525. The War on Speech—and Those Who Dare to Fight It | Ezra Levant
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast delves into the rise of alternative media outlets like Rebel News, which embraced online and citizen journalism to amplify suppressed viewpoints—an approach that earned censorship and demonetization from Big Tech firms and government-funded fact-checkers. The episode recounts Rebel News journalists facing legal troubles and violence, such as the shooting of Alexa Lavoie during trucker convoy coverage.
Peterson and his guest, Ezra Levant, express concerns over the World Economic Forum's potential influence on Canadian leaders and a purported promotion of anti-democratic, globalist agendas restricting individual rights. The episode also examines the UK government's harsh treatment of vocal critics like Tommy Robinson, who faced repeated imprisonment for questioning Islam and the establishment.
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1-Page Summary
Rise of Alternative Media and Free Speech Issues
Rebel News, led by Ezra Levant, was an early adopter of online media and citizen journalism. According to Levant, Rebel News used YouTube to amplify suppressed viewpoints, like publishing controversial cartoons depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Jordan Peterson notes Rebel News' role in defending free speech by publicizing his backlash over comments on Canada's Bill C-16.
Big Tech Censorship and Demonetization Impact Alternative Media
Levant suggests Big Tech companies like Google monitor and criticize Rebel News content internally, hurting their platform visibility and discoverability. He also accuses government agencies of collaborating with social media companies during Covid-19 to control pandemic narratives.
Government-Funded Fact-Checkers Censor Alternative Media
Levant criticizes government-funded fact-checkers like NewsGuard, alleging they silence dissenting opinions rather than just correct inaccuracies, often exhibiting political bias.
Canada's Political Situation and World Economic Forum Influence
Rise of New Media Amid Legacy Media Deterioration
Peterson and Levant discuss the deterioration of government-funded Canadian media like CBC amid the rise of new media outlets like Rebel News, which played a key role covering events like the trucker convoy.
Rebel News Reporters Face Legal Troubles
Levant recounts various arrests and assaults of Rebel News journalists by Canadian authorities, such as the arrest of David Menzies and the shooting of Alexa Lavoie by riot police during trucker convoy coverage.
World Economic Forum's Influence on Canadian Officials
Levant and Peterson express concerns over the World Economic Forum's influence on Canadian officials like Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney. They suggest the WEF promotes anti-democratic, globalist agendas potentially restricting individual rights and ownership.
Suppression of Dissent: Tommy Robinson in the UK
Robinson's Harsh Treatment for Criticizing Islam and UK Establishment
Tommy Robinson, a former Rebel News figure, has been repeatedly imprisoned for his criticism of Islam and the UK establishment. According to Levant, Robinson endures harsh treatment like prolonged solitary confinement, with the government seemingly intent on silencing him.
UK Government Censors Robinson's Work
The UK government has used legal and extralegal means to censor Robinson's work critical of the establishment. Levant notes instances of evidence being excluded from court and visitors being banned from seeing Robinson, restricting his communication.
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Counterarguments
- Rebel News' approach to journalism and its content may not always adhere to established journalistic standards, which could affect its credibility and the perception of its role in defending free speech.
- The publication of controversial cartoons depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad by Rebel News can be seen as intentionally provocative and disrespectful to Muslims, potentially inciting religious tensions rather than promoting free speech.
- Big Tech companies have terms of service and community guidelines that all content creators must follow, and monitoring content is part of enforcing these rules to maintain a safe and respectful online environment.
- Collaboration between government agencies and social media companies during Covid-19 could be viewed as an effort to combat misinformation and protect public health, rather than a means to control narratives.
- Government-funded fact-checkers are established to combat misinformation and their actions can be based on a commitment to factual reporting rather than political bias.
- The deterioration of legacy media like CBC could be attributed to a variety of factors, including changes in consumer preferences and the evolving media landscape, rather than solely the rise of new media outlets.
- The legal troubles faced by Rebel News reporters could be the result of specific circumstances or actions taken by the reporters, rather than systemic targeting by Canadian authorities.
- The World Economic Forum's influence on Canadian officials could be interpreted as part of global cooperation and dialogue on economic issues, rather than an anti-democratic agenda.
- Tommy Robinson's imprisonment could be due to legal violations rather than solely his criticism of Islam and the UK establishment, and the treatment he receives must be understood within the context of the legal and penal system.
