The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Scan Artist

escape the algorithm • 279 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity Social media Literature Art Internet culture
  1. The poem 'Pad' by Steven Zultanski dives into the concept of copy and repetition through a lengthy exploration of objects and capabilities
  2. The Instagram account 'everything.can.be.scanned' is part of a trend focusing on comprehensive stunts, showcasing scanned reproductions of various everyday items
  3. Artists like Kenny Goldsmith and projects like 'everything.can.be.scanned' emphasize on attention to detail and the mundane in their work

A great new sci-fi novel for Iain M. Banks fans, a masterpiece French crime epic, and a great new jangly power-pop album

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Books Music Film Literature Art
  1. There's a new sci-fi novel that fans of Iain M. Banks will likely enjoy. It's about space travel and alien intelligence.
  2. A thrilling French crime story set in prison is now available on Netflix. It’s a gripping watch if you like intense dramas.
  3. A fresh album inspired by bands like Hüsker Dü and Big Star has been released. It's catchy and worth a listen.

Who Are They Going to Be?

The Biblioracle Recommends • 255 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Education
  1. School systems often reward students who conform to rules and standards, leading to stress and disengagement.
  2. The behavior of children watching a band perform raises questions about who they are and who they will become.
  3. A proposed experiment seeks to track children's reactions to a performance to understand how individual behaviors may shape their future selves.

Rudeness has consequences

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Communication Publishing Community Standards
  1. Rudeness can lead to real consequences. It’s important to treat others with respect, or there may be penalties.
  2. The author has decided to limit communication to only paying subscribers due to rude comments from some free subscribers.
  3. Polite requests for help are always welcome, but persistent rudeness will result in being blocked from contacting.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Anniversary

Castalia • 699 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Community Expression Creativity Art
  1. Writing is a personal journey, and it's important to express yourself authentically without worrying about pleasing others. This way, you can share your true thoughts and experiences here.
  2. There’s a shift happening in writing that values individual voices over traditional publishing authority. People want to hear from real individuals rather than just big organizations.
  3. Writing can be an ongoing process where you learn and grow while sharing. It's possible to merge your work and personal interests, making writing something you love to do all the time.

Mike Perry RIP

Sour Milk • 294 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Travel Life reflections Loss
  1. Mike Perry was a respected surfboard shaper, writer, and meteorologist who passed away after battling cancer
  2. Perry was remembered as a loyal friend who taught important life lessons by example
  3. He had a profound impact on those around him and left a lasting legacy in the surfing community

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 55

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Events Food Social Issues
  1. Thomas Keller, a famous chef, asked a food critic to leave his restaurant, which led to an unexpected three-hour wait that turned into a memorable experience for the critic.
  2. A launch video for Sam Altman and Jony Ive's new device is amusing, but it features odd random quotes. Ive recently sold his company for a huge sum of $6.5 billion.
  3. José Mujica, known as the world's 'poorest president', passed away. He always believed that true poverty comes from wanting more and being in a constant race for material things.

If Joan Didion wrote 'Little Drummer Girl'?

Read Max • 605 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Media Criticism
  1. There's a new espionage novel that mixes rich settings with themes similar to Joan Didion and 'Little Drummer Girl.' It sounds intriguing for fans of deep storytelling.
  2. The roundup includes recommendations for unexpected topics like the Murdoch family and some odd mysteries, which could make for interesting reading.
  3. There’s a one-take action movie mentioned that blends suspense with gritty action, perfect for anyone who enjoys intense thrillers.

On Cultivating “Genius” (Part I)

if not, Paris • 530 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature Language Academia Art
  1. The term 'genius' and language have been questioned by structuralists and post-structuralists, blurring clear meanings.
  2. Academic discourse can prioritize sounding smart over communicating effectively, leading to confusion and inadequacy.
  3. Academia's cultivation of 'genius' can limit new ideas and perspectives, impacting the understanding of genius in the 21st century.

Rattler Killing Roadrunners

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife Natural History Birding Folklore Environmentalism
  1. Roadrunners are not just cartoon characters; they're real birds that are beautiful and have unique colors. They can be seen running around in their natural habitat, which is pretty thrilling.
  2. These birds are skilled hunters and eat various creatures, including rattlesnakes. They even have clever methods to catch their prey, like using cholla pads.
  3. Roadrunners have a fascinating relationship with humans and many legends surrounding them. They are known to bring good luck and can even help lost travelers find their way.

