Podcasts > The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast > 549. Matt Walsh on Making Movies, the Woke Right, & Winning

549. Matt Walsh on Making Movies, the Woke Right, & Winning

By DailyWire+

In this episode of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, filmmaker and commentator Matt Walsh discusses his documentary-making process, including his work on "What Is a Woman?" and "Am I Racist?". Walsh shares insights into his creative approach, from maintaining character authenticity during production to collaborating with his production team and incorporating feedback from his wife.

Peterson and Walsh examine contemporary social and political topics, including what they see as ongoing ideological conflicts in modern society. Their discussion covers themes such as changing demographics, family structures, and racial discourse in media and society. The conversation also addresses shifts in conservative commentary in recent years and perspectives on maintaining productive political dialogue.

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549. Matt Walsh on Making Movies, the Woke Right, & Winning

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549. Matt Walsh on Making Movies, the Woke Right, & Winning

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Matt Walsh's Documentary Filmmaking and Creative Process

Jordan Peterson introduces Matt Walsh as the creator of two highly successful documentaries: "What Is a Woman?" and "Am I Racist?". While "What Is a Woman?" found success on the Daily Wire platform, "Am I Racist?" achieved remarkable box office success, becoming one of the top documentaries in history.

Walsh describes his commitment to authenticity in filmmaking, staying in character both on and off camera during production. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration with skilled directors, producers, and editors, while maintaining hands-on involvement in shaping the narrative and making crucial editorial decisions. Walsh particularly values his wife's honest feedback throughout the creative process, citing her critiques as essential to his confidence in his work.

Current State of Culture War and Emerging Issues

Peterson and Walsh discuss the ongoing ideological battle against progressive movements, with both arguing that powerful institutions continue to perpetuate victim and oppressor narratives. Peterson criticizes what he terms 'wokeness' as a form of immaturity and Marxist ideology, while Walsh insists the battle against leftism is far from over.

The conversation turns to concerns about declining birth rates and family structures, with both speakers attributing these issues partly to feminist influence. They also address racial tensions, with Walsh highlighting cases of double standards in how racial incidents are treated in society and media. Peterson draws parallels between current racial tensions and Marxist ideology.

Role of Conservative Commentary in Political Landscape

The post-Trump era has brought changes to conservative commentary, with Peterson questioning the appropriate role for political commentary in the new political reality. Walsh points out challenges in having productive discussions when his ideas aren't taken seriously, while Peterson emphasizes the importance of unity within the conservative movement.

Peterson appreciates Walsh's documentary approach, comparing it to the child who points out that "the emperor has no clothes." He suggests that engaging in rational debate, even when disagreements arise, is crucial for the conservative movement's health and unity.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While Walsh's documentaries may have been successful, success does not necessarily equate to accuracy or fairness in representation; documentaries can be biased or present a narrow view of complex issues.
  • The claim that declining birth rates and family structures are partly due to feminist influence could be challenged by pointing out other factors such as economic pressures, changing social norms, and the choice for personal freedom and career development.
  • The criticism of 'wokeness' and leftist ideologies may overlook the positive aspects of social justice movements, such as the promotion of equality and the addressing of systemic issues.
  • The discussion of racial tensions might benefit from a more nuanced understanding that includes the historical context and systemic factors contributing to these issues, rather than focusing solely on perceived double standards.
  • The idea that conservative commentary is not taken seriously could be countered by suggesting that all political commentary, regardless of ideology, faces scrutiny and that the quality of the arguments presented is a significant factor in whether they are engaged with seriously.
  • The emphasis on unity within the conservative movement could be critiqued by arguing that diversity of thought and healthy internal debate can strengthen a political movement by allowing it to adapt and address a wider range of issues.
  • The notion that rational debate is crucial for the health and unity of the conservative movement might be expanded to suggest that rational debate across all political spectrums is essential for a healthy democracy.

Actionables

  • You can start a personal blog to articulate and share your views on contemporary issues, using a pseudonym if necessary for comfort or privacy. Writing regularly helps you clarify your thoughts and engage with others who have similar or opposing viewpoints, fostering a space for rational debate. For example, you might write a post discussing the impact of social movements on family structures, inviting comments for a healthy discussion.
  • Create a book club with friends or community members focusing on literature that explores ideological perspectives. This encourages productive discussions in a structured environment and helps you understand different viewpoints. You could select books that delve into the themes of wokeness, conservatism, or societal issues, and meet monthly to discuss the content and its real-world implications.
  • Volunteer for a local organization that supports family values and community unity, which aligns with your interest in addressing concerns about birth rates and family structures. Through volunteering, you can contribute to initiatives that strengthen family bonds and community cohesion, such as mentoring programs for youth or support groups for parents. This hands-on approach allows you to be part of the solution you wish to see in society.

