The hottest Pop culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Kendrick Lamar: Talented Musician, Provocative Figure, Emperor of the Whites

Freddie deBoer • 10612 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Social Commentary Pop culture Identity politics
  1. Kendrick Lamar has achieved great success and is highly praised, but his status as an 'underdog' feels ironic given his fame and accolades. It shows how people love to label even the most successful artists as outsiders.
  2. The way people view music is changing; taste is now tied to moral values and public opinions. It's hard for individuals to just enjoy music without it being linked to their identity or politics.
  3. Many white people embrace Kendrick Lamar's art to appear morally good, which can overshadow the true appreciation of his talent. This dynamic is complex and reflects a broader issue in how we celebrate Black artists.

Justin Baldoni and the Death of Man-Bun Feminism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1646 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Entertainment Feminism Social Issues
  1. Justin Baldoni, once seen as a strong male feminist ally, is now facing serious accusations of sexual harassment from his co-star, Blake Lively.
  2. The situation has escalated with Baldoni suing Lively, claiming she is trying to extort him and releasing evidence to support his case.
  3. Despite the serious nature of these accusations, some reacted with humor in public appearances, which seems inappropriate given the circumstances.

Losing Medicaid, Winning the Grammys

Freddie deBoer • 10643 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pop culture Media Critique
  1. Pop culture should not be the main focus of political understanding. People often look at politics through the lens of pop culture, making it less serious.
  2. Coping mechanisms can be unhelpful in facing real-world issues. It's important to confront the harsh realities instead of hiding in entertainment.
  3. Media often mixes celebrity news with political significance, distracting from crucial societal problems. This creates a false sense of activism instead of addressing actual political challenges.

The Assholocaust

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 266 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Public Figures Media Commentary Political Opinion Pop culture
  1. There's a public feud happening between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and it seems to be getting pretty heated. People are reacting to this drama with a mix of humor and surprise.
  2. Some folks find it amusing to watch two influential figures clash, even if neither is particularly liked. It's a bit like rooting for the lesser of two evils in a rivalry.
  3. The ongoing conflict might distract these leaders from causing further harm through their political actions. In a way, some are hoping that their fighting leads to less damage in the bigger picture.

Niall Ferguson: The Vibe Shift Goes Global

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6543 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Trends Pop culture Aesthetics Geopolitics Society
  1. Culture influences politics and geopolitics, making it important to understand cultural trends.
  2. There have been distinct vibe shifts in pop culture over the years, each with its own style, like Hipster/Indie and Hypebeast/Woke.
  3. Recent changes in tech culture reflect a shift towards a more unfiltered environment, especially with Elon Musk's influence.
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Fighting Discrimination Does Not Entail Defending Shitty Social Behavior

Freddie deBoer • 6373 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Discrimination Fandom Pop culture
  1. Fighting for rights is important, but we shouldn't excuse bad behavior in the process. It's okay to say 'knock it off' when people act inappropriately.
  2. Many young people mimic serious disorders for attention, but this can be harmful to those who genuinely struggle with those issues. It's important to critique this without fear of backlash.
  3. Online fandoms can become hostile, with people using accusations of bigotry to silence criticism. It's necessary for communities to be able to set healthy boundaries and address bad behavior.

The Raunchy Right Has Triumphed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 431 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Political culture Media Society Trends
  1. A new MAGA-themed pinup calendar has been released, showing a shift in American culture influenced by conservative ideas.
  2. The calendar is promoted as a symbol of a 'golden age' by the company behind it, reflecting their political stance.
  3. This is part of a larger trend where conservative themes are becoming more prominent in pop culture and marketing.

Jerry Springer Was Trash. But He Was Honest.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 723 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Television Entertainment Society Pop culture
  1. Jerry Springer was unapologetic about the shocking content he presented on his show. He focused on giving viewers what they actually wanted, even when it was controversial.
  2. His show was popular, drawing millions of viewers, but also sparked criticism for being immoral and exploitative. Some episodes were so outrageous they were even banned.
  3. Springer was seen as a disruptive figure in American media, compared to more wholesome personalities like Oprah, positioning himself as the 'black sheep' of talk shows.

kitten corner: scooby doo reruns

bad cattitude • 149 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Pop culture Media Analysis Humor Public Opinion
  1. Current politics feels repetitive, just like watching too many episodes of Scooby Doo with the same ending. It can get boring to see the same patterns over and over.
  2. There's a call for new villains or challenges in politics to make things more interesting. Fresh ideas could spice things up.
  3. Using humor, like comparing politics to Scooby Doo, helps make the situation feel lighter and more relatable. It's a fun way to discuss serious topics.