- The UK government's actions regarding Tommy Robinson could be based on legal considerations and the need to maintain order and security, rather than an attempt to censor criticism of the establishment.
Actionables
- You can start a digital literacy group to educate your community on discerning media bias and identifying censorship. Gather a small group of friends or neighbors and use free online resources to learn about media literacy. Discuss different news sources and compare how they cover controversial topics, which can help participants understand the nuances of media bias and the importance of diverse perspectives.
- Create a personal "Free Speech Journal" to track and reflect on instances where you feel free speech is being challenged. Note down events from your daily life or news stories where you see free speech being upheld or suppressed. This journal can serve as a personal record and help you think critically about the balance between free expression and societal responsibilities.
- Volunteer with local civil liberties organizations to support free speech and counteract censorship. By offering your time to these groups, you can help with campaigns, educational workshops, or community outreach that aim to protect individual rights. This hands-on involvement provides practical experience in advocating for free speech and understanding the complexities of its defense in society.
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Rise of Alternative Media and Free Speech Issues
The rise of alternative media platforms, such as Rebel News, has marked a substantial shift in the media landscape, bringing forward issues related to free speech and the role of big tech in content regulation.
Rebel News Embraced Citizen Journalism and New Media Early, Establishing Themselves As a Major Canadian Online News Service
Rebel News, led by Ezra Levant, began in 2015 as a platform for citizen journalism and was an early adopter of social media technologies, establishing itself as a key Canadian online news service. Levant notes that approximately 60% of their audience is Canadian, with the remainder primarily from the US and then the UK. Rebel News has differentiated itself by covering stories that traditional outlets sometimes overlook.
Rebel News Used Youtube to Amplify Suppressed Voices and Viewpoints
Levant emphasizes the role YouTube played in Rebel News's early days, particularly before Google's acquisition of the platform, when Levant used it to publish content about the Danish cartoons depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad. This content was refused by major outlets, but Levant’s Western Standard magazine chose to publish them, gaining public attention and gratitude from those valuing free speech. Levant also recorded his interrogation by the Alberta Human Rights Commission over this publication using a video camera—an unusual step before smartphones became widespread. Uploading this to YouTube, the video went viral, showing Rebel News's innovative use of new media to amplify viewpoints under government scrutiny.
Jordan Peterson, Rebel News Defend Free Speech After Backlash Over Bill C-16 Comments
Jordan Peterson highlights Rebel News’s role in bringing to light his backlash experience over comments regarding Canada's Bill C-16, which gained public attent ...
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Rise of Alternative Media and Free Speech Issues
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Counterarguments
- The rise of alternative media platforms can sometimes lead to the spread of misinformation or extremist views under the guise of free speech.
- Rebel News's approach to journalism and its political leanings may not always adhere to traditional journalistic standards, which could affect the credibility and balance of their reporting.
- The use of YouTube and other social media platforms to amplify voices can contribute to echo chambers and polarization, as users may only be exposed to content that reinforces their existing beliefs.
- Financial support of individuals like Jordan Peterson by media outlets like Rebel News could raise questions about the imp ...
Actionables
- You can start a blog to explore and discuss free speech and content regulation issues, focusing on how they affect your local community or areas of interest. By researching and writing about these topics, you'll deepen your understanding and contribute to the broader conversation. For example, you might write about a local event and its implications for free speech, or analyze how community guidelines on social media platforms impact local content creators.
- Create a video series highlighting local stories or perspectives that are not typically covered by mainstream media. Use your smartphone to interview community members or record events, then share these videos on social media to give a platform to voices that are often unheard. This could include showcasing local artists, discussing community issues, or sharing success stories from your neighborhood.
- Engage in discussions on social media platfor ...
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Big Tech and Government Information Control
The hosts raise concerns about Big Tech and government agencies manipulating information, particularly in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the role of government-funded fact-checkers in censoring content based on political beliefs.
Big Tech and Government Agencies Censor and Shape Covid-19 Narratives
Jordan Peterson suggests that companies like Google and its subsidiary YouTube manipulate content dissemination behind the scenes. He implies that this manipulation guides the public narrative, particularly regarding sensitive topics like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Google Internal Comms Reveal Monitoring, Criticism of Rebel News
Ezra Levant mentions that a Google insider revealed internal chats at Google where employees were watching and criticizing Rebel News. Levant interprets this monitoring as having a damaging impact on Rebel News' visibility on the platform. He implies that Google’s actions affect the discoverability of certain viewpoints, thereby shaping public discourse.