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549. Matt Walsh on Making Movies, the Woke Right, & Winning

Matt Walsh's Documentary Filmmaking and Creative Process

Matt Walsh, known for his significant contributions to documentary filmmaking, has drawn attention with his successful films. Jordan Peterson introduces Walsh as the driving force behind two of the most successful documentaries in recent decades: "What Is a Woman?" and "Am I Racist?". Peterson highlights Walsh's ability to pinpoint and explore pivotal cultural war issues.

Matt Walsh's Documentary Success: "What Is a Woman?" and "Am I Racist?"

Walsh's documentaries, which delve into significant societal questions, have opened doors for him to continue creating impactful films. "What Is a Woman?" explores the cultural and biological understandings of sex and gender, while "Am I Racist?" tackles the definition and personal implications of racism. Despite "What Is a Woman?" not being released theatrically, it found significant success on the Daily Wire platform. Conversely, "Am I Racist?" did have a theatrical release and became not only the number one documentary box-office-wise of the decade but also one of the top documentaries in box office history. This success on the big screen had marketing benefits and led to even more viewership on the Daily Wire platform, surpassing Walsh's first hit and earning him trust and investment for future projects.

Filmmaking Challenges and the Value of a Strong Creative Team

The creation of a documentary involves several challenges which Walsh navigates by performing and remaining in character, both on and off camera. This approach ensures authentic reactions and underscores Walsh's dedication to the filmmaking process. For instance, Walsh stayed in character during a visit with the Maasai tribe in Kenya for "What Is a Woman?" and inside a Southern biker bar for "Am I Racist?". However, the complexity of making movies also heavily relies on collaboration with a talented team.

Film Production Requires Talented Directors, Producers, and Editors

Walsh acknowledges the importance of every individual in the production and distribution chain. The film team often includes skilled directors, producers, camera crew, development personnel, production and editing staff, distributors, and marketers. If any one of them fails to execute their role properly, it can derail the project.

Key to Films' Success: Walsh's Role In Shaping Narrative and Editorial Decisions

Walsh admits to being very hands-on with his projects to maintain control. The role of the director, as Walsh notes, is analogous to a captain steering a ship, guiding the ...

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Matt Walsh's Documentary Filmmaking and Creative Process

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Daily Wire is an American conservative media company that was founded in 2015 by Ben Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing. It serves as a platform for conservative commentary, news, podcasts, and video content. The company has expanded to include video on demand services like DailyWire+ and Bentkey for children's content. The Daily Wire often presents news stories with a conservative perspective and has been known to share content that fact-checkers have found to be unverified or biased.
  • Walsh staying in character during filming means that he maintains the persona or role he is portraying in the documentary even when the camera is not actively recording. This approach helps create authentic interactions and responses from the people he is filming. By immersing himself fully in the character's perspective, Walsh aims to capture genuine moments and reactions that contribute to the documentary's authenticity and impact.
  • The Maasai tribe in Kenya is a semi-nomadic community known for their distinctive cultural traditions, colorful attire, and pastoral way of life centered around cattle herding. They reside primarily in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, maintaining a strong connection to their ancestral lands. The Maasai are recognized for their unique customs, such as elaborate beadwork, traditional dances, and a deep spiritual connection to the ...

Counterarguments

  • While Walsh's documentaries have been successful, their success could be attributed to the platforms and audiences they cater to, which may already have certain biases or preconceived notions about the topics discussed.
  • The exploration of societal questions on sex, gender, and racism by Walsh's documentaries may not be comprehensive or may present a particular viewpoint, which could be seen as lacking in diversity of perspectives.
  • The success of "What Is a Woman?" on the Daily Wire platform might not translate to mainstream success or acceptance, as the platform caters to a specific audience.
  • The box office success of "Am I Racist?" does not necessarily equate to the documentary's impact on societal views or its contribution to the discourse on racism.
  • Staying in character during filming could be criticized for potentially leading to situations where the authenticity of interactions is compromised or where the subjects are not fully informed.
  • The importance of collaboration in filmmaking does not negate the potential for creative differences or conflicts that can arise within a team, which can affect the final product.
  • The role of the director ...

