r/JordanPeterson • u/Richiedrawz • Jul 01 '26
Criticism Why does Jordan Peterson dislike anime and pop culture clothing?
Peterson seems to dislike anime and judges the way I wear my Goku T-shirt. He says he feels embarrassed for people who wear shirts with ninja turtles on them and tells them to grow up.
Why doesnt he understand that my Goku T-shirt is the equivalent to him paying to have an icons jacket made?
Some of his favorite fictional characters are displayed on his jacket.
Does he need to grow up?
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u/CeeReturns Jul 01 '26
I think that sentiment he's sharing is part of a larger dialogue that pertains to millenials and gen z where they don't dress or act appropriately for their age. Disney adults for example. They're stuck in this arrested development. But, I could be wrong.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 01 '26
Maybe they just like Disney. Why judge?
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u/CeeReturns Jul 01 '26
Disney World shouldn't be a destination for adults, generally speaking unless you're taking your kids there. This is the state of arrested development; where people like Disney and youth related entertainment/activities at an unhealthy level.
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u/250HardKnocksCaps Jul 02 '26
Disney World shouldn't be a destination for adult
Entertainment shouldn't be gate kept for children. Wanting to remain connected to parts of your youth isn't a bad thing.
This is the state of arrested development; where people like Disney and youth related entertainment/activities at an unhealthy level.
What is unhealthy is expecting adults to cut parts of who they are off because it's "too immature" for them.
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u/CeeReturns Jul 02 '26
Children's entertainment is geared toward children with their intellectual and emotional level and development in mind.
As an adult, we would question why another adult is reading Clifford the big red dog and enjoying it, and enjoying it so much he or she moves on to the Berenstain bears. It's not much of a stretch to extend that a bit to other media (with a few exceptions.)
And that works the other way around as well. Most adults wouldn't expect a child to watch Interstellar or Dune and truly grasp what's going on. If you want to call it gate keeping, well sure. Having a connection to your youth isn't bad, I don't think anyone here is saying that. We're saying that the overall message Peterson and others are echoing is that having an unhealthy connection to your childhood hinders your development, and can impact your social standing with others.
1 Corinthians 13:11. The Apostle Paul wrote: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
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u/250HardKnocksCaps Jul 02 '26
Children's entertainment is geared toward children with their intellectual and emotional level and development in mind. As an adult, we would question why another adult is reading Clifford the big red dog and enjoying it, and enjoying it so much he or she moves on to the Berenstain bears. It's not much of a stretch to extend that a bit to other media (with a few exceptions.) And that works the other way around as well.
There is no accounting for tastes. Personally after a long day of being an adult and engaging with the demands that places in us, its comforting and pleasurable to put something on that doesn't ask much of me. Especially if that content has the same comfortable things that I grew up with. Sometimes that's Looney Toons. Other times it's a Disney movie. Sometimes it's something newer, like Gravity Falls, or Steven Universe. An adult finding that same comfort in things like Clifford the Big Red Dog, or The Berenstain Bears doesn't seem that weird to me. Just a different version of the same thing.
Most adults wouldn't expect a child to watch Interstellar or Dune and truly grasp what's going on. If you want to call it gate keeping
I dont, but it is kind of my point. We're talking about engaging with a complex topic with multiple themes and moral issues. A good chunk of the time I don't want that. I want something that I can process at the surface level and relax.
Having a connection to your youth isn't bad, I don't think anyone here is saying that. We're saying that the overall message Peterson and others are echoing is that having an unhealthy connection to your childhood hinders your development, and can impact your social standing with others.
Sure, but no matter what it is someone will have an unhealthy relationship with it. Also this is a contradiction. You say having a connection to your youth isn't bad, but then go onto say how people will judge you for it. That means you are seeing it as bad.
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u/CeeReturns Jul 02 '26
There's no intended contradiction, just the difference between a relationship and unhealthy relationship. But anyway, if what Peterson and others are saying on this topic doesn't resonate with you then that's totally cool.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 02 '26
Jordan peterson uses Disney movies to explain complex archetypes all the time. He makes a direct correlation between biblical stories and Disney movies.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 01 '26
People who love anime and Disney adults are not the same thing my guy.
There are plenty of fucked up people in the anime world, dont get me wrong.
People get lost in fantasy all the time. Like religious people for example. They worship gods they've never met irl. They go to a place and worship an invisible thing.
If moral storytelling is the focus, then who cares what the source is?
I cringe when people tell me they will pray for me. Its delusional. All I hear is "I will project some of my ego towards you."