Inside the CEO shooter standom

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4418 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Pop culture Social Trends Youth culture Online Communities
  1. People have started to view a shooter, who targeted a CEO, as a kind of hero because of frustrations with the healthcare system. Many are expressing support for him online, turning him into a symbol of rebellion against insurance executives.
  2. There's a growing disconnect between mainstream media and the general public. Some believe that media figures, who live in comfort, fail to understand the struggles ordinary people face, leading to misguided narratives about events like this shooting.
  3. Elon Musk’s idea that his platform is a replacement for traditional media may actually create echo chambers. It’s important for people to seek out diverse viewpoints and critically analyze information instead of relying on just one source.

The West Only Has Pretend Heroes Like Spider-Man And SpongeBob

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1923 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Critique Heroes Pop culture Media Society
  1. The idea of real heroes is missing in Western culture, as only popular fictional characters are recognized. People often point to characters like Spider-Man and SpongeBob instead of real-life heroes.
  2. Many individuals who truly stand up against injustice or the powers that be are ignored or punished. The media doesn't promote these real heroes but instead focuses on those who entertain or distract the public.
  3. The prevalent culture tends to celebrate superficial achievements rather than meaningful contributions. Most celebrated figures support the status quo instead of challenging it.

At least five interesting things to start your week (#28)

Noahpinion • 13588 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Philosophy Education
  1. Pop culture has shown signs of stagnation with more recycled content, indicating a shift towards fewer big hits alongside a long tail of indie content.
  2. Contrary to common belief, heavier cars are not the main cause for the increase in pedestrian deaths in the U.S. Factors like smartphone distractions play a role.
  3. Education's value is debated, with a recent study suggesting minimal impact, but the methodology is criticized for not considering the value of logarithmic returns in the analysis.

The Snoopy fan account political war

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 6061 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Social media Nostalgia Political Influence Art history
  1. A Snoopy fan account recently endorsed Donald Trump, which surprised many due to Snoopy's typically positive and innocent image. This sparked a lot of backlash from fans who felt it contradicted the character's values.
  2. Snoopy has become very popular among younger generations, leading to a surge in merchandise and online fandom. People love Snoopy for his creativity and joyful personality, making him a relatable figure.
  3. Many fan accounts are shifting to political messaging, showing how beloved characters can be used to spread different viewpoints. However, this can backfire if the message doesn’t match the audience's values, as seen with the backlash against the pro-Trump post.

Let's check in on MrBeast

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3732 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Influencers Social media Pop culture Digital Media Youth Trends
  1. MrBeast, a huge YouTuber, is facing a lot of controversies that could hurt his career. Allegations about his team and business practices have made people question his character.
  2. He’s trying to fix his public image by doing interviews and promoting his new Amazon show. He wants to reassure fans and investors that everything is okay.
  3. The way he handles this situation is important for his future. If he fails, it could change how people see him and affect his many business deals.

We need to start recognizing stan psyops

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4807 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Literacy Social media Entertainment Political Discourse
  1. Stan accounts are really good at creating viral content to stir up strong emotions online. They use clever tactics to get people talking and sharing posts, often about celebrities.
  2. These stan tactics are not just in pop culture; they can affect politics too. Influencers and political accounts may use similar methods to manipulate public opinions and sway important discussions.
  3. It's important to recognize these strategies when we see them. Understanding how both entertainment and politics can be influenced by these tactics helps us navigate online content more wisely.

Missing Dog

Situation Normal • 62 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
😂 Humor Satire Comedy Narrative Anecdotes Pop culture
  1. There's a funny mix-up when someone calls about a dog named Carlos, but the owner has a dog named Mortimer instead. It shows how easily communication can get confused.
  2. The story connects to a playful discussion about dog names and encourages readers to think creatively about naming their own pets.
  3. There's a lighthearted invitation for people to engage in quirky journalism, making it clear that exploring odd topics can be fun and interesting.

Selena Gomez’s 18 Hour Social Media Break

Hung Up • 5444 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Culture Social media Entertainment Fashion Pop culture
  1. Selena Gomez announced a social media break but only lasted 18 hours, showing that celebrities can be just like us in not sticking to resolutions.
  2. Julia Roberts' recent British Vogue cover shoot captures her glamour and self-assuredness, reminiscent of '90s icons.
  3. Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) commented on Drake's music being suitable for malls, sparking thoughts on how certain artists and genres naturally align with specific environments.

