The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Birdsong

The Commonplace • 1120 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Philosophy Environment Beauty Literature
  1. Take time to observe the beauty around you, like birdsongs and nature, instead of being consumed by technology.
  2. There is enchantment in the everyday environment if we open ourselves to see and hear it.
  3. Utilize technology, like bird identification apps, to learn more about the world around you and the beauty of nature.

Setting up my new blogging engine

Overthinking Everything • 314 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Literature Technology Aesthetics History
  1. Using a typewriter is a unique and physical writing experience. It feels different from typing on a computer or handwriting because you have to hit the keys hard to get the letters to show up.
  2. Setting up a typewriter can be complex but satisfying. You may need to fix things like the ribbon, which teaches you about how mechanical objects work.
  3. Writing on a typewriter can help you focus better. Unlike computers, which distract you with notifications, a typewriter keeps you engaged in the writing process.

The Point Of Posting | #286

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 246 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Writing Social media Community Creativity Personal Growth
  1. Posting online can be really rewarding, as it helps people sharpen their ideas and connect with others. It’s like brainstorming with a big group, which can boost creativity.
  2. However, it can also attract negativity as audiences grow, which can make sharing ideas feel overwhelming. It’s important to stay focused on personal goals and connections amidst the noise.
  3. The online space for sharing ideas has changed a lot, making it harder for new voices to be heard. Despite this, continuing to write and share is still a valuable endeavor, even if the environment is different.

Why Am I Talking?

Austin Kleon • 959 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Lifestyle Education
  1. Consider asking yourself, 'Why Am I Talking?' to focus on the purpose of your conversations. This can help make your words more meaningful.
  2. Riding a bike can bring joy and a sense of adventure. It's a great way to explore and stay active.
  3. Sharing stories can connect us to objects and memories. Writing about items we own or have lost can create deeper reflections.

Costumed in Gender, Haunted by Patriarchy

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Social norms Values Stereotypes
  1. Halloween costumes often reinforce patriarchal gender stereotypes by limiting the options for boys and girls and associating certain traits with specific genders.
  2. Patriarchy's influence on culture is evident in the polarized definitions of maleness and femaleness in mass-produced children's Halloween costumes.
  3. Gender is a socially constructed concept, not a biological one, and it prescribes social norms and roles based on patriarchal assumptions rather than biological reality.
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The Goat and the Scapegoat

The Joyous Struggle • 335 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture
  1. In a morality tale of The Goat and the Scapegoat, the story explores themes of leadership, forgiveness, and unfair accusation.
  2. The story portrays the consequences of scapegoating, misunderstandings, and the importance of differentiating between past actions and current events.
  3. Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes reconciliation, forgiveness, and the power of communication in resolving conflicts.

"More work isn't the answer," advises Women's Running, this time using an "influencer" who shares a name with a leading asswipe manufacturer

Beck of the Pack • 98 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Running Influencers Fitness Media Gender
  1. Women's Running suggests that more work may not be the solution for improving running performance
  2. The article criticizes the influence of 'influencers' in the fitness industry
  3. It questions the credibility of articles that promote shortcuts or 'hacks' in athletic training

The Self-Important Feeling: Stephen Colbert and the Comedian's Dilemma

House of Strauss • 93 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Comedy Media Entertainment Politics Social Commentary
  1. Comedians can get caught up in the feeling that their words matter a lot, which can change how they view their role. It's important for entertainers to remember to be funny, not just political.
  2. Johnny Carson warned that when entertainers start taking themselves too seriously, it can lead to a misguided sense of importance and sway over their audience. This could be more harmful than good.
  3. Stephen Colbert once had a major cultural impact, but it raises the question of whether he has chased that feeling of importance too much, possibly losing sight of his original comedic role.

Suis-je polygame parce que je suis Noir ?

L'Atelier Galita • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Society Language Race Gender Colonialism
  1. Polygamy is a form of marriage where an individual is married to multiple people, often an man to several women.
  2. In France, polygamy is prohibited by law, as it is illegal to have multiple marriages.
  3. Words carry connotations, and it's important to be mindful of the implications of the words we use, especially in sensitive or potentially racist contexts.