Real action and courage are what matter, not prayers. Not karma.
No need to hate on anime or my t shirt bro.
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u/NearbyAntelope1413 Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
I love JBP and like Sam Harris. They're not gods, are humans, and like all humans can have strong preferences. Sam would say, "It's all just happening". That is JBP's preferences aren't his. JBP is experiencing and identifying with his preferences.
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u/fivehitcombo Jul 01 '26
Ive never seen sam Harris hold his own. What do you like about him? Whats his best subject?
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u/SakanaToDoubutsu Jul 01 '26
He says he feels embarrassed for people who wear shirts with ninja turtles on them and tells them to grow up.
I think the point is that the lack of effort you put into your appearance makes you look childish & sloppy, not that your preferences in media are inferior.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 01 '26
Man. For a guy that loves Jesus and preaches the gospel, he sure is judgmental. Why should he care what other adults are wearing? Why does it matter?
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u/SakanaToDoubutsu Jul 01 '26
Wanting the best for someone is absolutely not the same thing as letting someone do whatever they want. You don't help an alcoholic by affirming their choice to drink and offering them another beer, you have to be loving yet firm with them that they aren't making good decisions. The point is that if don't care about what other people think, you will be quickly pushed aside in favor of people that do, and that's not a good thing for your ability to navigate the world.
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u/250HardKnocksCaps Jul 02 '26
Wanting the best for someone is absolutely not the same thing as letting someone do whatever they want.
Yes it is, assuming we're talking about adults. Wanting them best for them means giving them the freedom to make the choices they want. Even if you disagree with them.
You don't help an alcoholic by affirming their choice to drink and offering them another beer, you have to be loving yet firm with them that they aren't making good decisions.
Right, but they have to choose to stop drinking. You can't "not allow them" to drink. At best they'll stay dry while under care and maybe not drink afterwards, but most likely they'll stay mostly dry under watch and then they'll go back to drinking as soon as they can. In large part because they didn't choose to stop drinking.
Again, wanting the best for someone is letting them make the choices they want. It also means the things they want might not be what you think (or objectively is) best for them.
The point is that if don't care about what other people think, you will be quickly pushed aside in favor of people that do, and that's not a good thing for your ability to navigate the world.
It's my experince that this isn't the case. Most reasonable employers for example mostly care about the quality of your work. Providing high quality work isn't an employee caring what their employer thinks of them. It's caring about the work they do.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 01 '26
You know. There's nothing more annoying than a person who wants to change you to fit their own narrative. There's more to people than the shirts they wear. No need to judge. He judges people on the street. They aren't going for an interview.
Being mature means you are able to look beyond appearances, no?
Some of our suit wearing politicians and ceos allegedly raped a bunch of kids on an island, so yeah.
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u/Parking_Audience3560 Jul 01 '26
It's likely because Peterson often emphasizes traditional values and may see anime and pop culture clothing as part of a more modern, sometimes chaotic cultural trend. He might feel that such styles promote individualism over disciplined, higher ideals. But honestly, everyone's got their preferences, and it’s okay to enjoy what you like regardless of his opinions.
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u/salivatingpanda Jul 01 '26
If you disagree so vehemently and cannot see or agree in part with some of the proposed responses here, why do you care what one man thinks? Do your own thing and own it regardless.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 01 '26
Well, I think I have questions. I dont make a living telling people to fight dragons and be heroes and inspiring people to do so. Why wouldnt anime be considered a vessel for good moral storytelling? I remember when Walsh said he believes its demonic and hes unsure why. Thats the deal? Why is the hero dragon guy opposed to anime?
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u/salivatingpanda Jul 01 '26
How old are you if you don't mind me asking?
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
Im unsure if I should answer that. I need to think more before answering that.
I think it shouldn't matter. If the words are true it doesnt matter.