The merchification of Luigi

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2746 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture True Crime Media Commentary Social media Consumer Trends
  1. Merchandise related to controversial figures can quickly pop up online after significant events. For instance, items featuring Luigi Mangione appeared on various e-commerce platforms right after his arrest.
  2. The idea of walkouts in support of trends or individuals can easily go viral, but it's often just an internet joke rather than a real event. Observing trends in social media can help distinguish between what's genuine and what's a meme.
  3. America has a history of turning violent figures into pop culture items. Instead of ignoring this, it seems to be a long-standing part of society where people express fascination with notorious individuals.

You should pay attention to Kai Cenat

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2687 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Live Streaming Entertainment Content creation Pop culture
  1. Live streaming is gaining popularity and becoming a larger part of how we consume media. More people are looking for communal experiences online.
  2. Kai Cenat's recent subathon has broken records and shows the strong connection between streamers and their audiences. His success highlights a shift in how we engage with entertainment.
  3. Various platforms like YouTube Gaming, Kick, and TikTok Live are growing, leading to more options and diversity in live streaming. This change shows that viewers are exploring different types of content and creators.

The great silent majority of American basicness

Garbage Day • 3341 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Trends Social media Pop culture Music Internet culture
  1. The rise of the Stanley Quencher cup as a popular item is a result of savvy marketing and internet buzz
  2. Short-form videos like TikTok are influencing the way content is created and shared online
  3. The concept of monoculture in media is evolving, with Spotify playlists reflecting carefully constructed branding rather than true diversity

The Rise of the Theater Kids

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 310 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Film Music Pop culture Media
  1. The success of the movie 'Wicked' shows that theater kids are becoming really popular in pop culture. Their high energy and performances are winning everyone's attention.
  2. With a huge budget and lots of marketing, 'Wicked' is shaping into a big cultural event, drawing people into the world of musical theater.
  3. The film's success at the box office proves that theater adaptations can be very profitable, marking a win for theater kids everywhere.

Looking Back, Track by Track

JoeBlogs • 3341 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎶 Music Pop culture Baseball Athlete
  1. The author is reminiscing on the songs and athletes that were popular in their life, starting from 1973.
  2. The post offers a 30-day free trial for paid subscriptions to JoeBlogs.
  3. The author shares personal anecdotes related to specific songs and athletes from different years.

#195: Alas, the Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest

Maybe Baby • 1101 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Events Art Social Dynamics Pop culture
  1. The Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest in New York was a fun, unexpected event that brought a lot of people together. It showed how much people enjoy whimsical and silly activities.
  2. The awkward moments during the contest reminded us that real life can be messy and unpredictable. Sometimes, those messy experiences create the best memories.
  3. In a world focused on comfort and ease, we often miss out on surprises and delightful chaos. Embracing a little discomfort can lead to richer, more memorable experiences.

The Hemi Edition

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Automotive Marketing Branding History Pop culture
  1. The Hemi engine has become a popular and recognized brand name, almost like its own celebrity in the car world. It's known for its strong performance and has fans calling for its return in various vehicles.
  2. Hemi's reputation stems from its long history and impressive performance, especially during the muscle car era of the 1960s. Its success in races helped cement its legendary status among car enthusiasts.
  3. Unlike many car brands, the Hemi name is well-known even outside of car culture, appearing in music and pop culture. This broader recognition is a rare achievement for an engine name.

Ride With The Mob

HIDDEN.RSRCH • 687 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows Pop culture Entertainment
  1. The Sopranos, created by David Chase and HBO, made television history 25 years ago with the iconic character Tony Soprano.
  2. The series by Chase introduced a new breed of anti-heroes and redefined the glorified image of gangsters.
  3. The world-building and character development in The Sopranos set a new standard in television storytelling.

MEDIEVAL SUPER BOWLS

History, etc • 628 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💾 History Pop culture Celebrities Tournaments
  1. The Super Bowl is not just about football, but also a big pop concert, reflecting America's influence on global popular culture.
  2. Celebrity relationships and events like the Super Bowl mirror medieval tales of love, adventure, and chivalry.
  3. The medieval concept of tournaments bears resemblance to modern glitzy celebrity-sporting events.

