The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

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In Defense of Brooklyn Beckham

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 213 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Pop culture Social media Fashion Family Media
  1. Brooklyn repeatedly tries different high-profile careers—photography, cooking, wine collecting, modeling—but those efforts often fall flat and get mocked online.
  2. He alleges his famous parents have meddled in his life, even sending his siblings to attack him on social media and treating his wedding like an Instagram opportunity.
  3. Despite the ridicule, he appears to have accepted public humiliation to create distance from his family, which has generated sympathy.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 90

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Sports Food Technology Books Music Travel Media
  1. Watching football on television isn’t just more convenient—it’s often the only way to see the whole game and understand what’s happening on the field.
  2. Restaurants can use loss-leading deals like very cheap oysters to bring customers in, who then spend on drinks and other higher-margin items.
  3. Recent iOS updates are increasingly frustrating for users, highlighting how phone software changes can damage the everyday user experience.

It’s the 349th Day of January

Hung Up • 2908 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film Entertainment
  1. The post is about January 2024 and the author's movie watching experience.
  2. The author watched the movie "Postcards from the Edge" as the first movie of the year and loves it.
  3. Readers can access more content with a 7-day free trial subscription.
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Bathtime in Bulgaria

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 639 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Identity Tradition Folklore Community
  1. Ivan Vazov is a key figure in Bulgarian literature and his work sparked a sense of national identity. His poetry, especially about freedom, shaped how many Bulgarians see their history.
  2. Baths in Bulgaria are more than just places to get clean; they hold cultural and spiritual significance. They serve as social spaces where people connect and share, reflecting the blend of history and community.
  3. The experience of bathing has evolved through different political contexts, from Ottoman influence to socialist ideals and now into capitalist commodification, affecting how people relate to these traditions and spaces today.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 581 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books Essays Design Home Podcasts Media Food
  1. A short, curated list of things you consumed can surface useful recommendations and fun discoveries to try.
  2. Tiny, playful messages like “Wanna hear something crazy lolol” show how small texts can bring unexpected joy and connection.
  3. An essay about dictionaries can shift how you think about words and spark curiosity about older reference works like the 1913 Webster’s.

The Time I Annoyed Lord British and He Gave Me His Debris

The Bottom Feeder • 727 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Gaming Nostalgia Storytelling Influence Personal Experience
  1. Persistence can sometimes pay off, even if it annoys others. The story shows that being assertive can lead to unexpected opportunities.
  2. Meeting someone you admire can be exciting, but it's important to respect their time and boundaries.
  3. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places. The interaction led to valuable creative ideas later in life.

Cult-like Beliefs

In My Tribe • 774 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Online behavior Radicalization Belief systems Group dynamics
  1. People often decide what to believe based on who they trust, which can lead to intense beliefs similar to cult-like thinking. It's not just about the beliefs themselves, but about the social connections that reinforce them.
  2. In a cult, people believe there is only one correct way to see the world and often cut ties with those who hold different opinions. This creates an 'us vs. them' mentality where outside viewpoints are seen as threatening.
  3. The online environment can encourage cult-like behavior, as individuals may isolate themselves within specific groups, making it easier to adopt extreme beliefs without diverse perspectives. This trend seems to be increasing in today's society.

The man whose life was £1

The Waiting Room • 536 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Memoir History
  1. Frank's Memories is a personal booklet that captures his life story, from his parents meeting to significant moments in his own life. It's a unique glimpse into one person's experiences and feelings.
  2. The author reflects on the ethics of sharing someone's life story, feeling a bit guilty about taking Frank's memories and reshaping them. It's a reminder that every story is complex and may not have a clear ending.
  3. Frank's journey highlights that life's moments can be both ordinary and special, like picking potatoes or sharing laughs. It encourages us to appreciate personal histories and the small details that make up our lives.

My experience with antisemitism

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 327 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Identity Antisemitism Racism Diaspora Immigration Religion
  1. Growing up between countries made me feel different and led me to hide parts of my Jewish identity, but I eventually learned to accept myself and keep only the people who mattered.
  2. Antisemitism shows up as casual jokes, online abuse, and violent attacks, and it is increasingly treated as acceptable or disguised as "anti‑Zionism".
  3. The spread and normalization of hatred against Jews is a warning sign for broader societal prejudice, and silence from others makes it more dangerous.

What we lose when AI creates art

Subtle Digressions • 559 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Humanity Technology
  1. AI art lacks the emotional depth of human-created art. Art reflects human experiences, feelings, and suffering that AI does not possess.
  2. There's a difference between art and content. True art comes from deep human connections and experiences, while content is often just a product of efficiency.
  3. Using AI in art risks commodifying creativity. If we let machines create art, we lose the value and meaning that come from the human struggle and process of creation.

