A post on MEDIUM caught the eye of an IN-SIGHTS reader who was researching Jordan Peterson, the dangerous Canadian practitioner of right-wing politics. BBC quotes a review of a Peterson book by literary critic Johanna Thomas-Corr:

He repeatedly identifies masculinity with order and femininity with chaos and makes it clear which side he feels we should favour.

Of course, that’s just one of the criticisms of Peterson.

The College of Psychologists of Ontario examined Peterson’s online conduct and found that it appeared to be degrading, demeaning and unprofessional. He was ordered to enter a professional coaching program to improve his behaviour. Peterson asked Ontario’s courts to overturn the order. In the last week, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed Peterson’s appeal with costs.

The writer of the MEDIUM article was J.D. Blackburn. He posted Unmasking Pierre Poilievre: The Demagogue’s Playbook and Its Dangers for Canada.

Blackburn is focused on Poilievre, but lies and demagoguery are part of the right-wing, conservative playbook. With less than ten weeks before BC’s provincial election, expect to see numerous examples on display. I quote from Blackburn’s article:

I want to start this article with an important clarification: I am not affiliated with any party and consider myself a political orphan. I am neither liberal nor conservative but rather a centrist who believes in contextual politics.

…In recent years, political figures using demagoguery to gain power have become increasingly common. In Canada, Pierre Poilievre is one such example. This article breaks down his psychological and political tactics, showing how he uses them and explaining why they are dangerous for our society.

We will also draw parallels with Donald Trump and the MAGA movement in the United States, as well as the QAnon cult, a fertile ground for conspiracy theories that are also gaining traction in our country.

What is a Demagogue?

A demagogue is someone who seeks popular support by exploiting the passions, fears, prejudices, and emotions of the public rather than using rational or logical arguments. Here are some characteristics of a demagogue:

— Exploiting statistics by distorting correlations disguised as causalities to influence opinion.

— Promoting conspiracy theories when necessary.

— Undermining public trust in institutions.

— Polarizing society through rhetoric.

— Attacking opponents with personal insults, portraying them as enemies of the people and dehumanizing them.

The Psychological Tactics of Demagogues

— Exploiting Emotions

Demagogues like Pierre Poilievre exploit collective emotions, especially fear and anger, to influence public opinion. By presenting himself as a defender against perceived threats, he creates a sense of urgency and crisis. He repeatedly hammers the same themes, stirring up frustrations and the fear he generates through his rhetoric. Emotional appeals are powerful because…

— Simplifying Complex Issues

For a demagogue and his base, complex political issues are often reduced to simple, binary choices. This tactic, known as a “false dilemma,” allows people to form an opinion without fully understanding the nuances…

— Conspiracy Theories and Misleading Correlations

Poilievre is known for spreading conspiracy theories and presenting correlations as causalities. For example, he might link economic hardships directly to government policies without recognizing broader global factors. This misleading representation simplifies the narrative and directs public anger…

The complete MEDIUM article adds much detail. We should remember that the tactics Blackburn examines are used by right-wing politicians everywhere, including British Columbia.

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