How do people like Deepak Chopra and Jordan Peterson make absurd claims and get away with them?
Drew McCoy (a.k.a. Genetically Modified Skeptic) has a helpful rundown of the tactics they use, whether they do it consciously or not, to help themselves avoid legitimate criticism of their ideas.
The “feigning offense” method is one I tend to see a lot regarding church/state separation issues. Conservative Christians often treat criticism of their beliefs and actions as a personal attack on their faith. They’re trying to make their positions off-limits — all while taking plenty of shots at their opponents.