The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

For the Love of God, Bring Back Blind Hiring Processes

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media Workplace Diversity Hiring Labor
  1. The entertainment industry publicly and actively prioritized hiring more women and non-white people in recent years, with companies and unions changing policies and incentives to do so.
  2. Calling rejected white men ‘not talented enough’ sidesteps the problem because talent is subjective and often unknowable, so that argument doesn’t resolve claims of discrimination.
  3. Bringing back blind hiring processes would help reduce identity-based bias and make hiring decisions focus more on the work itself, which could feel fairer to everyone.

Thoughts For Sale

Working Theorys • 195 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Intellectualism Media Content creation Consumer behavior
  1. Substack is trying to become a platform for not just writers but all kinds of creators. They want to grow beyond just newsletters and include videos and podcasts, making it a one-stop shop for creative content.
  2. The platform is seen as a way to support and connect with writers while also offering subscribers a chance to show their intellectual tastes. It’s becoming a symbol of belonging to a specific community or culture.
  3. As Substack grows, it faces a challenge of maintaining quality while expanding its audience. There's a risk that it might lose its special intellectual vibe as it tries to attract more users and different types of content.

How Language is Changing in the Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🎭️ Culture Language Technology AI Cultural Diversity Communication
  1. Languages are constantly evolving, but the digital age might be accelerating the pace of change. Is a universal language possible?
  2. Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) pose new challenges to language preservation, but also offer opportunities to document and save languages for historical analysis.
  3. The future of human language could involve the development of a universal language, potentially influenced by digital technologies, cultural sensitivity, and global collaboration.
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Casting A Wide Net

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 186 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Political Discourse Media Critique Social Issues Masculinity
  1. People are increasingly influenced by big personalities and pop culture figures, which can shape their beliefs and feelings. It's important to recognize how this happens, especially in a world flooded with media.
  2. There seems to be a masculinity crisis in society, affecting young men who are feeling lost. Solutions may not be simple, but addressing deeper issues of responsibility and real-life values could help.
  3. Technology and social media are driving a lot of negativity, often promoting conflict and anger. It’s essential to be aware of how algorithms shape what we see and how we react.

IVF and the Ideology of the Eternal Present

From the New World • 75 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Ethics Humanity Identity Society
  1. The IVF debate shows two very different views about what makes us human. One side believes in a unique human essence, while the other thinks it doesn't exist.
  2. Transhumanists view people as interchangeable, similar to how we see Uber drivers—if one is gone, another can replace them without much thought.
  3. Both sides recognize a problem with modern life feeling dull, but they disagree on how to fix it. One wants to protect human essence, while the other thinks moving beyond it is the way to progress.

Vol. 2, Issue 5 - The Time I Almost Lost My Charizard

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Collectibles Nostalgia Gaming Literature
  1. Owning a Charizard card was a big deal, and the author really valued it as a kid. It was popular among friends, making it even more special.
  2. A childhood friend stole the Charizard card, showing how trust can be broken by those we least expect.
  3. Even after getting the card back, it was bent, leaving a lasting reminder of that betrayal and changing how the author views trust and possessions.

Weaponized Hate Watching

Trantor Publishing • 199 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism Content creation Cultural impact
  1. Hate watching involves critiquing or mocking media online, portraying mixed emotions towards mainstream content.
  2. Different types of hate watchers include YouTube critics, nostalgia-driven viewers, and those drawn to woke elements in modern productions.
  3. Hate watching can be leveraged by independent creators to build audiences and redirect attention towards their own content.

I Hate You, Please Stan Me

Default Wisdom • 207 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Fandom Community Entertainment Identity Social media
  1. Fandom can mean different things to different people, and not everyone agrees on what makes a fan. Toxic fandom often involves harassment and bigotry, but not all criticism comes from actual fans.
  2. Healthy fandoms support one another and enjoy discussing their interests, while toxic ones, often called 'standom,' enforce strict loyalty and can lead to aggressive behavior against critics or other fans.
  3. Being cast out from a fandom can hurt deeply, as it affects one's sense of identity and belonging. Fans may feel a mix of fear and aggression as the community's unwritten rules change around them.

Surviving the Symphony of Slack

A Perfectly Cromulent Software Engineer • 39 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Workplace Stress Pets
  1. Hearing the notification sound from a work messaging platform like Slack can trigger stress and anxiety in some individuals.
  2. The familiar sound of a notification can bring back memories of past stressful situations and urgent requests.
  3. There is a delicate balance between muting notifications to avoid stress and missing out on enjoyable interactions like shared memes or conversations with friends.