World-building IRL

box. • 839 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Community Building Social movements Interpersonal Relationships Organizational development
  1. Building real-life communities matters because our actions can influence the world around us. It's important to focus creativity on improving our everyday lives.
  2. Great people are often right where you are; don’t just look for them somewhere else. Investing in your current community can lead to amazing connections.
  3. It's crucial to keep the energy positive and focus on the experiences of those who show up. This creates an inviting space that encourages others to join in next time.

What you might have missed on The Shift this year

The Shift With Sam Baker • 359 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Publications Content creation
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication that offers some content for free and some behind a paywall.
  2. The author has decided to remove the paywall from a few favorite posts of the past year as a gesture of apology for health-related delays.
  3. The author reflects on the past six months on Substack and expresses gratitude to subscribers for their support.

The Return of Respectability Politics?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Fashion Identity Race History Social Trends Politics
  1. Young Black men are trading athletic streetwear for quarter-zips, and that wardrobe shift comes with lifestyle signals like lattes, reading, and a bid for respectability.
  2. People disagree about whether that shift is respectability politics — some see it as a strategic effort to gain respect and access, while others worry it asks people to sanitize or erase parts of their identity.
  3. Fashion is political, and dressing well has deep roots in Black history; choosing a quarter-zip can be a genuine expression of pride, professionalism, and cultural reclamation rather than a betrayal.

Is it revolutionary to leave a marriage?

Maybe Baby • 602 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Marriage Relationships Personal Growth Social Commentary
  1. Leaving a marriage can be seen as a bold and revolutionary act. It often requires courage and self-reflection.
  2. Not every breakup is the answer for everyone, but some people can find inspiration from those who share their experiences.
  3. There can be practical advice for those considering a breakup, which may help them feel supported in their decision.

Room

ASK MOLLY • 530 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Fantasy Art
  1. Shares of this fantasy are falling faster
  2. Someone in the house has a crush on Pedro Pascal
  3. Post is for paid subscribers only

On Barbie and Oppenheimer, inevitability and guilty

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 530 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Demographics History London Storytelling
  1. _Barbie_ and _Oppenheimer_ films are compared with a focus on the inevitability and guilt associated with historical events.
  2. Film _Oppenheimer_ explores themes of guilt and responsibility regarding the Manhattan Project and the use of atomic bombs.
  3. Population shifts in London over the decades have seen fluctuations, with various factors influencing the city's growth and decline.

Transgressive But Stupid.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Elites Scandal Class Politics Society History Media
  1. Today’s transnational ruling class is largely mediocre, self‑serving and bonded by money and transactions rather than public service or moral principle.
  2. Jeffrey Epstein acted more as a fixer and middleman who facilitated transgressive behavior than as a master spy, and many powerful contacts behaved amateurishly and insecurely in their links with him.
  3. The disclosures will deepen public cynicism, weaken mainstream parties and institutions, and risk greater political instability because there is no ready or credible replacement elite.

Envy Desire

Crumpstack • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film Art
  1. The short film 'Envy/Desire' is described as a subversive piece of cinema that challenges the audience's perception.
  2. The audience at the Sovereign House consisted mainly of young hipsters, with unique individuals like a fat bearded guy wearing a T-shirt saying 'RACEPLAY EXPERT'.
  3. To continue reading posts like 'Envy/Desire', one can subscribe to Crumpstack for a 7-day free trial and access to the full post archives.

Whither "the zombie apocalypse"?

well, actually • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Media Entertainment Literature
  1. The term "zombie apocalypse" gained popularity in major media after the premiere of AMC's The Walking Dead in 2010, but it was used in other media and society before that.
  2. The concept of a zombie apocalypse has been creatively referenced in various contexts, from food sections to climate change reports to workplace discussions.
  3. The idea of a zombie apocalypse has become culturally significant, appearing in books, articles, and even being linked to topics like finances, marriage, and travel.

Rundell, Ibsen, Gogh, Yoshida, Tanizaki, Atwood, Dolan, Bate, Chaucer, Orbital, Liberalism, Future, Monsters, Justice, Autism, Ass

The Common Reader • 815 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Film Theater
  1. Katherine Rundell is a talented children's author, and her books are worth reading for both kids and adults. Her work promotes the importance of great children's literature.
  2. Ibsen's play 'Wild Duck' can be boring because it feels overly structured and focused on heavy themes. However, seeing it performed in Norwegian adds to its emotional depth.
  3. Van Gogh's exhibition has some beautiful works, even if he's not a favorite. Experiencing art with family can create lasting memories.