Culture Links, 12/18/2025

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Media Religion Diversity Identity Elites Security Demographics
  1. Writers today have to build a visible personal brand and keep producing useful or entertaining work to win attention, because content is infinite and automation raises the noise level.
  2. Society needs people willing to occupy elite roles and exercise leadership responsibly, and those elites should combine ambition with humility about the limits of understanding complex systems.
  3. Recent cultural shifts are leaving groups feeling excluded or unsafe: many younger white men say DEI has blocked early-career opportunities, while growing antisemitism is driving Jewish communities to add security and retreat from public life.

The Forever Mitzvah

Singal-Minded • 496 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Faith Identity Society
  1. Dovi connects with Jesse during their unexpected encounter, leading to a deep conversation about life and experiences. Their bond grows as Jesse shares personal struggles, which shows how meaningful connections can arise from chance meetings.
  2. The act of smoking the shredded Torah represents a transformative experience for Jesse, symbolizing a new perspective on life and spirituality. It reflects a journey to confront fears and learn about oneself in unusual ways.
  3. The story culminates in a unique twist where Jesse contemplates a change meant to connect him more to his Jewish identity, showing how identity and belonging can create powerful feelings of connection and urgency in relationships.

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

My favorite articles of 2025

Maybe Baby • 524 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Essays Journalism Reading Recommendations Newsletters Media
  1. A yearly roundup highlights fifteen favorite articles of the year. The selections come from reading many pieces and applying a picky, rigorous standard.
  2. The recurring "15 Things" format usually showcases exactly five articles, and it sometimes drops to four when the choices don’t meet the standard.
  3. The full post is behind a paywall and requires a paid subscription or sign‑in to read.

TikTok is done for

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 8539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Society Internet Politics Mental health
  1. TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S., which many people believe is coming soon. This could change how we interact with social media and restrict freedom of expression.
  2. In New Jersey, there have been many reports of mysterious drones, but most sightings are just everyday planes or stars. This has caused confusion and panic among the public.
  3. There is growing concern about how men view women's bodies, especially after a celebrity's unedited photos went viral. Some men seem to forget that real women look different from their edited images in media.

Very Good Bags

Culture Study • 2116 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Fashion Design Art Lifestyle Social Trends
  1. People spend a lot of time searching for the perfect bag that suits their needs. Everyone has different preferences and it's okay to share your experiences with bags.
  2. This is a fun space to talk about what makes your favorite bag special and how it works for you. If you're looking for specific recommendations, ask the group for help!
  3. The discussion is meant to be light and enjoyable, reminding us that while we can talk seriously about other topics, sharing about bags can be fun too.

Moving Beyond the Bumble Brag

Seven Senses • 699 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Self-promotion Art Music Identity Personal Growth Creativity
  1. It's important to share your achievements and talents. Hiding them can stop others from benefiting from your skills.
  2. Self-promotion should be seen as a way of showing respect for yourself and your work. It’s not about being boastful.
  3. Being too modest doesn't help anyone. Everyone deserves to shine and be recognized for their hard work.

Gypsies and Jews

Cremieux Recueil • 718 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Ethnicity Stereotypes Identity Discrimination Education
  1. Gypsies face strong stereotypes and discrimination, which causes some to avoid identifying as gypsies to escape negative perceptions. This leads to skewed statistics and misunderstandings about their true numbers and social standing.
  2. Jewish success has historical roots, shaped by a focus on education and social mobility that started centuries ago. This emphasis helped them thrive even under different cultural and religious regimes.
  3. Both gypsies and Jews have experienced selective group identification that affects how they are viewed by society. This means that the perceptions people have might not reflect the whole truth about these communities.

The snail trail

Austin Kleon • 2817 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy History Lifestyle
  1. Snails teach us the importance of taking our time and moving at our own pace. They remind us that it's okay to slow down and be idle sometimes.
  2. Snails leave a trail behind them, which symbolizes the journey we've taken in life and art. This can inspire artists to reflect on their past experiences.
  3. Observing small creatures like snails can help us find purpose and meaning in our lives. They show us that even the seemingly insignificant can have a big impact.

The humanities help us find the people we want to know.

The Common Reader • 3614 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🎭️ Culture Humanities Literature Education Philosophy Arts
  1. The humanities help us connect with like-minded people. Discussing books is a great way to make friends and enhance our lives.
  2. Sorting, selecting, and signaling are important benefits of studying the humanities. They help us find the right group and show others our interests.
  3. Reading great literature, like works from Jonathan Swift, can improve our understanding of each other and create a sense of community.

Cái chuông rè

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 3474 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Critical Thinking Ethics Education Skepticism Investigation
  1. Having a 'bullshit detector' or independent thinking mindset is crucial for evaluating information and avoiding deception.
  2. Questioning and independent thinking are essential for uncovering truth and preventing misinformation.
  3. Encouraging a culture of questioning and respecting those who ask questions can lead to a more informed and ethical society.

