The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the Art of the Smear

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Celebrity Justice Social Issues
  1. Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and claimed he organized a smear campaign against her. This has sparked widespread discussion and sympathy for her situation.
  2. The case brings up questions about the complexity of such accusations, especially given how media often portrays men as villains and women as victims in Hollywood.
  3. Amid all the drama, it's important to remember that there are often multiple sides to every story, and not everything is as clear-cut as it seems.

Group chats, AI girlfriends and algorithmic culture

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 838 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers History Religion Art
  1. Mormon women have had a significant impact on internet culture, particularly through the popularization of products like the Stanley tumbler.
  2. The shift in caffeine consumption among Mormons in 2012 led to the growth of a soda culture, influencing trends like 'dirty sodas' and impacting products like Stanley tumblers.
  3. Mormon women's strong emphasis on family, combined with the openness of the internet, allowed them to become influential mommy bloggers and shape internet content with a focus on lifestyle and family values.

Experiences Quitting Twitter

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Productivity Personal Growth Lifestyle
  1. Quitting Twitter can be easier than you think. After a short period of craving, you might find more freedom and productivity.
  2. Removing social media entirely might be more effective than just cutting back. It's like going on a strict diet; all or nothing might work better for habits you want to change.
  3. After cutting out Twitter, you might feel an initial sense of anxiety but it can quickly turn into a sense of relief and focus, helping you pursue more meaningful activities.

What Sexual Liberation Really Looks Like

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1794 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism Sexuality Society Gender Relationships
  1. Hookup culture mainly helps men while often making things harder for women. It's important to recognize how this affects women's experiences.
  2. Casual sex isn't necessarily a good thing for women, and deeper connections with partners can lead to more fulfilling relationships.
  3. Not all sexual desires should be acted on, and women don't have to participate in hookup culture just because it's popular.

The Muddy Schadenfreude of Burning Man

In the Flash • 1958 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Events Art Opinion Criticism Entertainment
  1. There is a collective backlash against Burning Man due to global warming leading to muddy conditions, criticized by journalists and intellectuals.
  2. Burning Man is not just about drugs and orgies; it also features art installations, interactive experiences, and a sense of wonder.
  3. Despite criticisms, Burning Man offers an escape from daily life, a space for freedom, creativity, and a reset from societal norms.
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Open Thread 353

Astral Codex Ten • 2821 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Community Discussion Events Social media Learning
  1. People are questioning the optimism around solar power's future, showing that not everyone agrees on its potential. This discussion is happening after a recent conference.
  2. There's a bootcamp for learning about quantitative trading happening soon, but it's not designed to make you rich or improve job prospects in that field. It's more for those who just want to learn out of interest.
  3. The host is planning to limit advertising for events unless they're really important. This is to keep things focused and avoid overwhelming everyone with promotions.

Zoomers, Video Games, and The New Culture

Trantor Publishing • 758 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Youth culture Cultural critique Social Interaction Counterculture
  1. Zoomers are facing challenges in various aspects of life like mental health and education due to factors from the past. The struggles of the youth reflect societal issues accumulated over time.
  2. The digital world, including video games, has become a significant part of Zoomers' lives, impacting how they engage with culture and consume media. Modern entertainment focuses more on prolonged engagement rather than quality.
  3. To address societal challenges and engage with younger generations effectively, there is a need to create shared cultural experiences and provide opportunities for meaningful connection and competition beyond digital distractions.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 767 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media Lifestyle Writing Personal Creativity
  1. It's okay to let go of things like old notes to stay focused on the present. Sometimes less is more when it comes to managing our thoughts.
  2. Human memory can be tricky, and relying too much on external tools might not always be the best idea. Trusting your mind can help you stay connected with what matters now.
  3. Reflecting on time can reveal surprising insights, like realizing just how close certain months are. It makes you think about how quickly time flies.

Friday Thread: How Are You Planning For Your Senescence?

Culture Study • 2321 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Aging Retirement Wellness Relationships
  1. It's important to think about how you will take care of yourself as you get older. Planning for your elder years can help ease worries and create a sense of security.
  2. Many people learn valuable lessons from watching loved ones age. These experiences can guide how we approach our own aging.
  3. Retirement planning is a common concern. It's good to think about your financial future and make a plan so you can enjoy your later years.