My Birthday Toast to my Palestinian Arabic Teacher

The Chris Hedges Report • 238 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Language Education Art Social Issues Identity
  1. The Arabic teacher, Ruba, uses honesty and humor to engage her students, making learning fun and memorable.
  2. Both the teacher and student share a deep emotional connection, often supporting each other through hard times, especially regarding difficult current events.
  3. The classes become a form of therapy and resilience, reminding them that they must continue learning and resisting despite the challenges they face.

T.V. News: Pledges, Hiatus, Wong Kar Wai Revisions

Textual Variations • 231 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film Television Media Art Entertainment
  1. The author plans to take a break from publication to catch up on other priorities, which might cause gaps in the schedule this Spring. They hope to return to a regular posting schedule by May.
  2. Wong Kar Wai's classic film 'In the Mood for Love' is being reissued in China with new footage, and there are discussions about changes that may come with this release.
  3. The new animated series 'Invincible Fight Girl' is praised for its authentic anime style and storytelling, blending action with comedic elements in a unique way.

What Is Beauty?

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Aesthetics Art Literature Biology Sexuality History
  1. Sexual attraction plays a big role in art and beauty. It has been important in history but seems less central in today's discussions about aesthetics.
  2. Richard Prum's theory explains that beauty in the animal world, like a peacock's tail, comes from sexual selection rather than just survival needs. Animals choose mates based on beauty, which shapes what traits get passed down.
  3. Culture and biology are deeply connected when it comes to beauty and desire. This idea can be seen in literature from ancient times, where beautiful characters are often depicted as more desirable than strong ones.

Yes, There Can Be a Completely Digital Counterculture!

Default Wisdom • 255 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Counterculture Subculture Digital Culture Internet Trends Community Dynamics
  1. There can be a digital counterculture that exists within the internet. It shows that people are rejecting mainstream, commercialized online spaces and creating their own communities.
  2. The normie Internet is all about popular content and visibility, while the subterranean Internet is more about anonymity and rejecting mainstream trends. It’s like two different worlds online.
  3. Even if underground communities get absorbed into mainstream culture, it’s still a sign of resistance. People are finding new ways to express themselves and challenge the corporate internet.

Dune 3: Planetary Regeneration?

Surfing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Environment Religion Science fiction
  1. The Kynes family in 'Dune' is crucial, with Pardot, Liet-Kynes, and Chani playing significant roles in planetary regeneration.
  2. The complex characters and the family business of planetary regeneration add depth and memorability to the 'Dune' story.
  3. Herbert's ecological themes in 'Dune' explore the aim of all life to maintain coordinated patterns of greater diversity, emphasizing the importance of sustaining life.

when the youtube motivational videos stop working

Both Are True • 226 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Motivation Film Personal Growth Fitness Psychology
  1. Motivational videos can inspire workouts, but they may lose their impact over time. Sometimes you need something deeper, like an emotional connection to a story.
  2. True fulfillment comes from within, not from external achievements or recognition. It's important to know that your self-worth isn't defined by likes, numbers, or others' opinions.
  3. Feeling empty or seeking validation is normal. It's helpful to find healthy ways to express emotions, like writing or working out, instead of relying on outside sources for happiness.

On Sundays We Go Surfing

Kvetch • 96 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Family Memories Traditions Lifestyle Parenting
  1. Spending time with loved ones creates lasting memories. Surfing together can be a fun and meaningful way to bond.
  2. In moments of joy, it's important to be present and appreciate the experience fully. These moments become cherished memories.
  3. Activities like surfing can be more than just fun; they can strengthen relationships and build shared histories that last a lifetime.

A rant about children’s movies

The Common Reader • 1240 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎭️ Culture Film Animation
  1. Children's films are often created with adult perspectives in mind, leading to moral shortcomings.
  2. Studio Ghibli movies prioritize realistic challenges and creativity in a way that Disney films do not.
  3. Studio Ghibli movies set a better moral example by portraying a world where hard work, creativity, and real-life challenges are valued.

Out of office

Substack • 549 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎭️ Culture Writers Creative Process Community Engagement Work-life balance
  1. Taking breaks is important for creativity. Many writers find that the best ideas come when they're relaxed and not working.
  2. Readers often support writers in taking time off. When writers communicate their need for a break, subscribers usually understand and appreciate the honesty.
  3. Some writers plan ahead by scheduling guest posts or using past content during their time off. This helps maintain a connection with their audience while they recharge.