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549. Matt Walsh on Making Movies, the Woke Right, & Winning

Current State of Culture War and Emerging Issues

The cultural landscape is undergoing shifts as the ideological battle against progressive movements continues and emerging issues such as family protection and birth rate decline take center stage.

The Ongoing Battle Against "Wokeness" and Progressive Ideologies

Ideological Threat Persists, Battle Continues

The conversation between Peterson and Walsh delves into the political moment following Trump's victory and its implications for conservative commentary. The discussion indicates an ongoing ideological conflict within the conservative side of the spectrum over progressive ideologies. Peterson praises Walsh's ability to withstand social pressure from progressive types and criticizes the government subsidies for education, especially in radically progressive faculties.

Walsh and Peterson argue that powerful institutions, including Harvard and Columbia, are invested in maintaining a victim and oppressor narrative. This narrative, they claim, continues to draw American parents, who send their children to these universities despite ideological disagreements. Peterson has positioned himself against what he terms ‘wokeness’ and sees it as immaturity, envy, resentment, and Marxist ideology expressed in various ways over time. Despite some victories against progressive ideologies, Walsh insists that the battle is far from over, with leftism being an issue that will not simply vanish. He and James Lindsay grapple with what "woke right" means, as it is a term used without clear definition.

Family Protection & Birth Rate Decline

Concerns About the Decline in Family Structures and Birth Rates Emerge As Key Political and Cultural Issues

Although not expressly covered in the podcast, Peterson and Walsh's conversation eventually turns to the declining birth rate and the millions of babies lost to abortion annually, marking these as urgent topics. They consider feminism to be a major force effecting cultural and political shifts, contributing to the decline of the traditional family.

Peterson worries about the isolation and vulnerability faced by an increasing number of women who remain childless past the age of thirty. Walsh criticizes feminism for supposedly viewing the family as an oppressive patriarchal structure since its inception and for aiming to dismantle it.

Racial Tensions and Addressing Double Standards

Racial Issues, Including Persistent Double Standards in Language and Actions, Are Increasingly Pressing Concerns

The podcast covers Walsh's observations on racial issues, including cases in which violent acts committed by black individuals against white people are celebrated or financially supported. ...

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Current State of Culture War and Emerging Issues

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • 'Wokeness' is a term used to describe a heightened awareness of social injustices and systemic discrimination. It often involves advocating for social change, challenging traditional power structures, and promoting inclusivity. Critics of 'wokeness' argue that it can lead to excessive political correctness, cancel culture, and the suppression of differing viewpoints. The term is commonly associated with progressive ideologies and movements focused on social justice issues.
  • The term "woke right" generally refers to individuals on the political right who adopt tactics or rhetoric traditionally associated with progressive or leftist movements, such as emphasizing social justice issues or using language associated with social justice movements. This concept can be complex as it involves a blending of ideologies that are typically seen as opposing each other. The term is used to describe a faction within conservative circles that may prioritize certain social justice issues or adopt strategies that align with progressive movements, leading to debates and discussions about the ideological coherence of this group. The lack of a clear definition may stem from the evolving nature of political ideologies and the nuances in how individuals on the right engage with social issues traditionally associated with the left.
  • Feminism has been associated with the decline of traditional family structures due to its historical critique of traditional gender roles and the patriarchal nature of families. Some feminist movements have advocated for women's independence, challenging the traditional roles of women as primarily homemakers and mothers. This shift in societal norms has influenced family dynamics, contributing to changes in marriage rates, family sizes, and the prioritization of career over starting a family. Feminist ideologies have played a role in reshaping societal perceptions of family structures and individual choices regarding marriage and parenthood.
  • Racial tensions cultivated in educational environments can arise from various factors such as curriculum content, teaching approaches, and interactions among students and faculty. This can include ...

Counterarguments

  • The term 'wokeness' is often used pejoratively, but it can also be seen as a commitment to social justice and awareness of systemic inequalities.
  • Government subsidies for education can be argued to promote a more educated populace and greater social mobility, regardless of the political leanings of faculties.
  • Institutions like Harvard and Columbia may argue that they encourage critical thinking and diverse perspectives, rather than simply maintaining a victim and oppressor narrative.
  • The decline in birth rates can be attributed to a variety of factors, including economic pressures and personal choice, rather than solely the influence of feminism.
  • Feminism can be defended as a movement that seeks equality and the empowerment of women, not the destruction of family structures.
  • The discussion of racial issues can be approached with the understanding that systemic racism requires complex and nuanced conversations, rather than attributing it to individual ideologies.
  • The concept of 'mob justice' and public backlash can be seen as society's way of holding individuals accountable, though the proportionality of such backlash is a valid subject for debate. ...