Aesthetic Warfare (and the Power of Coining an Aesthetic)

Working Theorys • 141 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Politics Identity Aesthetics
  1. Culture fights are more about looks and feelings than simply ideas. Aesthetics are how people connect and relate to those ideas.
  2. Aesthetic authorship is really important today. Anyone can create and share new styles, which can change how people see themselves and their values.
  3. Art needs a human touch. While AI can create amazing visuals, it lacks the deeper meaning and intent that only a human artist can bring to their work.

Sunday Notes

Opaque Hourglass • 139 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Observations Reflections
  1. The author observed four dead bees on the floor of a church, which led to thoughts on their possible journey into the building.
  2. The text discusses a concept where acquiring more resources often leads to increased consumption without significant change.
  3. The idea of taking actions like bailing out a sinking ship not to save it, but to prolong the experience highlights a unique perspective on decision-making.

We Live Like Royalty and Don’t Know It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 129 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Education Values History Ideas
  1. Many people don't realize how much they benefit from complex systems that provide food, water, and healthcare. It's important to understand these systems to appreciate the comforts we have.
  2. Events like weddings showcase how ordinary people can enjoy luxuries that were once only for the wealthy. This shows a change in how we live compared to the past.
  3. Understanding and maintaining our modern systems is crucial. If we ignore them, we risk losing the conveniences we've come to expect in daily life.

Vol. 1, Issue 12 - Interview with Danior Snyder

Johto Times • 199 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Disability Access Interviews Community
  1. The newsletter is changing to include featured content directly in emails. This way, subscribers can see more without clicking to another link.
  2. Danior Snyder, a Pokémon fan with a rare eye condition, shares his challenges accessing games. This highlights the need for better accessibility in gaming.
  3. Danior suggests that companies like Nintendo should add text-to-speech features and sound cues to help those with vision impairments enjoy games more easily.

There Once Was an Empire

thinkinghistorically • 93 HN points • 20 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature History Politics Identity Social Change
  1. Obsessions with decline and collapse are becoming more prominent in public discourse and literature.
  2. Memories of past empires and collapses can help us navigate uncertainty in the present and imagine different futures.
  3. Literature from the era of Austria-Hungary captures the nostalgia, chaos, and ephemerality of a world caught between permanence and collapse.

How I prepare for an interview

Austin Kleon • 599 implied HN points • 01 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Interviews Writing Media
  1. Making mind maps helps organize thoughts and ideas before an interview. It's a great way to see connections between different topics.
  2. Instead of preparing a strict list of questions, focus on topic areas. This way, you can listen better and have a more natural conversation.
  3. Listening is key in interviews. If you're busy thinking about your next question, you might miss what the person is saying.

Woman: A Non-Circular Definition

Bet On It • 684 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Society Ethics Identity Film
  1. The documentary 'What Is a Woman?' is praised for being sublime, humane, and hilarious despite controversy.
  2. Interviewees in the film struggled to define 'woman' in a non-circular way due to their dogmas.
  3. The film challenges views on transgenderism and highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding the topic.

Twitter posts I'd love to talk about

Defender’s corner • 19 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Discussions Education Futurism
  1. Engaging in thought-provoking Twitter discussions can lead to fascinating real-life conversations where new perspectives are shared and learned.
  2. Understanding different perspectives and reasons behind disagreements is crucial for progress and better communication.
  3. Exploring ideas that challenge the norm can lead to insights that may be overlooked or undervalued in the present, potentially shaping the future.

dancing with the brain demons: what artists really need (spoiler: each other)

Both Are True • 65 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Community Expression Identity
  1. Artists often struggle with inner doubts and negative thoughts, which can be seen as 'demonic messages' that hinder creativity. It's important to recognize these feelings and understand they are part of the creative process.
  2. Balancing being an artist with helping other artists is a challenge, but creating supportive spaces for collaboration and interaction can be rewarding and impactful.
  3. Community is essential for artists; connecting with others can provide motivation, inspiration, and a sense of belonging that enhances the creative experience.

The Work of Stagnation

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 98 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows Pop culture Entertainment Satire Cultural Commentary
  1. Shows like 'The Simpsons' and 'Saturday Night Live' have become ingrained in American pop culture but need to evolve to stay relevant.
  2. Even long-running shows like 'The Simpsons' can adapt to modern societal expectations and remain fresh and engaging.
  3. Paid subscriptions to content creators like Oliver Bateman support critical discourse and thoughtful analysis of various topics.

Hidden Gems

Seven Senses • 319 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Creativity Community Identity
  1. Shadow artists are people who love art but don't create their own. They surround themselves with artists instead of pursuing their own creative dreams.
  2. Working through 'The Artist's Way' can help anyone break free from feeling stuck or unworthy. It encourages daily practices like writing and exploring creativity.
  3. Embracing your creativity, even with its ups and downs, can help you connect with others. Sharing your work inspires both personal growth and helps others to express themselves too.