Phone booths

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Music Art & Illustration Humor
  1. Phone booths in the UK were used for advertising sexual services with flyers, with interesting transformations over time, highlighting cultural shifts.
  2. Superheroes like Superman and British vigilante fantasies have unique associations with phone booths, showcasing creative interpretations of iconic imagery.
  3. The song "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand" captures themes of confusion, existential observation, and beauty, resonating with the complexities of life.

sunday memes and roses

bad cattitude • 96 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Memes Art Entertainment Social media Comedy
  1. Memes can be a fun way to express ideas and feelings. They often make us laugh and connect with others.
  2. The theme of Sunday seems to inspire relaxation and enjoyment. It's nice to take a break and just enjoy some light-hearted content.
  3. Paid subscriptions can offer extra content, making it worthwhile for those who want more in-depth discussions or entertainment. It's good to support creators if you enjoy what they do.

A Requiem for Techno-Optimism

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Nostalgia Capitalism Consumerism
  1. Vaporwave and mallsoft genres often reflect nostalgia for the past and critique the impact of digital culture on societal norms.
  2. The evolution of internet culture from anonymity to personal branding shifted social dynamics and expectations.
  3. The decline of physical malls symbolizes the shift towards online shopping and the changing nature of consumer experiences.

Living In The Dark Timeline: How Do We Find Hope?

Strange Wonder • 98 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Arts
  1. The world seems to be heading towards a dark and dystopian timeline with disturbing events unfolding.
  2. There is a decline in the stability and goodness of societies, with environmental crises worsening and political situations becoming bleak.
  3. Individuals can find hope by seeking out spaces of positivity and community amidst the chaos, even if large-scale change seems daunting.

forget thanksgiving its time for fearsharing

Both Are True • 301 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Social Issues Mental health Community Humor
  1. Acknowingging,voicing,orwritingdownforyogrownforyoggroforoforyogrodoforoforfoforyogroforofyogrofoffoyotfofffyoggygotfoforyogroforofyogrogrowgrowgrowingongrowing,ttttttor,orofoigroromoforyogroforofyogrofinotforyogroforyogrofooryogrofooryogroforyogrogrowoforyogroforyogroforofyogrogrowgrowingyogroforyogroforofyogrofinotforyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogrofrfromgrowinggrow,oroofororyofofoforoforyogroforyogroforyoyoyogroforygonogroforyogrofoffyogroforophyogroforyogroforofyogrocroforofyogrofinotforyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogro
  2. Tryingtoinovoforcityforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogrogrowytorogrofooftforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogro
  3. Obthmoth,modogroforyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogrofnnomnfyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogrofororygorfrndforofyogroforyogroforofyogroforyoyorofyogroforyooforofyogroforyogroforofyogroforyoyorofyogroforyogroforyogroforofyogro

The Plays About the End of the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 222 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Art Literature Media Performance
  1. New plays about AI are popping up everywhere, showing how people respond to new technologies. They don't predict an apocalypse, but they reveal our emotions and reactions.
  2. Theater might seem like a strange place to talk about complicated tech ideas. But these plays manage to make tough topics more relatable and human.
  3. Rather than traditional, boring themes, these plays bring fresh perspectives on current issues with technology that are important to us today. They offer entertaining yet thoughtful reflections on our future.

Modern Manners

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Personal Growth Family Dynamics Media Critique
  1. Basic decency seems to be getting worse, especially for those who claim to be oppressed. People often think they can skip courtesy because of their circumstances.
  2. Some mothers may treat their sons in ways that seem too close or inappropriate, raising questions about boundaries. It's important to consider what a child truly needs in those moments.
  3. There are different types of narcissists, and recognizing them can be helpful. It's good to learn how to spot these traits in others, especially in online interactions.

More Men Made of Miscellaneous Materials

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 661 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Fiction Literature Humor Art & Illustration
  1. Different types of argument representations exist, like straw man, steel man, and gold man, each serving unique purposes in discussions.
  2. Beyond the classic argument representations, there are variations such as glass man, diamond man, and pyrite man, each with distinct characteristics and impacts.
  3. Some argument representations, like lead man, uranium man, and wax man, may have negative effects on discussions by either polluting the debate or ascribing malicious intent to the opponent.