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549. Matt Walsh on Making Movies, the Woke Right, & Winning

Role of Conservative Commentary in Political Landscape

The discussion with Jordan Peterson and Matt Walsh focuses on the evolving nature of conservative commentary in the Post-Trump era and the challenges and opportunities within the current political climate. They ponder the roles and impacts of conservative voices in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Changing Dynamics of Conservative Commentary Post-Trump Era

Re-evaluating Conservative Commentary Amid Shifting Political Dynamics

The conversation indicates that Trump's victory has altered the conservative commentary landscape, a field in which both Peterson and Walsh are prominent voices. Peterson grapples with determining the appropriate role for his political commentary in light of the new political reality in the United States. This internal questioning points to a possible need for re-evaluation of conservative commentary in the post-Trump era.

There's an acknowledgement of the conservative movements’ success in various countries, and a shift of interest towards critical issues for conservative platforms like The Daily Wire. Peterson urges a focus on issues that remain in the broader culture war, but specific changes or dynamics in conservative commentary are not elaborately discussed.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Current Political Climate

A contentious "war of words" Walsh was involved in illustrates the challenges of navigating political divisions within the conservative movement and the need to communicate better with a diverse audience. Challenges faced by conservatives include responding to division and engaging critically with issues. Peterson acknowledges a change in public opinion about narratives like the climate apocalypse, where skepticism has become more publicly acceptable, indicating a more open environment for diverse opinions.

Walsh points out the difficulty of having productive discussions when his ideas are not taken seriously, suggesting that a lack of understanding and respect can be barriers to rational discourse.

Promoting Rational Discourse and Unity Within the Conservative Movement

Unity and Dialogue Are Vital For Addressing Conservative Challenges

Peterson brings up a conversation relevant to the Daily Wire audience about gatekeeping within conservatism, which touches on profound issues of free speech and the necessity of engaging with diverse opinions within the conservative community. This implies that unity and dialogue are crucial for navigating the challenges faced by the conservative movement.

Through recounting ...

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Role of Conservative Commentary in Political Landscape

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The perception that Trump's victory has fundamentally changed the landscape of conservative commentary could be challenged by arguing that while it may have influenced the tone and focus, the core principles of conservatism remain unchanged.
  • The idea that there is a need for re-evaluation of conservative commentary post-Trump could be countered by suggesting that what is needed is not a re-evaluation but a reaffirmation of traditional conservative values.
  • The success of conservative movements in various countries might be critiqued by pointing out that such successes are often cyclical and can be followed by periods of liberal resurgence.
  • The focus on critical issues by platforms like The Daily Wire could be criticized for potentially creating echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs rather than challenging them.
  • The challenges of navigating political divisions within the conservative movement could be seen as an opportunity for growth and diversification of thought rather than just a hurdle to overcome.
  • The importance of communicating better with a diverse audience might be critiqued by arguing that while communication is important, it should not come at the expense of diluting core conservative principles.
  • The changing public opinion on narratives like the climate apocalypse could be countered by emphasizing the importance of scientific consensus and the potential risks of promoting skepticism on well-established scientific issues.
  • The call for unity and dialogue within the conservative movement could be critiqued by arguing that healthy debate and dissent are essential for the evolution of any political ideology.
  • The role of gatekeeping within conservatism and free speech could be challenged by arguing that some level of gatekeeping is necessary to maintain a coherent set of principles and prevent the dilution of the movement's goals.
  • The emphasis on rational debate and dialogue might be critiqued by pointing out that rationality alone is not sufficient and that emotional intelligence and empathy are also important in political discourse.
  • The use of wit and a lighter touch in serious topics could be criticized for potentially trivializing importa ...

Actionables

  • Start a blog or social media page focused on exploring diverse conservative viewpoints to foster unity and dialogue. By writing about different conservative perspectives and inviting guest contributors from various factions within the movement, you can create a platform that encourages respectful debate and understanding. For example, you could have a weekly feature where two individuals with differing conservative views discuss a current topic, aiming to find common ground.
  • Organize a local book club that reads and discusses works by conservative authors from different eras and countries. This can help you and your group members appreciate the evolution of conservative thought and its global impact. You might start with classical conservative texts and gradually move to contemporary works, facilitating discussions on how the principles have adapted over time.
  • Volunteer for a conservative ...

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