Jordan Peterson’s recent tweet featuring an image of the Hindu goddess Kali has sparked anger and backlash across the internet. Despite the fact that the tweet’s message was unclear, it was apparent that Peterson’s intentions were not positive towards the goddess.
For those who are not familiar with Jordan Peterson, he is a self-proclaimed “classic British liberal” and “traditionalist.” However, many media outlets have labeled him as right-wing.
Sheer unadulterated narcissism in action. I care SO MUCH the devouring mother arises from the underworld. pic.twitter.com/nZIMVu6Cp0
— Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) March 11, 2023
To provide some context, an anti-LGBT activist judge was invited to speak at Stanford University, which resulted in protests from students and the Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The individual who originally posted the video was an extreme right-wing alumnus who is anti-mask and possibly anti-LGBT, and he referred to the DEI dean using derogatory language. Peterson then shared this tweet, along with an image of Goddess Kali, and the caption “Sheer unadulterated narcissism in action. I care SO MUCH the devouring mother arises from the underworld.”
While the meaning behind Peterson’s words remains unclear, the replies to the tweet suggest that he may have been misappropriating the image of Goddess Kali to criticize the DEI dean, who is a black woman. It is also possible that he was suggesting that the dean and protestors believe themselves to be superior to the judge, preventing him from speaking. Alternatively, he may have been implying that the act of protest by the DEI dean will lead to her being worshipped.
Regardless of his intentions, many Indians were rightfully outraged by Peterson’s tweet, which they saw as a derogatory and disrespectful portrayal of the Hindu religion.
It's better to read properly before posting such things @jordanbpeterson. She is Hindu Goddess "Maa Kaali" incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She took this incarnation to finish the evil minded demons. In this picture on one side it's a demon "Raktabīja"(blood seed) and on the… https://t.co/a4nQDZS1un pic.twitter.com/qvuFGiV0UQ
— Pooja Sangwan 🇮🇳 (@ThePerilousGirl) March 12, 2023
You perception is completely wrong. It's depiction of the Great Cosmic force Kali portrays her as being black as the night, moving over Shiva’s dead, white body. This portrayal uncovers the centrality of the two crucial parts of Reality.
— Ravi Kant (@Rk_humour) March 12, 2023
The root of the word Kali is Kal or time.
Time does devour all. It doesn’t arise from “the underworld.”
Projecting your ignorance and prejudice onto stuff you don’t understand doesn’t behoove you.
— Sankrant Sanu सानु संक्रान्त ਸੰਕ੍ਰਾਂਤ ਸਾਨੁ (@sankrant) March 13, 2023
Sheer unadulterated narcissism in action is when someone (in this case, you) engages in unprovoked malignment of a religion they clearly don't know much about.
— 🌻࿕agniestira࿖🌻 (@agniestira) March 12, 2023
Why are you dragging Kali Maa onto this. Please keep our deity’s out of your mouths. You have not the slightest clue about the worship of Maa Kali until you do refrain.
— Whatsinaname (@Whatsin86689792) March 12, 2023
Oh man, I love you doc. But this….you’ve gotten entirely wrong. Just an advice, research a little on ‘Maa Kaali’ from the Hindu Pantheon. I’m sure you’ll understand what a true symbol of feminism is. Peace.
— Aman V Sharma (@AmanVSharma) March 12, 2023
You should not try to indulge yourself in affairs that you do not understand.
— Chadalavada Raghuram (@Raghuram_C) March 12, 2023
Ahhh! No Man! The pic doesn’t marry with your context. Didn’t expect this from you. I thought you read carefully about a topic and it’s concepts before making remarks. But now I am doubting and wondering!
— M (@Spinningiota) March 12, 2023
You don’t have the slightest clue on what Kali Maa represents in Hinduism. Why bring her here?
— hindumisia.ai (@hindumisia) March 12, 2023
If only you had even an iota of knowledge about HER, you wouldn't have written these words out of your sheer foolishness and ignorance.
— Urrmi (@Urrmi_) March 12, 2023
You should not try to indulge yourself in affairs that you do not understand.
— Chadalavada Raghuram (@Raghuram_C) March 12, 2023
Sheer unadulterated narcissism in action is when someone (in this case, you) engages in unprovoked malignment of a religion they clearly don't know much about.
— 🌻࿕agniestira࿖🌻 (@agniestira) March 12, 2023
It is possible that Peterson’s accidental reference of the DEI dean as the goddess Kali, who symbolizes the eradication of impurities from the earth, could be an appropriate comparison. However, he should have conducted better research before making such a reference.