Spring Festival Gala Review by Chinese Doom Scroll

ChinaTalk • 429 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Music Comedy Traditions Dance
  1. Many people found the 2024 Spring Festival Gala to be enjoyable and a hit among the past few years' shows.
  2. The performances included a variety of acts showcasing traditional Chinese arts like drums, dancing, opera, martial arts, and folk songs.
  3. Despite some controversial comedy skits, overall the Gala featured high-quality, impressive performances and a mix of propaganda and entertainment.

Curator

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics Academic Freedom Cultural Commentary
  1. The conversation about race and liberalism is complex. Many believe that liberal ideals may not address the deeper issues of racism that affect black identity.
  2. Safety culture and equity language can limit real conversations and understanding. This trend is seen as creating a divide rather than genuinely improving communication.
  3. The rise of alternative cultural spaces, like Substack, shows that there is a thriving creative world outside of traditional publishing. People are becoming more open to exploring diverse voices and ideas.

Strapping Mephedrone to My Balls (19/30)

psychotechnology • 15 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Nightlife Dance Personal Essay
  1. He sneaks and uses mephedrone at a nightclub to alter his state and work through emotional stuff, treating the trip like a DIY therapy session.
  2. Nightclub security feels like performative theatre — intrusive, inconsistent, and often more about control than real safety.
  3. Drugs and dancing act as a kind of tribal, entheogenic ritual that can deepen emotional and social experience, but the author still feels out of place and resents being supervised.

The Monthly Salon: October

The Abbey of Misrule • 199 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Religion Literature Discussion
  1. The author recently gave a talk called 'Against Christian Civilisation', which is available as a recording. It's good to share ideas and thoughts with others.
  2. There's a monthly open house for readers to discuss any topics they like, encouraging free expression and friendly debate.
  3. The author emphasizes maintaining good manners and respect in discussions, similar to how people should act in real-life conversations.

Second Thoughts on Epstein; More on Aristotle and "the Tyrannical Soul"

Unpopular Front • 52 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Media Art Ethics
  1. Jeffrey Epstein's rise in elite circles reveals that many powerful people aren't as talented as they seem. They can be boring and untalented, just like Epstein himself.
  2. The view of Epstein as a mastermind is misleading; he was just another grifter trying to benefit from a corrupt system. There's no real meritocracy among the wealthy.
  3. Understanding Epstein's influence helps show how wealth and power can come from being useful to others, rather than from real intelligence or hard work.

From al-Qaeda to the Human Potential Movement to Terrorgram

Default Wisdom • 48 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Sociology History Psychology Philosophy Arts
  1. DX started exploring online debates about race and biodiversity at a young age, which shows how people's interests can develop from a young age.
  2. He became an independent researcher, indicating a shift from casual browsing to serious study on complex topics.
  3. The journey from discussing race relations to engaging with various movements highlights the evolving nature of online communities and their impact on personal beliefs.

The Heliogenesis Manifesto

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Community Leadership Wellness Sustainability Mindfulness
  1. We should approach life and work like a garden, nurturing growth instead of rushing for progress. Taking time for rest and connection is essential.
  2. Heliogenesis focuses on creating responsibly and sustainably, valuing what nourishes us instead of just taking resources. It's about building things that help, not harm.
  3. Belonging and leadership are more about support and safety, not control or fitting in. Change happens slowly through trust and connection.

The Marriage Market

David Friedman’s Substack • 161 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Marriage Economics Social norms Gender Roles Legal issues
  1. Marriage can be viewed as a market where people offer certain terms to get a partner. If there are fewer options for one gender, the price or terms improve for the other gender.
  2. Having different qualities can change the 'price' of potential spouses. Attractive or compatible people often have better terms in marriage deals, similar to how desirable products are priced in a market.
  3. Legalizing practices like polygyny or polyandry can shift the demand for spouses, leading to better terms for some while making it tougher for others. It may seem confusing, but more choices can change how relationships are valued.

11 Best Things of 2024

SatPost by Trung Phan • 164 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Books Podcasts Music Memes
  1. The film industry is relying too much on sequels and spin-offs, leading to a lack of creativity. New stories like 'The Wild Robot' bring freshness and are needed more than ever.
  2. Nuclear threats are still a serious concern, and many people are complacent about it. A book about a potential nuclear war highlights the urgent need for communication between world leaders to prevent disaster.
  3. Taking time to create special memories with loved ones is important. A personal trip to Paris with family shows how meaningful experiences should not be postponed.