The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Poor Things and Past Lives

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Arts Society Criticism
  1. The movie 'Poor Things' explores female sexuality in a bold and open way. It shows the journey of a woman named Bella as she navigates her desires and experiences self-discovery through various relationships.
  2. In contrast, 'Past Lives' is seen as a less engaging film. It presents a story about characters who struggle to make meaningful connections, feeling lost in their choices and societal expectations.
  3. Both films address the complexities of relationships, but 'Poor Things' does so with more depth, highlighting the challenges women face in their journey, while 'Past Lives' feels flat and fails to invoke much emotion.

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 1859 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Television Film Media Entertainment Arts
  1. Watching shows can be a great way to escape tough emotions like grief. It allows us to get lost in stories that can be comforting.
  2. Having a show that moves quickly, like _The Diplomat_, can make it easy to binge-watch when feeling low. It provides a distraction from daily stress.
  3. Strong performances by actors, like Alison Janney's in _The Diplomat_, can enhance the viewing experience and make the story even more engaging.

The Plot of All Superhero Movies...

So Here’s a Thing • 1101 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Movies Superheroes Comedy
  1. Superhero movies often feature a battle in a street early on, showcasing massive CGI scenes
  2. A significant portion of superhero movies involves superheroes standing and talking sternly, looking serious
  3. Superhero movies often include scenes where a young lady tells off the superhero, adding both levity and a sense of accountability

Burnage Garden Village is at war - and the stakes couldn't be lower

The Mill • 1100 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Community Conflict Cooperation Journalism Rules
  1. Burnage Garden Village faced a small-scale war driven by internal power struggles within the housing cooperative.
  2. The community's fixation on rules and structure led to tensions and a departure from the original goal of fostering warmth and community.
  3. The story highlights the challenges of cooperative living and the complexities that can arise in tightly knit communities.
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Who'd Star as YOU?

Ask E. Jean • 1100 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film Celebrities Entertainment
  1. The post discusses choosing an actor, living or dead, to play you in a movie of your life.
  2. The author encourages readers to think about who would portray them in a film adaptation of their life story.
  3. Subscription to Ask E. Jean offers access to more insightful posts and a 7-day free trial.

Our Long National Nightmare of Campaign Style Has Begun

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 589 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Politics Art Society Humor
  1. The article examines how clothing reflects the personality and psychology of political candidates.
  2. Candidates are critiqued for their lack of personal style and adherence to a generic, uninspired wardrobe.
  3. The piece questions whether style and personal expression should be considered in the context of electing a president.

A short defence of gossip

The Common Reader • 1417 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Moral Philosophy Communication Human behavior Ethics
  1. Gossip helps us communicate the truth when direct conversations feel difficult. It allows people to share important information without the pressure of a public setting.
  2. Telling the truth is morally important, especially when it can serve as a warning about someone's behavior. This makes gossip a tool for honest inquiry.
  3. Even though gossip often gets a bad reputation, it has a valuable role in social interactions. It enables people to express concerns and share insights about others.

War of the Eternals - How the Eloi's Fractionalization of Language Keeps Us Divided

DARK FUTURA • 1081 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Society Media Politics Communication Entertainment
  1. Society's discourse is increasingly dominated by short, emotionally charged communication on social media.
  2. The ruling class may be intentionally using engineered misdirection and technological limitations to divide and control people.
  3. Limiting long-form discussions and complex discourse can hinder society's ability to address nuanced issues and regulate itself.

MEDIEVAL TATTOOS!

History, etc • 1081 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History Art
  1. Medieval tattoos hold deep meanings, passed down through generations.
  2. Tattoos can be a powerful form of self-expression and history.
  3. Books like 'Painted People' explore the rich history of tattoos and art.

Songs on the Death of Children

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Poetry Art History Philosophy
  1. Friedrich Rückert wrote hundreds of poems after losing his children, showing how deeply grief can affect a parent. It's a powerful reminder of how loss can inspire profound creativity.
  2. People in the past faced death more regularly, especially with children. It's important to recognize that they felt grief just as strongly as we do today.
  3. The loss of children is still a significant issue today, as illustrated by the high number of child deaths from preventable causes like malaria. It's crucial to address and care for these vulnerable lives.

What makes a card game great?

Matt’s Five Points • 219 implied HN points • 12 May 24
🎭️ Culture Games Hobbies Entertainment Strategy
  1. A great card game needs meaningful strategy. Players should be able to make decisions that can really affect the outcome, making the game more engaging and exciting.
  2. The game should be easy to learn and quick to set up. If new players can't grasp the rules in about ten minutes, they may lose interest before they even get to play.
  3. It’s important for the game to have little to no downtime. Everyone should stay involved and be able to play continuously to keep the fun going.

A classic, twisty English manor-house mystery; a smooth, stupid, fun European-heist movie; and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Art Media
  1. There's a fun mystery story set in a classic English manor that twists and turns. It's exciting to figure out the secrets inside.
  2. A European jewel-heist movie offers unexpected enjoyment; it’s a mix of action and comedy that keeps you entertained.
  3. Four great music tracks are recommended, showcasing new sounds that might surprise you.

Dear Babies: “I was a bully”

Maybe Baby • 472 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Youth behavior Regret Personal Growth Bullying
  1. Reflecting on past bullying can help people understand their regret and grow from it. It's important to acknowledge when you've hurt others and learn to be better.
  2. Bullies often regret their actions later, realizing that their behavior doesn't define who they are. Changing for the better is always possible.
  3. Talking about these experiences openly can encourage others to share their own stories, promoting healing and understanding in the community.