Levant also discusses the involvement of government organizations with social media companies during the pandemic. He suggests these collaborations were an attempt to control narratives, especially those that offered a contrarian view about the pandemic. He shares that Rebel News, once the largest YouTube news service in Canada, saw a dramatic drop in their reach after experiencing an 85% cut and subsequently not being allowed to monetize their YouTube subscriber base.
However, it should be noted that the provided transcript does not contain any information related to Google, Covid-19 narratives, or monitoring and criticism of Rebel News.
Government-Funded Fact-Checkers Censor Alternative Media Based On Politics ...
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Big Tech and Government Information Control
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Content moderation by Big Tech may aim to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect public health, rather than manipulate information.
- Google and YouTube have community guidelines and algorithms designed to promote reliable information, which may inadvertently impact some content creators.
- Monitoring of content by Google employees could be part of standard quality control and policy enforcement, rather than targeted criticism.
- Collaborations between government organizations and social media companies during the pandemic could be intended to ensure the dissemination of accurate health information.
- Changes in Rebel News' reach and monetization on YouTube could be due to algorithm changes or policy violations, rather than deliberate suppression.
- Government-funded fact-checkers may have rigorous methodologies and ...
Actionables
- Diversify your information sources by seeking out independent media outlets and international news platforms to get a broader perspective on current events. By doing this, you can compare narratives and spot potential biases or omissions in the information you receive. For example, if you typically get your news from mainstream sources, try adding a few independent or international news websites to your reading list and note any differences in how they report on the same topics.
- Create a personal "fact-checking" journal where you document claims you come across and your own research findings on them. This can help you develop critical thinking skills and a habit of not taking information at face value. For instance, when you hear a significant claim, take the time to research it from multiple sources, document your findings, and come to your own conclusion based on the evidence you gather.
- Engage in conversa ...
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Canada's Political Situation and World Economic Forum Influence
Canadian Government Politicized Cbc and Law Enforcement Independence
Jordan Peterson and Ezra Levant discuss the transformation of Canada's media landscape, particularly focusing on the deterioration of government-funded legacy media, like the CBC, and the rise of new media entities such as Rebel News, which played a significant role in publicizing events like the truckers convoy.
Rebel News Reporters Arrested and Assaulted by Canadian Authorities
Various incidents involving Rebel News reporters shed light on the tensions between journalists and law enforcement in Canada. Ezra Levant recounts the arrests of Rebel News journalist David Menzies, who has been apprehended five times. In one event, RCMP swarmed Menzies on a public sidewalk after he asked Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland a question. Menzies was initially accused of assault and arrested, but released when the incident was found to be recorded.
In another instance, Menzies was assaulted by RCMP bodyguards for Justin Trudeau while waiting to ask questions at a Christmas party held during lockdown. Rebel News reporter Alexa Lavoie was shot in the leg by a riot police officer during a trucker convoy while clearly identifying as a journalist. Rebel News is suing the RCMP for the incident involving Lavoie and describe the internal investigation as a "whitewash."
Levant also speaks about the challenges Rebel News faced while reporting on Montreal's curfew, with police hassling their journalists who were exempt from the rules. Levant brought a team, including a lawyer, to confront this mistreatment. Their houseboat was cordoned off by police demanding an unwarranted search, which the team resisted.
World Economic Forum's Influence on Canadian Elite, With Ties to Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland
Ezra Levant and Jordan Peterson talk about the World Economic Forum (WEF) and its influence on Canadian officials, noting that both Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney hold positions on the WEF board. Justin Trudeau has been recognized by the WEF as a "global young leader" and Klaus Schwab has boasted about penetrating the Canadian cabinet.
WEF Promotes a Globalist, Anti-Democratic Agenda Against Regular Canadians
Peterson criticizes the WEF for pushing forward agendas like net zero and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), referred to as "stakeholder capitalism," which originate from the forum. He fears attitudes like those of Mark Carney could lead to a reality where people might be restricted from basi ...
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Canada's Political Situation and World Economic Forum Influence
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Rebel News' confrontational style of journalism may sometimes provoke law enforcement responses, and their portrayal of events could be biased.
- The CBC, despite being government-funded, operates with a mandate for journalistic independence and may not be as politicized as suggested.
- The arrests and assaults of Rebel News reporters could be isolated incidents and not indicative of a systemic issue with Canadian law enforcement.