Sometimes People Are Just Stupid

Holly’s Newsletter • 3154 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Opinion Social Issues Media Politics Entertainment
  1. There are conservative influencers targeting an artist and her relationship, sparking debates and theories about the implications of her endorsements and impact on voting demographics.
  2. The artist in question has messages of traditional love and relationships in her work, facing criticism and scrutiny from various political perspectives.
  3. The discussions around this artist's personal life and potential endorsements highlight broader cultural tensions and divisions, reflecting the complexity of celebrity influence and political narratives.

Wandering the Ruins of the American Dream

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4333 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture History Environment Politics Nature Family
  1. Exploring historical ruins can reveal hard truths about the past, such as the impact of colonialism and environmental degradation.
  2. Visiting sites like Fort Belle Fontaine can provoke reflection on the decay of the American Dream and the realities of history.
  3. Nature reclaims abandoned spaces with thorns and vines, serving as a reminder of the destruction caused by human actions.

Trailer for the "Hail Mary" Movie, Starring Ryan Gosling, Made by My First Cousin Phil Lord & All His Contubernales

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Film Science fiction Hollywood Celebrity Adaptations
  1. Project Hail Mary is being adapted into a big‑screen movie starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, opening in theaters and IMAX on 3/20/26.
  2. The story is a space buddy adventure about a confused middle‑school science teacher teaming up with an alien engineer to stop an astrophage apocalypse that threatens the sun.
  3. The film balances hard science, melodrama, and comic timing to deliver uplifting IMAX spectacle while keeping Andy Weir’s nerdy, ‘science the [bleep] out of this’ spirit.

The Auckland Women’s Centre NZ knows how to beat the patriarchy – shame it’s completely bonkers.

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Rights Feminism Trans issues Social justice Activism
  1. There's a debate about including trans women in women's spaces and sports. Some believe it's necessary for ending patriarchy, while others think it threatens women's rights.
  2. The Auckland Women’s Centre promotes trans rights, arguing that supporting all gender identities helps fight against discrimination. They see trans rights as part of women's rights.
  3. There are concerns about the effects of transphobia, claiming it distracts from real issues facing women and undermines everyone who doesn't fit traditional gender roles.

Whitney Cummings has lost the plot

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7733 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Comedy Social Trends Entertainment Celebrities
  1. Whitney Cummings made controversial jokes during a live New Year's Eve special that many found inappropriate. People are worried about her spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
  2. There was a viral trend of unfollowing Vexbolt on social media, aimed at making him less popular. It's a humorous way for the internet to play with fame but raises questions about its impact on creators.
  3. The photo dump trend replaced traditional year-end recap videos this year. It seems people are looking for simpler ways to share their memories without making complicated edits.

Gay vs Straight Relationship Quality (Graph Dump)

Knowingless • 202 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Relationships LGBTQ+ Psychology Demographics
  1. It compares how happy people in gay and lesbian relationships are versus people in straight relationships.
  2. The findings are based on a survey that was framed as unrelated to relationship quality, which helps reduce bias in responses.
  3. The piece uses a graph-heavy dump of data and visualizations to illustrate differences in relationship quality.

☞ Innovation Biopics

Cabinet of Wonders • 254 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Film Media Technology Business Innovation Design History
  1. Innovation biopics are a popular film and TV genre that dramatizes how products and companies came to be.
  2. These films are often not fully accurate, but they push people to learn more and spotlight the messy, human side of innovation and success or failure.
  3. There’s a broader curiosity about obscure jobs and complex systems, illustrated by examples like insurance archaeology and a curated roundup of links on technology, design, and cultural history.

The unbreakable urge to Google

The Rectangle • 141 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Digital Life Generations Communication Etiquette Media Technology
  1. Googling is a normal, modern part of chatting and many people instinctively look things up on their phones.
  2. The technology you grow up with shapes how you consume and share information, so different generations form different habits around searching and listening.
  3. It’s okay to look things up during a conversation if you say you’re going to check, talk through what you find while searching, and then return to the conversation.

Why is Rear Window so tense?

The Common Reader • 2268 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Visual Arts Theater Media
  1. _Rear Window_ shows a mix of different people's lives, creating a sense of tension and curiosity. Even before any crime happens, you feel like something important is unfolding.
  2. Instead of loud actions typical in murder stories, the film is quiet and uses visual cues to hint at danger. This makes the audience question what they truly see and understand.
  3. The film plays with genre expectations. It's not just about solving a crime; it also explores themes of voyeurism and our curiosity about others' lives, making you think about what you watch and why.

Is Honest Writing the Next New Thing in Journalism?

The Honest Broker • 18551 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism Writing Honesty Media Communication
  1. Honesty in writing can be a powerful tool to break down obstacles and strengthen your writing and thinking.
  2. There are many reasons why writers are dishonest, such as to please editors, gain favors, or increase popularity.
  3. Embracing an 'honest writing style' can lead to a shift in your writing, making it more conversational and impactful.