Emotions, American Dream, Self-Esteem

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1041 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Emotions American Dream Self-esteem Psychology Social Issues
  1. Liberals and conservatives view vulnerability differently; liberals often see a clear divide between the oppressed and oppressors, while conservatives see everyone as equally susceptible to hardship. This affects their moral judgments.
  2. Holocaust deniers generally have lower IQs compared to the average population, suggesting a link between intelligence and acceptance of historical facts.
  3. People with fragile self-esteem often misinterpret social interactions as hostile or negative, making it hard for them to build and keep healthy relationships.

Home, Seek Home

Seven Senses • 979 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Community Art Travel Personal Growth
  1. Home can mean many things, like where we were born, grew up, or where we currently live. It can feel confusing and different for everyone.
  2. Finding home is often more about the connections we build with people and the experiences we share than a physical address.
  3. The search for home may never fully end, and it's a natural feeling for many. It's about creating a sense of belonging wherever we go.

Due North

Black Music and Black Muses • 727 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Identity Race Family Performance
  1. Children of famous parents like North West and Blue Ivy inherit both spectacle and talent, performing what they are given.
  2. Grooming and understanding in relationships can hold complexities, influenced by societal norms and individual experiences.
  3. Celebrities like Michael Jackson faced grooming, identity struggles, and the pressures of performance throughout their lives.

Be It Resolved!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2156 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Creative Writing Relationships Self-reflection Mindfulness
  1. Make time to appreciate the beautiful things around you every day. It can really lift your spirits and change your perspective.
  2. Focus on writing more deeply and ambitiously. Challenge yourself to explore new forms of writing you haven't tried before.
  3. Invest in your friendships by regularly reaching out and making plans. Being a good friend can bring joy to both you and those you care about.

Normal is what you can successfully ignore

Austin Kleon • 3137 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Philosophy Nature
  1. Normal is not just a standard; it's about what we don't pay attention to. If something feels normal to you, it's likely something you easily overlook.
  2. Public speaking can improve with practice and self-assurance. It's important to focus on sharing ideas rather than trying to be perfect.
  3. Connecting with nature and animals can deepen our understanding of life. Reflecting on our relationships with them can lead to interesting insights.

An Update on "Commercial Upzoning"

The Discourse Lounge • 189 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Education Arts Community Childhood Nonprofit
  1. Commercial upzoning can impact local businesses and institutions, like museums, that give the community unique experiences.
  2. Habitot Children’s Museum is an important place for kids and has faced challenges due to changes in the area.
  3. Supporting local pop-up services and charities can help keep valuable community resources available for families.

Rich People Food, Daydreaming, Broken Windows

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2045 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Status Psychology Human Relationships Cultural Commentary
  1. Men run faster than women in short races, but women start to catch up in longer ones. It's interesting to see how endurance plays a role in racing.
  2. Happy relationships, especially in marriage, are super important for a fulfilling life as we age. Staying connected with loved ones really matters.
  3. People who are open to new experiences often do quirky things like eating spicy food for breakfast and daydreaming for fun. Being open-minded can lead to a pretty cool day.

'Ferrari' And Fascism

Daily Dreher • 864 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film History Religion
  1. The post discusses the movie 'Ferrari' and its portrayal of Enzo Ferrari's life crisis in 1957.
  2. The author praises the film for its clever utilization of Catholic sacramentalism.
  3. There is a mention of another person's reaction to the movie, showing different perspectives.

Self-aware villains, tech secessionists and a theory for why everything's getting worse

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 718 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Friendships Technology Internet Youth culture
  1. The Facebook party album from 2008 was a unique sociological spectacle that reflected youth relationships and friendships
  2. Social media platforms have evolved in how they enable users to navigate and express their friendships, from Facebook to Instagram Stories
  3. Modern digital signals of relational closeness, like group chats and Instagram grid posts, continue to play significant roles in mapping friendships

My Husband Wants to Be Cremated. I’d Ignore His Dying Wish.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 881 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Analysis Personal narratives Cultural Commentary
  1. The author and her husband often discuss death and their funeral wishes, showing it's a real concern for them. She wants a traditional wake, while he prefers cremation.
  2. The HBO series 'The Mortician' highlights shocking stories about a sociopathic undertaker, making her rethink funeral practices. It raises alarms about how some bodies are handled after death.
  3. There's a fear of what happens to bodies after death, with examples of mismanagement, leading the author to express a strong preference for a burial over donation or cremation.

On the Epstein files, Dr. Peter Attia, and the difference between cancel culture and reasonable moral expectations

Unreported Truths • 44 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Ethics Accountability Cancel Culture Scandal
  1. The Epstein records show many powerful people kept ties to him and engaged in disturbing, if not always illegal, behavior, which creates a real tension between privacy and the public’s right to know.
  2. There’s an important difference between canceling someone for their views and holding public figures accountable for their actions; people in positions of trust should meet minimum moral and behavioral standards.
  3. The Peter Attia example illustrates that poor judgment by trusted public figures can erode credibility and justify employers reconsidering their platforms, without that being the same as suppressing speech.