Elysian gatherings around the world

The Novelleist • 271 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Events Community Literature Travel Social
  1. There will be informal gatherings called Elysian picnics in different cities like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and San Francisco. They're open to anyone who wants to join.
  2. These picnics are a chance to meet new people and talk about interesting topics, especially literature and community improvement.
  3. If many people show interest, the event will be held in a larger space; if not, it may be canceled. It's about bringing people together in fun, public spaces.

Merry Jewish Christmas!

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 13 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Food Entertainment Media
  1. Jewish Christmas is a casual tradition of eating Chinese food, watching a movie, and doing some good-natured kvetching with friends or family. The typical menu includes spring rolls, wonton soup, fried rice or lo mein, General Tso’s (or tofu), and fortune cookies.
  2. The page is kept live all day with amusements to distract from family drama—games, an Ask Me Anything, and a reader-contributed Festivus where people can add their own bits of fun. The intent is lighthearted diversion rather than sharing bad news.
  3. There are strong language pet peeves: don’t use “gifted” as the past tense of “give,” and journalists shouldn’t start claims with “it feels like.” Instead, make clear, specific claims or admit you have none.

Intermissions

Austin Kleon • 1179 implied HN points • 16 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Film Zines Art Creative Media
  1. It's fun to watch movies in parts instead of all at once. Taking breaks can make the experience more enjoyable.
  2. You can create a zine, which is a small magazine, to share your thoughts or ideas easily. It's a fun way to express yourself.
  3. Watching old movies in black and white can give them a new twist. It can feel like you're seeing the film for the first time again.

You Will Comply and You'll be Happy

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 138 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Workplace Compliance Feminism Masculinity
  1. Annual compliance training can be tedious but necessary to adhere to workplace rules and ideologies
  2. New compliance modules focusing on topics like sexual harassment may have controversial or biased content
  3. Increased push for women and underrepresented groups in leadership roles in corporations may be linked to workplace dynamics and the evolving corporate agenda

Would I do it tomorrow?

Austin Kleon • 859 implied HN points • 29 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Events Media
  1. Independent Bookstore Day is a great occasion to support local bookstores. It's also a chance to enjoy special events and new releases.
  2. A good question to ask before accepting invitations is, 'Would I do it tomorrow?' It helps you decide if the opportunity is worth your time.
  3. Exploring creative work and art discussions, like the new film about Brian Eno, can inspire and deepen your understanding of art and its impact.

Welcome to Your Doomsday Cabin, a Weekend Paracosmic Getaway

OK Doomer • 106 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Imagination Psychology Escapism
  1. Paracosm is a creative way to escape reality by imagining your own vivid world. It's a safe space that helps to relieve stress and process emotions.
  2. While thinking in a paracosmic way can be helpful, too much of it can lead to problems. It's good to stay grounded and recognize the difference between fantasy and reality.
  3. Engaging in activities like prepping or gardening can be part of paracosmic thinking. They help us think critically and improve our mindset, even if they don't fully save us.

the haunting image of a "best newsboy" kid's costume from Target

Both Are True • 96 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Fashion Performance Social Issues
  1. The image of the 'best newsboy' costume makes the viewer feel uneasy, especially because the boy appears small and distant. It raises questions about connection and authenticity.
  2. There's something awkward about the costume itself, making it feel unnatural and silly for a child to wear at a party. This prompts thoughts on how we define roles in society.
  3. Additionally, the lack of product reviews and availability adds to the overall strangeness. It leads to doubts about the costume's reality and the child's authenticity.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 90 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Society Art Media Humor Personal Growth
  1. Chasing dreams can be tough, but it's important to keep fighting for what you want. Persistence is key to achieving your goals.
  2. Life often teaches us hard truths about ourselves and the people around us. These realizations can lead to personal growth.
  3. Sharing experiences, like memes or stories, can help connect with others and lighten the mood. Humor can be a great way to cope with challenges.

Back with Bette and Joan!

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Television Film Hollywood Gender Studies
  1. The watch party for the miniseries 'Feud: Bette and Joan' is a fun way to connect over classic Hollywood drama. It's happening on March 19 and everyone is welcome to join the discussion.
  2. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford had very different personalities, with Davis being a talented actress and Crawford more of a classic movie star. Their intense rivalry makes for a captivating story to explore.
  3. The series delves deeper into the personal struggles of both actresses and highlights the challenges they faced in an ageist Hollywood. It's a mix of humor, tragedy, and glamour that portrays their complex relationship.