The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

And the Mominees Are...

Momspreading • 216 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film Podcasts Art Literature Parenting
  1. 2023 was highlighted as the year of movie moms with fascinating portrayals in films.
  2. Different movies showcased diverse and complex mother characters, ranging from divisive to delightful to horrifying.
  3. Variety of emotions and elements like guilt, forgiveness, and growth were depicted in the films, providing a unique perspective on motherhood.

How Empathy Makes Us Cruel and Irrational

The Prism • 613 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Psychology Society Crime Justice
  1. Empathy can sometimes lead people to support those who have committed serious crimes, like murder, by seeing them as victims rather than acknowledging their actions. This often happens because people connect emotionally and ignore the facts.
  2. Women may be more affected by stories that evoke empathy, which can lead to biased views in trials and public discussions about justice, especially in cases of alleged abuse.
  3. Believing that empathy always leads to compassion can be misleading; it might actually cause unfairness and cruelty toward others, as people might overlook wrongdoing because they only focus on the suffering of one side.

My 20th Iowa anniversary

Men Yell at Me • 181 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Anecdotes Reflections Memories
  1. The author's first job in Iowa involved marketing for a website, where they faced challenges like angry customers and poor management.
  2. There was a big disconnection between what the boss wanted and the reality of the job, which made the work environment frustrating.
  3. Personal differences in how colleagues moved also highlighted their different attitudes toward life and possessions.

All your gift giving problems solved

The Shift With Sam Baker • 279 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Gift Giving Books Short Stories Poetry
  1. Consider gifting a meaty detective novel or a thrilling read to the granddad or dad in your life who loves sport and action movies.
  2. For the busy reader who struggles to find time for books, opt for short stories, essays, or poetry collections that can be easily read in short bursts.
  3. Short stories and poetry are becoming popular choices as gifts due to time constraints and attention span challenges.

can everyone please just shut the fuck up for a few minutes

Both Are True • 248 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Entertainment Social Commentary
  1. There is too much noise and content in the world right now. It might be good for everyone to take a break and just quiet down for a bit.
  2. People often feel pressure to keep up or perform well with their work, especially online. It's exhausting to always be judged by numbers and reactions.
  3. Creativity should be about real expression, not just catering to what will get likes and shares. It's important to focus on speaking your truth instead.
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Starting from scraps

Austin Kleon • 1238 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media History
  1. Starting from limited resources can inspire creativity and lead to new ideas.
  2. The beauty of life is often found in our day-to-day experiences and connections, not just in grand adventures.
  3. Art and copyright law can clash, raising important questions about creativity and ownership.

In Search of Artistic Integrity

if not, Paris • 393 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Society Authenticity Social media
  1. Authentic art should not be defined by market value, but by its ability to connect with and inspire individuals
  2. The pressure for artists to focus on self-promotion and follower counts can lead to alienation from the true essence of their work
  3. Choosing anonymity as an artist can be a powerful statement against the expectations of mass popularity and societal norms

Curator

Castalia • 439 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Theater Music Literature Art
  1. American theater is struggling because it relies too much on the Broadway model, which doesn't connect with local communities. The solution may be to create smaller, more personal theater experiences that focus on direct connection between actors and audiences.
  2. The idea of the avant-garde in art is losing its meaning as artists grapple with historical context and the pressures of a changing society. It’s important to create art that speaks to personal experiences rather than just following trends or societal expectations.
  3. Music is being flooded with AI-generated content, making it harder for human artists to stand out. Even though AI can produce a lot of music quickly, the value of true art comes from human experience and creativity, which cannot be easily replicated.

Thinking Under Fascism

Dada Drummer Almanach • 505 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art History Media Philosophy Politics
  1. Thinking creatively during tough times can help us hold onto our reality. It's important to find a personal truth even when the world feels distorted.
  2. Art can be a powerful tool against oppressive forces, as shown by Chaplin's famous speech in 'The Great Dictator.' Speaking out against injustice can attract both support and backlash.
  3. History shows us that silencing voices of opposition is a strategy used by fascists. We must stay connected and support one another to resist these challenges in the present.

Weird people doing good things

Samstack • 1768 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Philanthropy Community Ethics Social movements
  1. Effective Altruists do some weird things, like considering options like eliminating predators or flipping a coin with huge consequences.
  2. Effective Altruism is about using evidence to do the most good possible, even if some of the ideas seem strange or unconventional.
  3. Being weird is an integral part of doing good - the unconventional practices of Effective Altruists contribute to their impact.

Your Name In the UK. Plus an Unlikely Civil Rights Icon Speaks.

Non-Boring History • 393 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History Civil Rights Religion Travel
  1. Learn about Virginia Foster Durr, a unique civil rights activist who made a significant impact in history.
  2. Explore the Westward migration across the US, and the 1849 Gold Rush, through the exclusive weekly series West With the Wagons.
  3. Get a fun perk for Nonnies - have your name actually printed and placed in Britain with this offer!