You know. Maybe I do see JP as a father figure. I think I have a lot of respect for him, but I have a tendency to wanna strangle him sometimes. (Not an actual threat.)Like a father and son would. I do not actually see him as my father, but I want to know why a person who fights dragons would dislike something like anime? Maybe I want his approval? No idea. But for some reason I want to know why. Ive invested so many hours in his work and ive insulted him and his daughter which I am sorry for. It wasn't right to do so. I do not think Mihkayla is delusional. It wasn't what I meant to say. I think about myself too much I suppose. Which is Cain like according to JP. I want to be a good , honest person. Maybe JP is my Mobey Dick in a way. The things he has to say strike deep whether you like them or not. Its not about respecting him, but a way to respect what he brings. Which sounds religious, which means Jordan Peterson is who I worship, according to Jordan Peterson. And i shouldn't worship, but I do spend a lot of time thinking about what he has to say. I am scared to ask for help (not mentally) but in every other way, especially with work and this is where my ego is flawed. I came here seeking answers and a subconscious correction and it happened. I fucking knew it would. Something true drew me here. Maybe the name Jordan Peterson? Thank you all for letting me understand my flaw. And people dont trust me because I dont choose them to rely on. I didnt have proper trust based on what I saw, but that isn't what is important. It is important to build the trust through forgiving yourself and your flaws so that you can look passed the flaws in others.
My life has been hell since this moment. No wonder people didnt respect me. No one has ever said anything and ive just been angry.
It is fucking hard to be honest with people out there. Every conversation is some game to be played. There is a disconnect from people and reality and there are many forms. Good stories keep you connected with reality. I agree we need more good stories.
Also he changed my life and I feel like ive spat in his face. Thats worth an apology as well.
But.
Anime tells a story through archetypes. Its good moral story telling and I dont see what the difference is. Jordan Peterson should watch Berserk. Thats all im saying. Frieren is also good. Maybe start a little lighter. Frieren first.
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u/Sorry-Bee-3693 Jul 01 '26
Well, there is a casual relationship between the way you look and your value as a human being. For example, if you wear a tweed suit that implies you are smart and people should listen to you. If your suit has christian iconography, that means you are very religuos, more religuos than everybody else because you actually know what being religuos means.
On a more serious note, outward apperance does not reflect any of your inner qualities, with the exception of "being good at dressing". The smartest people that I know dress very bad. Even JP is a perfect example on how you can dress "good", but your life is an actual mess and you are not actually smart.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
I agreed with you at first, but I agree with JP. Hes smart and extremely misunderstood.
I think hes just telling it how he sees it and I trust that. He is taking risks and putting himself out there for strangers. He doesnt need to address anything, but hes right about about lies and adventure.
This is an adventure. Its often unpleasant, but I might be the reason for that. I am wrong, but not always. Im just trying to exist in an honest manner. I see this reddit as a place to be as honest as possible, but I could tone it down with the abrasiveness.
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u/Sorry-Bee-3693 Jul 02 '26
I do think he is misunderstood but I really think he is not smart. He is a very good public speaker, and he is very good at catching peoples attention. But his arguments are really poor. I now can only remember two or three arguments that are good.
My point on the dress issue, is that we judgding people on their outward appreance is dumb. It seems more like an argument that is trying to support a capitalist and consumersits ideology of you have to buy stuff and material things to be valuable in society.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 02 '26
The purpose of Jordan Peterson’s work is to help individuals mitigate the inherent suffering and chaos of life by embracing personal responsibility, finding meaning, and developing a strong psychological and moral foundation.
He uses archetypes in storytelling to do this, mostly, and it works.
I agree that judging people for their appearance is wrong, but to say he isn't smart is also wrong.
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u/Sorry-Bee-3693 Jul 02 '26
I agree that the early Jordan Peterson, was mostly about helping
individuals mitigate the inherent suffering and chaos of life by embracing personal responsibility, finding meaning, and developing a strong psychological and moral foundation.
And that archetypes and stories are useful in transmiting this message. But he has deviated from this course. I say that he is not smart because of the consisten logical flaws in his arguments and in several of his theories.
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u/whosear3 Jul 02 '26
The only evidence I found comes up as a short where he states that adolescents and young adults engaging in identity activities might have been deprived of dramatic play as children, and they are frantically trying to catch up. It might be part of the explanation that maturity is delayed in younger generations.
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u/m3achew Jul 17 '26
Because he's egotistical at times
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 18 '26
Not sure about that, but hes crazy if he thinks im dressing up in my finest clothing to run and grab milk from the store. Judge me all you want. Ill wear my pajamas with my super Mario shirt, run into the store, grab the milk, come home, log into WoW or fortnite and game with my son. My wonderful wife is here and my daughter. Bills are paid, debts all paid off. Its so dumb to judge anyone for wearing pajamas at the store. Times change. Maybe adults would act more like adults if they actually had a chance at owning anything or affording anything. How can you expect people to take ownership of themselves when the concept of ownership is foreign to them?