Mornings with his Majesty

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Pets Lifestyle Arts Humor Personal
  1. Mornings are special times, often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee. They can be a great way to start the day peacefully.
  2. Cats can have unique personalities, and some seem to have a strong awareness of their surroundings. It's fun to watch how they behave and interact with their environment.
  3. Having a pet can bring joy and companionship, making mornings feel more lively and interesting. Spending time with them can create cherished moments.

Happy Thanksgiving

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Writing Thanksgiving Personal Reflection Local history Conservation
  1. Hope is important during Thanksgiving and we should strive for a just and equitable world.
  2. Nature plays a big role in our lives, whether it's hiking in beautiful places or enjoying the sights and sounds of urban wildlife like coyotes.
  3. It's essential to appreciate the little things around us, like unique plants and animals, and share our experiences with others.

Gunn’s Superman: Xenophobia, Misogyny, Moral Incoherence

Textual Variations • 231 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media Analysis Gender Studies Cultural Commentary Social Commentary
  1. The movie has some good parts, like the casting and colorful visuals, but it struggles with its pacing and depth of story. It feels like it tries to do too much without digging into important ideas.
  2. There are problematic portrayals of women and a xenophobic undertone regarding Superman's home planet and upbringing. It suggests that to be good, he must reject his 'foreign' roots and adopt American values.
  3. The film's moral stance is inconsistent. While it shows Superman saving lives, it also has him resorting to threats, raising questions about his character and the film's overall message about heroism.

Life Advice: Deploying The Dick Trickle Maneuver

North Carolina Rabbit Hole • 255 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Life Advice Biography Strategies
  1. Some people go to great lengths to fit in socially, like faking drinking alcohol at gatherings.
  2. The Dick Trickle Maneuver involves holding onto an empty beer can to blend in without actually drinking much.
  3. Dick Trickle, a legendary beer drinker, maintained a can in his hand all night, tricking people into thinking he was drinking more than he actually was.

A 'Secret History'-ish period mystery, a great '90s true-crime black comedy, and four songs I like

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Art Media
  1. There's a cool mystery book set in the 1900s, inspired by 'The Secret History.' It blends academic settings with intrigue.
  2. A fun '90s true crime black comedy is highlighted, exploring themes of media and ambition. It's both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  3. Four music tracks are recommended, showing the author's current favorites. It's a great way to discover new tunes.

Austen saved me from social media

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Media Social
  1. Reading Jane Austen can offer a refreshing break from the fast-paced and often shallow content of social media. It allows for a deeper engagement with language and storytelling.
  2. Switching from social media to classic literature can feel challenging at first, but it can lead to a rewarding reading experience. The complexity of Austen's writing is like a nutritious meal compared to fast food.
  3. Engaging with classic literature may require patience and effort, but it ultimately helps to develop a more thoughtful and enriching perspective on communication and social interactions.

The Marxism of Black Reconstruction

Origins of Our Time • 275 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Politics Philosophy Literature Race
  1. Riley argues that the Marxism of Black Reconstruction challenges the claims that W.E.B. Du Bois was not an intersectional theorist and not a Marxist, but a Jeffersonian supporter.
  2. Du Bois did not see small family farmers as the main protagonists in his work, but rather focused on the broader social relations and class struggles.
  3. Du Bois was aligned with the Marxist tradition and held socialist views, advocating for workers' rights, socialism, and the redistribution of wealth.

Jerry Springer Was Trash. But He Was Honest.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 723 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Television Entertainment Society Pop culture
  1. Jerry Springer was unapologetic about the shocking content he presented on his show. He focused on giving viewers what they actually wanted, even when it was controversial.
  2. His show was popular, drawing millions of viewers, but also sparked criticism for being immoral and exploitative. Some episodes were so outrageous they were even banned.
  3. Springer was seen as a disruptive figure in American media, compared to more wholesome personalities like Oprah, positioning himself as the 'black sheep' of talk shows.

Mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 919 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🎭️ Culture Social justice Film analysis Childhood Trauma Cooking tips Entertainment
  1. Some people become social justice advocates because of childhood trauma. They may have taken on adult responsibilities too early, which can shape their views later in life.
  2. Logarithmic scales can be stressful because they keep increasing, making them feel out of control and overwhelming.
  3. Boiling water is a great way to clean cast-iron cookware. It helps remove stuck-on food easily, just like when making a sauce.