What's In A (Lesbian) Word?

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 393 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History Community Activism
  1. The language used to describe gender and sexuality has evolved over time, influencing societal norms and individual identities.
  2. Historical terms like 'lesbian,' 'sapphic,' and 'dyke' have complex origins and meanings that have shifted across different time periods.
  3. Contemporary identity language, like 'WLW' and 'queer,' reflects ongoing debates about inclusivity and reclaiming terms within the LGBTQ+ community.

Fame’s inflection point

quite useless • 393 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Fame Biography
  1. The summer of 'the riddle of the artist' explores the relationship between art and the biographies of artists.
  2. Artists' biographies often follow archetypal narratives like rags to riches and autodidacism.
  3. Passing fame's inflection point means the value of an artist's work derives more from who they are than what they create.

Writing Life at Home

Non-Boring History • 393 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature History Art Travel Society
  1. Elizabeth Gaskell, a prominent Victorian author, was a significant female literary figure of her time and her home is now a museum open to the public.
  2. Elizabeth Gaskell's house in Manchester showcased how she and her family lived, revealing her lifestyle and her significant contributions to literature.
  3. Mrs. Gaskell's home maintained a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, with volunteers offering insights into her life, and the museum allowing interaction with Victorian-style items.

Evidence for global cultural diffusion

Vectors of Mind • 393 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Rituals
  1. There are strong similarities in cultural elements around the world that suggest global diffusion of ideas.
  2. Themes like the Seven Sisters, snake mythology, and matriarchy myths can be traced back to a common root.
  3. The Gravettian and Mal'ta Buret peoples from 20-30 kya show signs of practices that spread globally, like dog domestication and initiation rituals.

The Deep Slumber of A Decided Opinion

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 393 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🎭️ Culture Opinion Identity History Ideology Values
  1. Wokeism focuses inward on personal truths rather than outward on universal truths or solutions.
  2. Sloppy scholarship and narrow perspectives in woke movements hinder understanding and progress on social justice.
  3. The inherited prosperity and privilege in America contribute to susceptibility to simplistic persuasion and emotional appeals.

On Sinead O'Connor and Borderline Personality Disorder

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music Mental health Biography Art Media
  1. Sinead O'Connor's life and struggles highlight the challenges of living with Borderline Personality Disorder. It's important to understand the emotional ups and downs that come with this condition.
  2. Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their success or fame. Sinead's story reminds us to be compassionate towards others who are suffering.
  3. Discussing and raising awareness about mental health is crucial. It helps to break the stigma and encourages people to seek help when they need it.

And I'm not sorry

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Cultural critique Social Issues Gender Studies Media Analysis Public Discourse
  1. Some people feel upset about direct talk on tough issues. It's okay to speak your mind, even if it annoys others.
  2. There are mixed feelings around responsibility in relationships. Everyone should own their actions without blaming others.
  3. Sharing honest thoughts can sometimes lead to being seen as irrelevant. But staying true to your beliefs is important.

Paid content: Can women think?

Wood From Eden • 576 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Society Philosophy Equality Social Issues
  1. The topic discusses women's ability to think critically and independently. It's important to recognize and value women's perspectives and intellect.
  2. Challenging stereotypes about women's thinking can lead to more inclusive conversations. Everyone should have equal opportunities to share their ideas.
  3. Encouraging discussions about gender and intelligence can help break down societal biases. Open dialogue promotes understanding and respect among all individuals.

20260208

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 8 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Digital Culture Social media Careers Dating Apps Nostalgia Health Geopolitics
  1. People are using dating apps and other social platforms to look for jobs and network, blurring the line between personal and professional profiles.
  2. Career paths are being shaped by big trends like biotech breakthroughs, geopolitical events, and the rise of virtual economies, so job choices now reflect wider cultural and global forces.
  3. Unconventional connection methods — from novelty check‑in apps to snail mail and digital avatars — can create real opportunities, so creative, human-centered networking pays off in uncertain times.

☞ Musical Perception in Fiction

Cabinet of Wonders • 208 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music Fiction Media Art Theater
  1. Diegetic music is when characters in a story hear the music, making it part of their world. It's different from background music that only the audience hears.
  2. Musicals can mess with this concept, as sometimes characters are aware they are singing, while other times they are not. This adds a fun layer to storytelling.
  3. Diegetic music can break the fourth wall, connecting characters with the audience in a unique way. It creates an engaging experience by blending different perspectives.