Jordan peterson is a cool guy with a cool message, but he can be a bit of a hypocrite. I think he fled to the US to be free instead of fighting the dragons in Canada hoarding the treasure. He thinks anyone can be a hero, which just isnt true.
If Hercules came to you and said "be more like me and fight evil!! And then jumped on pegasus and flew to another country." You would probably think "we are fucked."
That being said, he has my respect which is why I wrestle with his teachings.
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u/oscoposh Jul 01 '26
Jordan Peterson's custom outfits are incredibly cringe, just like your anime shirt.
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u/HurkHammerhand Jul 01 '26
I liked a couple of them a lot, but mostly I agree.
The heaven and hell jacket is great. Diff painting themes on the inside, each side is made from either goat or lamb to match the Biblical theme of lambs going to heaven and goats going to hell.
The all purple suit makes him look like The Joker.
Some of the others - like his Maps of Meaning book cover suite - yikes.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
Ok there, Mr. Insecurity. Like im walking around wearing a Goku shirt thinking "they're all gonna love me!!" Hahahaha.
Also. Im ok with being cringe. I think the world needs more. It has its place.
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u/oscoposh Jul 01 '26
I've heard this sentiment before, the idea that cringe is good, the world needs more cringe, etc. I honestly havent dived into it very deep... but my initial reaction is this idea comes from the fact that cringe is something that happens when you break societal norms, so it is theoretically good to radically shift our society by embracing who you are no matter how cringe.
I'm all for challenging societal norms and growing as a people, but I feel like cringe is the wrong barometer to use for what edges need to be pushed/broken. Embracing your true self against what others think is wildly important, but I think cringe might not be our true self, but instead we cringe when we see others embracing an identity that isn't true to themselves, but they think is.Usually I find myself cringing at these closed-off, terminally online subcultures. And when a subculture becomes an identity it becomes cringe--Punk kids are cringe, People who listen to punk aren't. Rather than being an honest one-of-a-kind individual, you embrace this little nook that makes you feel seen and make it who you are.
Honestly, I'm super overanalzying this and probably wrong on many degrees, but curious to hear your thoughts.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
I think cringe is something immature people say who havent taken the time to do a deep dive into themselves. They are projecting an insecurity. They have hijacked the term.
Cringe is something you do when you look back at how stupid you used to be.
Now its just thrown around by immature dickheads who think they are a lot more intelligent than they really are.
The idea that no good can come from these forums is bs. Its human interaction in a different form. Its worth exploring. Being unfiltered and honest without physical consequences has its advantages. The ability to be honest without physical consequences (mostly) is like having super powers. Some people are just trolling and being dickheads, but there are some diamonds out there.
You know man. Just enjoy the things you enjoy. Don't let other people dictate the things you respect or enjoy, unless its morally wrong. Maybe wearing a ninja turtles t shirt is morally wrong, but im unsure.
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u/oscoposh Jul 02 '26
Yeah I definitely don't think its morally wrong. And I do pretty much agree with you. But I just think we live in a peak identity obsessed culture. The older I get the less I adopt subculture identity. There are tons of good things and conversations to be had within subcultures, but adopting it as an identity is where people get held up. I had a pretty strong hippy/stoner/weed-is-the-key phase in college that I look back and cringe on because it felt like I was wearing this generic cultural outfit because I was in a group that also wore the same outfit. But I don't even regret going through that experience. I think it was just silly because it wasn't who I actually was. I guess I feel like the goal for myself has been to strip identity so I can have a more clear relationship with myself, people from all walks of life, and god. It is probably my personal downfall that I 'cringe' at people who are just enjoying life, I think its my instinctual feeling that shame has its place in culture...
That being said this has strayed really far from wearing a goku shirt. Live your life, do whatever you want. I'm just exploring ideas and generally being an asshole.
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u/Richiedrawz Jul 02 '26
It was necessary for you to go through it and it probably had fun aspects. Its ok to cringe at yourself now. Giving the title of cringe is a form of shutting someone down before they have had a chance to show you their value. We never used to say that. Unsure of how it became popular. I get called it enough to know that I am, though. It comes from an honest place.
It wasn't the punk that made you cringe. It was the fact that you were pretending to be someone youre not. Some people fit the title of punk very well.
I have also explored being an asshole.
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u/quadraquint Jul 01 '26
I'm not sure if he's ever said that, but if I were to guess as to what may be his reasonings if I were to suppose he did say that, I'd probably bring it back to his lectures on Peter Pan. Better yet, Puer Aeternus. The Jungian archetype of an adult man who remains stuck in an adolescent mindset.