The Hinternet Is Entering Phase 3

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 552 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity Nonprofit Community Engagement
  1. The Hinternet is setting up a new nonprofit called The Hinternet Foundation to promote creativity in a tech-driven world. They're seeking fresh faces to help guide this initiative.
  2. They are also running cultural programs like the Hinternet Summer Program, where participants can create projects combining art and scholarship. Plus, an essay contest is encouraging original ideas on technology and peace.
  3. Starting September, they are on the lookout for new columnists with unique voices who can cover different topics. Writers should be ready to engage readers and earn based on how well their work resonates.

Friday Thread: OPEN CHAOS THREAD

Culture Study • 1923 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Online behavior Mental health Community Engagement Cultural Trends
  1. There is a lot of tension and stress in the air right now. It seems people are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about various issues.
  2. When people get upset or anxious, they often take it out on others online. This shows how intense the emotions are right now.
  3. Having a space to share and discuss these feelings could help let off some steam. It's good to talk about what's bothering us.

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.

A Brief History of Russian Culture

The Lifeboat • 527 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art History Theatre Exile
  1. Many famous Russian artists, writers, and musicians faced severe consequences for their work, such as exile or even death. This shows how tough it can be to create art in a repressive environment.
  2. Throughout history, many talented people chose to leave Russia rather than face censorship or persecution. Emigration has played a big role in the development of Russian culture outside its borders.
  3. Despite the challenges, Russian culture remains rich and influential. The struggles of these artists showcase their resilience and the importance of freedom in the creative process.

What ‘Love Island’ Gets Right About Dating

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 561 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Television Reality TV Dating Social norms Youth culture
  1. 'Love Island' shows how dating can be fun and experimental, with flirting and trying again after rejection. It's like a game where you learn to navigate relationships.
  2. The show creates a feeling of connection by airing episodes daily, making viewers feel like they're part of the contestants' journey. It's like sharing experiences in real-time.
  3. While some may see it as shallow, there are lessons about relationships, jealousy, and how people interact in modern dating. The drama highlights real emotions we all experience.

‘Emilia Pérez’ and the Curse of Oscar Bait

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1358 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Awards Media Entertainment Arts
  1. The film 'Emilia Pérez' is a strong Oscar contender, despite losing money at the box office. Many viewers may feel left out because it wasn't made with them in mind.
  2. Oscar bait films are designed to catch the attention of Academy voters, who often favor serious dramas and social commentary. This leads to films that resonate more with industry insiders than with general audiences.
  3. Past Oscar winners like 'Moonlight' and 'Nomadland' show a pattern of how the awards often favor poignant stories, even if they don't perform well commercially.

Learning to love. How the poet Dana Gioia discovered his vocation through music.

The Common Reader • 1701 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Poetry Art
  1. Dana Gioia discovered his love for poetry while being exposed to opera. He found that experiencing opera deeply influenced his understanding of music and poetry.
  2. His time in Vienna showed him the value of spontaneity. He went there to study music but ended up realizing he wanted to be a poet instead.
  3. The experience taught him that sometimes things don’t go as planned, but unexpected gifts can lead to new passions, like how losing relationships led him to find inspiration in the arts.

who do you go to for advice?

bookbear express • 682 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Friendship Advice Self-Improvement Community
  1. The people you spend time with can influence who you become. It’s okay to think your friends are better than you; it just means you have good company.
  2. Trusting your friends is important for healthy relationships. When you ask them for advice, it helps strengthen your bond.
  3. Friendships take work just like romantic relationships do. Maintaining them is key, and they can be more stable and supportive than romantic connections.

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.

Everything Old Is New Again in 2024

Drezner’s World • 569 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics Comedy Television Satire Entertainment
  1. The likelihood of a Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch in the 2024 election is high, causing mixed reactions among Americans.
  2. The return of Jon Stewart to 'The Daily Show' as a host and executive producer in 2024 is seen as a major event for Comedy Central and Paramount Global.
  3. Stewart's comeback is anticipated to bring comedic relief and potentially influence the political landscape with his unique perspective.

Links, May 2025

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Society History Parenting Politics
  1. The 'Lost Cause' narrative around DOGE is misleading. People need to recognize the falsehoods behind it to address real budget issues.
  2. Cruise ships are getting bigger and better because they aren't held back by strict regulations. This shows how market decisions can lead to impressive innovations.
  3. The unification of Italy was influenced more by foreign victories than by internal strength. It's interesting to see how some states are formed in unusual ways.

Fear, Underdogs, Hard Work and Sacrifice

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1534 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Social Status Personal Growth Literature Human behavior
  1. Social status affects how we perceive others, making successful people seem cold and friendly people seem less competent. This shows the complex nature of relationships between warmth and competency.
  2. Happy romantic relationships are very important for overall life satisfaction. When people feel good about their relationships, it greatly contributes to their happiness and sense of purpose.
  3. A mother's milk can adapt to help her baby fight infections. When a baby is sick, the mother's body produces special agents in her milk to help the baby recover.

Friday Thread: FEBRUARY OPEN CHAOS THREAD

Culture Study • 1205 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Trends Community Lifestyle Mental health
  1. People are feeling a lot of fear and anxiety due to the current events. It's important to talk about these feelings and find ways to cope.
  2. Chaos can sometimes provide a distraction from the overwhelming emotions we face. Engaging in open conversations about our experiences can help.
  3. The social fabric is changing, and it's crucial to reflect on these changes. Sharing thoughts and feelings can be a way to process what's going on.