Christopher Hitchens vs. Christmas Cheer

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 259 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Religion Holiday Atheism Celebration Opinion
  1. A certain group believes atheists dislike Christmas, but data shows 85% of non-religious Americans still celebrate the holiday.
  2. Christopher Hitchens took a Grinch-like stance on Christmas, but atheists can find reasons to enjoy the season.
  3. There is a case for atheists to appreciate and participate in Christmas or other holiday traditions without religious beliefs.

Can America Exist Without A Shared Culture?

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture National Identity Historical Narratives Diversity Consensus
  1. America lacks a strong, shared national culture like many other countries have. This makes it hard to define what it means to be American.
  2. Throughout its history, America has tried to find common ground among its diverse backgrounds, but these attempts often resulted in weak agreements and divisions.
  3. Today, the idea of a shared identity in America is fading, with both political sides searching for new myths or narratives to unify the country.

Who Killed Steven Pollock?

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Crime Psychedelics Medicine Research Legacy
  1. Steven Pollock was a pioneering mycologist passionate about the medicinal potential of magic mushrooms.
  2. Pollock's legacy includes revolutionizing magic mushroom cultivation and the legal status of magic truffles.
  3. The mysterious circumstances of Pollock's death and his unorthodox life ventures added layers of controversy and intrigue to his story.

Why the HQ Doc was pulled from the air

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 627 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Documentary Entertainment Journalism
  1. The documentary 'Glitch' about HQ Trivia was pulled from HBO/CNN because of a lawsuit from the former CEO, who claimed an email in the film was doctored.
  2. The author clarified that they had no involvement with the film and did not even see it, but are being blamed for errors they did not make.
  3. Despite the author notifying a reporter of their non-involvement, the reporter plans to write a piece blaming them for the situation, showcasing a disregard for the truth.

Stories we tell ourselves

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Mental health Self-reflection Storytelling ADHD Awareness
  1. Understanding your personal challenges can change how you see yourself. Recognizing a condition like ADHD or Tourette's allows you to reframe your story from weakness to strength.
  2. Everyone has stories about their abilities that may not be true. Instead of saying "I'm bad at math," think of what you're really good at instead.
  3. The way we tell ourselves stories shapes our lives. By being aware of our thoughts, we can rewrite our narratives to be kinder and more helpful.

Off to see the wizard

Austin Kleon • 1318 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Music History
  1. Re-watching movies like The Wizard of Oz can bring out strong emotions and memories we didn't realize we had. The experience can help us connect with our past selves.
  2. The idea of 'there's no place like home' in the movie feels unrealistic for many, as it contrasts with the exciting world of Oz. This highlights the tension between wanting to leave and the comfort of staying.
  3. Movies can teach us about self-authorization. The realization that we are the ones who give ourselves permission to pursue our dreams can be a powerful lesson.

kitten corner: escape

bad cattitude • 160 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society Media Humor Art Lifestyle
  1. A cat is poking fun at modern culture and people's complaints. It shows how humor can highlight serious topics.
  2. The author challenges the cat to sum up cultural grievances in a video, suggesting it might just be an impossible task.
  3. It's a playful way of engaging with deep issues while still keeping it light and fun.

A Matter of Moments

Seven Senses • 679 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Creative Expression Personal narratives
  1. Grief is a deeply personal experience that changes over time. Everyone feels and processes it in their own unique way.
  2. Creative expressions, like art and cooking, can be powerful ways to cope with grief. They help us connect with our memories and emotions.
  3. Grief can shake our foundations, but it also rearranges our priorities and encourages us to live more fully in the present moment.

How to protect your voice in the age of outrage

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 210 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Discourse Community Independence Education Expression
  1. Build a supportive community to encourage open discussions. It helps if your friends can handle different opinions without turning against you.
  2. Aim for financial independence to speak your mind without fear of losing your job. Having multiple income sources can give you more freedom and security.
  3. Know what you're willing to risk when standing up for your beliefs. Some battles are worth fighting, while others can be let go without regret.

The Monday Media Diet with Ruddy Aboab

Why is this interesting? • 1447 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Travel
  1. Ruddy Aboab, head of Fip Radio, shares his media diet, starting and ending his day with music and incorporating various sources like Fip radio, France info, and magazines.
  2. Ruddy's reading includes books like 'L’été des Charognes' and 'Nino dans la nuit' by Simon Johannin, showing his interest in raw, emotive writing.
  3. Ruddy's deep dive into freediving after watching a documentary led him to immerse himself in the world of apnea, competitions, and sea-related content online.

Seattle Walks - Update

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Local history Urban Exploration Books Community Engagement
  1. The author is updating their book about walks in Seattle to reflect changes in the city since it was first published in 2017. They are looking for feedback on the routes and any changes that need to be made.
  2. Readers are encouraged to share their experiences with the walks, including any errors or areas where the directions could be clearer. The author wants to ensure the book is as helpful as possible.
  3. The author plans to remove two walks and add three new ones, and they are asking for opinions on which walks should stay or go.