Born during Dead Week

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
😂 Humor Cultural Commentary Personal narrative Pop culture
  1. Being born during Dead Week means your birthday might get overlooked due to holiday distractions. It's a tough time for parties and gifts.
  2. Capricorns, like those born in Dead Week, can be stubborn and critical, often due to childhood experiences with neglected birthdays.
  3. If you know someone with a birthday this week, try to make an effort to celebrate them later, as they will really appreciate it.

Vol. 2, Issue 33 - Interview with Carol Monahan (Wizards of the Coast)

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Interviews Entertainment Pop culture Collectibles
  1. Carol Monahan was a key figure at Wizards of the Coast when they got the Pokémon Trading Card Game license. She helped ensure products were shipped to stores, which was crucial during the game's early success.
  2. Wizards of the Coast faced many challenges as they quickly expanded, especially when the Pokémon TCG became popular. They had to manage large shipments and secure enough resources to meet the demand.
  3. The sale of Wizards to Hasbro changed things, but at first, Pokémon continued to thrive. However, over time, Hasbro struggled to maintain their relationship with the Pokémon brand.

Oligarchs' Island

Thinking about... • 437 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Oligarchy Public Figures Pop culture
  1. Oligarchs are like a group of powerful people isolated on an island, focusing more on their own interests than the needs of everyday people.
  2. Using humor, like the concept of 'Oligarchs' Island' as a sitcom, can help us understand the ridiculousness and danger of such power dynamics.
  3. Oligarchies are unstable and can quickly change, suggesting that we should be aware of their flaws and the potential for conflict among them.

The Links guide to newsletters

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 838 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Internet Art Technology Youth culture Pop culture
  1. The author shares a list of personal favorite newsletters, including ones on internet culture, technology, and youth trends.
  2. The post includes a request for reader feedback through a survey to shape future content and projects.
  3. The newsletters recommended cover a range of topics from internet treasures to big-picture cultural analysis, providing readers with varied insights and perspectives.

How Woke Led to Cultural Decadence

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3438 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Film Gender Race Art Pop culture
  1. Cultural critics are concerned about the decline in original storytelling in movies, with studios relying more on established franchises.
  2. The influence of 'woke' ideology on art can limit the creation of compelling works by disregarding the natural differences and gendered characteristics between men and women.
  3. Wokeness has impacted art in areas like race representation in fantasy worlds, creating challenges for new storytelling while established franchises remain unaffected.

Culture is fragmented and so are we

Read, Watch, Binge • 569 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Connection Streaming platforms Social media
  1. Culture is becoming more fragmented, making it harder to find shared experiences with others.
  2. The abundance of entertainment options and personalized content leads to decision fatigue and hinders connection.
  3. Despite fragmented pop culture, bad news and politics have become universal topics for connection, although they can also contribute to polarization.

The messenger shoots back

Situation Normal • 153 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
😂 Humor Social Commentary Pop culture Everyday life Satire Absurdism
  1. People often blame others instead of facing facts, like the man who got upset over the dog food price. It's easier to shoot the messenger than to accept reality.
  2. Sometimes, agreeing with someone just to avoid conflict is tempting, even if it means telling them what they want to hear. But this can lead to misunderstandings later.
  3. A sense of humor can diffuse tense situations, like when a pop culture reference turned a potential argument into a quick resolution at the checkout.

Conspiracy Theorists and Coincidence Cultists

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1425 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Conspiracy Theories Pop culture UFOs Ancient History Quantum Mechanics
  1. The term 'conspiracy theory' was created to mock critics of the Warren Commission's report on JFK's assassination.
  2. There is a divide between conspiracy theorists who see hidden cabalistic actions in major events and normies who believe in coincidences.
  3. Conspiracy theorists face the challenge of choosing which theories to believe and often entertain contradictory ideas.

Take That, China: Our Dumbest Young People Are Invading Your App

I Might Be Wrong • 14 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Pop culture Youth Trends International relations Humor
  1. A lot of TikTok users are moving to a Chinese app called Xiaohongshu after being upset about bans. It's funny to think that they're going to a Chinese-owned app when they were worried about China.
  2. Chinese users of Xiaohongshu are surprised and a bit frustrated to see so many English videos popping up. They didn't expect so many Americans to join their platform.
  3. This situation kind of feels like a playful prank, where American users are now amping up the chaos in a place they never thought would happen. It's like a funny surprise attack on the Chinese app scene.