses concerns over mandated vaccinations and their potential neurological impacts, advocating for parental rights and informed consent.

Rob Schneider [81:06]: "There is a real problem with our children that we have to get a handle on."

Peterson and Schneider discuss the parallels between current health policies and historical abuses, such as those witnessed in Nazi Germany, cautioning against the erosion of individual rights under the guise of public safety.

Rob Schneider [91:08]: "These very much use that [protection], safety, and usually health."

Hollywood's Decline and the Future of Comedy

Returning to Hollywood, Schneider reflects on how prioritizing political correctness over creative integrity has led to the industry's decline. He remains optimistic, believing that Hollywood's foundational ethos of resistance against overreach will facilitate a resurgence focused on genuine artistry.

Rob Schneider [44:35]: "Identity politics became more important than the actual craft itself."

Peterson concurs, emphasizing the need for a return to valuing individual merit and free expression to rejuvenate the entertainment sector.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a call to action for preserving free speech and combating the pervasive influence of postmodernist ideology. Schneider promotes his new book, "You Can Do It," as a testament to the power of individual agency and resilience in the face of systemic challenges.

Rob Schneider [48:09]: "The system is crumbling. If this doesn't change, nothing else matters."

Peterson and Schneider reinforce the necessity of standing up for foundational American values to ensure the nation's continued prosperity and freedom.

Key Takeaways

• Transformation of Hollywood: Shift from artistic merit to identity politics has marginalized genuine creativity.

• Fragility of Free Speech: Free speech remains a rare and precarious right, vulnerable to governmental and corporate overreach.

• Impact of Postmodernism: Postmodernist ideology undermines individual liberties by emphasizing power dynamics and group identity.

• Media Influence: Legacy media suppression has been countered by the rise of alternative platforms championing free speech.

• Public Health Concerns: Mandated vaccinations raise issues of informed consent and parental rights, drawing parallels to historical abuses.

• Future of Entertainment: A return to valuing individual merit and free expression is essential for Hollywood's resurgence.

This episode offers a comprehensive critique of contemporary societal trends, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding individual freedoms and resisting ideological overreach to preserve the foundational values of Western civilization.