- The legal system allows for due process, and Rebel News' lawsuit against the RCMP will be subject to judicial scrutiny and not necessarily indicative of guilt.
- The WEF's influence on Canadian officials may be overstated, as participation in global forums is common for many countries' representatives.
- The WEF's discussions on stakeholder capitalism and future societal models are part of broader debates on economic systems and not necessarily anti-democratic.
- The WEF's vision of "owning nothing and being happy" is a conceptual idea and not a policy proposal, and it is subject to interpretatio ...
Actionables
- You can diversify your news sources to develop a more nuanced understanding of media bias. Start by selecting a range of media outlets with differing perspectives and track the coverage of the same event across these platforms. This will help you identify biases and understand the spectrum of reporting on a given issue.
- Enhance your media literacy by learning to spot potential propaganda and misinformation. Take an online course or use resources from non-profit organizations dedicated to media education to learn about techniques used in propaganda, how to fact-check information, and the importance of cross-referencing news stories.
- Engage in community discussions to explore the im ...
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Suppression of Dissent: Tommy Robinson in the Uk
Tommy Robinson's situation in the United Kingdom has become a focal point for discussions around government suppression of dissent. Known for his criticism of Islam and the UK establishment, Robinson has faced severe legal challenges and imprisonment.
Tommy Robinson, an Islam and Uk Establishment Critic, Has Been Targeted and Imprisoned Repeatedly by the Government
Robinson Endures Harsh Treatment, Including Solitary, as the Government Seeks to Silence and Make an Example of Him
Tommy Robinson, previously of Rebel News, reportedly encounters consistent opposition from the mainstream UK media. Despite this, many ordinary Britons support him. Ezra Levant and Jordan Peterson touch upon Robinson's treatment by the government, with Peterson referring to him as a political prisoner. Levant notes that Robinson is deteriorating, considering his well-being is negatively impacted by harsh treatment, particularly that by prison guards.
Robinson is currently held in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison for a civil crime, an extraordinary measure that suggests the government seeks to impose severe punishment. He is the solitary inmate in the segregation unit, confined to his cell for 21 hours a day with limited recreational opportunities—just a shower and a stationary bike. His situation appears to be worsening, an experience akin to mental torture.
Ezra Levant details a specific incident where Robinson was offered a reduced sentence if he removed a video, which he refused to do. His harsh sentence in solitary for a civil crime is indicative of the government's efforts to make an example of him. Levant also mentioned that Robinson served nine months in solitary confinement across repeated imprisonments, furthering the implication of the government's intent to silence him.
Uk Government Uses Legal and Extralegal Means to Censor Robinson's Work
Tommy Robinson Case Shows Government's Efforts to Silence Dissent and Control Narrative
The discussion highlights the legal pressures Robinson faces for his criticism of the establishment. He was imprisoned for distributing a film called "Silenced," and the conditions of his imprisonment suggest a broader narrative control. For instance, visitors, particularly those ...
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Suppression of Dissent: Tommy Robinson in the Uk
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Counterarguments
- The UK has established legal systems and processes that must be followed, and Robinson's treatment may be in line with the consequences of breaking the law, rather than a targeted effort to suppress dissent.
- Solitary confinement is used in various countries for different reasons, including the safety of the prisoner or others, and may not necessarily be indicative of a desire to silence or punish.
- The government's actions could be seen as an attempt to uphold public order and national security, rather than to control the narrative or stifle dissent.
- The restrictions on visitors and communication in prison could be standard procedure for high-profile inmates and not specifically targeted at Robinson.
- The exclusion of evidence in court could be due to it not meeting legal standards or being irrelevant to the case, rather than an act of censorship.
- The claim that Robinson's rallies have been peaceful may be contested, as there have been reports of violence and disorder a ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the legal system to better understand your rights and the importance of due process. Start by reading accessible resources like "The Law for Dummies" or "The Citizen's Guide to the Law" to get a foundational understanding of legal principles and how they should be applied. This knowledge can empower you to recognize when legal processes may be misused or when someone's rights are being infringed upon.
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyze media narratives and identify potential biases. Begin by taking a free online course or workshop on critical thinking and media literacy. For example, websites like Coursera or edX offer courses that teach you how to evaluate sources, understand different perspectives, and recognize when information might be manipulated to serve a particular agenda.
- Support freedom of speech and diverse viewpoints by engaging with a v ...
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