To spoil the child

Disaffected Newsletter • 1238 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Society Generational Values Education Parenting
  1. Many young people today think they know more than older generations, but this may not be the case. They have been praised for low-quality work and may not realize their knowledge is limited.
  2. There is a belief that young people have better morals and understand society better than adults. This belief can lead to dismissing valuable experience from older generations.
  3. This shift in values, where youth is elevated over age, could pose significant challenges for society. It's important to recognize and address these issues rather than see them as progress.

Manchester’s oldest social housing block fell out over a Christmas party

The Mill • 786 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Community Living Ageism Protest
  1. Residents at Victoria Square are in conflict over a Christmas party, showcasing tensions related to ageism, class, and politics.
  2. The history and architecture of Victoria Square in Manchester hold significance as the city's first council housing built in 1899.
  3. The protest at Victoria Square highlights the struggle to balance communal living and privacy, with a focus on the importance of the community room.

Remember The Silence

Marginally Compelling • 30 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Death Grief Family Pandemic Hospitals Public Health
  1. Being at the bedside of someone who is dying is a profound, sacred act, and denying that presence does real harm.
  2. Pandemic-era isolation policies kept families away from dying loved ones, stealing final moments and silencing many stories.
  3. Death is terrible but transformative; we should meet it with courage, dignity, and love, and let grief be witnessed rather than hidden.

Feeling Honored

In My Tribe • 759 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Media Art Literature Social Issues
  1. Having 10,000 subscribers feels like a big honor. This shows that my work is appreciated by many, which is really important to me.
  2. Through a discussion on what matters most in life, I found that honor is my top priority. It’s a reminder to balance this with my other responsibilities, especially to my family.
  3. Even if we disagree on some topics like AI safety, I appreciate the support from thoughtful people. Their feedback motivates me to keep sharing my ideas.

Sexy Trads

Becoming Noble • 1475 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition Masculinity Fashion Relationships
  1. Embrace the concept of being a 'Sexy Trad' - align faith and masculinity, reject outdated stereotypes, and embody virtues like courage and devotion.
  2. Focus on living out traditional values rather than just preaching them - strive to strengthen faith through beauty, discipline, and reverence.
  3. Build a strong and virtuous relationship by offering a seductive alternative to modern dating norms, maintaining discipline, and embodying qualities like strength and seductiveness.

Can anyone save Piccadilly Gardens?

The Mill • 707 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Urban planning Public Space Community Engagement Social Issues
  1. Opinions are divided on the state of Piccadilly Gardens, with many people agreeing that it is currently a mess and needs improvement.
  2. The redesign of Piccadilly Gardens is a work in progress, with the council investing money in landscaping changes and consulting residents on new designs.
  3. Concerns about safety and anti-social behavior in Piccadilly Gardens persist, but some see potential in turning the space into a thriving, well-managed public area.

A good assistant to your future self

Austin Kleon • 2857 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Personal Development
  1. Keeping a diary can help you understand your past and guide your future. It's like having a helpful assistant looking out for you.
  2. Reading multiple books at once can lead to new and exciting ideas. Mixing different subjects creates a richer understanding.
  3. Slow learning is important in a fast-paced world. Taking your time can help you learn better and remember more.

Be Slightly Monstrous

Breaking Smart • 161 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Technology Literature Mythology
  1. Embracing a slightly monstrous mindset can help people adapt to the strange nature of the world today. This means accepting new ideas and ways of thinking that might seem weird to others.
  2. Feeling time deeply is important, and being slightly monstrous can help achieve that. It allows people to see beyond the worries of the present and feel connected to the past and future.
  3. Understanding the difference between 'Type I' monsters, who represent positive change and adaptation, and 'Type II' monsters, who are tied to human darkness, helps in navigating societal and personal challenges.

Not writing, but typing

Austin Kleon • 2677 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Technology Writing History
  1. Using typewriters can make writing more fun and slower, helping you pay better attention to your words. They allow you to enjoy the writing process rather than rush through it.
  2. Typing out poems or favorite excerpts can be a great way to connect with the text. It feels like you're playing the words, which can deepen your understanding and appreciation.
  3. You can share your typed poems with friends in a fun way, similar to how restaurants use check pads. It’s a creative method of sharing and enjoying writing together.