Common Sense with Bari Weiss $5 / month

Common Sense with Bari Weiss critiques contemporary issues impacting society from the perspectives of free speech, scientific inquiry, and cultural shifts. It explores themes around gender dysphoria, debate censorship, autism, personal values, public controversies, mental health, political correctness, scientific skepticism, cultural identity, historical context, and societal purpose.

Free Speech and Censorship Gender and Identity Education and Debate Health and Science Cultural and Social Issues Mental Health Politics and Public Opinion Historical and Cultural Identity Personal Values and Purpose Science and Skepticism

The hottest Substack posts of Common Sense with Bari Weiss

And their main takeaways

Weekend Listening: The Right Way to Fight Illiberalism

2119 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Law Ideology Activism Governance
  1. There is a spreading concern about the moral decline within American universities due to instances of antisemitism and ideological indoctrination.
  2. Many states are reevaluating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses through legislation and policy changes.
  3. There is a debate about the nature of DEI ideology, with some viewing it as an illiberal force prioritizing identity over ideas, while others argue about its Marxist influences and impact on societal values.

The First Post-Woke Designer

1451 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Design Love
  1. Young adults are making waves in various fields - like fashion and AI technology
  2. Think outside the box when it comes to dating and be open-minded to connect with different people
  3. Making personal changes for the greater good, like trying to reduce meat consumption, can impact your way of life in meaningful ways

One Hundred Days of War

2522 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Antisemitism
  1. The events of October 7 and the aftermath have led to a shift in understanding and perspectives for many individuals.
  2. The war in Gaza has served as a deeper reflection of civilizational fault lines, making the conflicts feel existential and fundamentally challenging previous ideologies.
  3. The silence and lack of action from certain groups regarding the atrocities during the war highlight a collapse of universal principles and a tendency towards 'us vs. them' mentalities.

Trump Wins Bigly in Iowa. Fentanyl for Minors in Canada. And, Is the Golden Age of TV Over?

2457 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Media Social Issues Legislation
  1. Donald Trump set a new record for the largest margin of victory by a Republican in Iowa caucus history, with a lead of nearly 30 points over his closest competitors
  2. The divide between college-educated and working-class voters is a significant factor in American politics, causing fractures in both the Republican and Democratic parties
  3. Ron DeSantis faced challenges in the Iowa caucus, showing that embodying a political agenda and connecting with voters is more important than competence or experience

Failing Upward at the State Department

1896 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Afghanistan Middle East Social media Canada United States
  1. The U.S. diplomatic pullout from Afghanistan left many allies stranded, showing a failure in leadership.
  2. The Biden administration faces challenges in responding to attacks in Jordan by Iranian proxies, highlighting the complexity of foreign policy decisions.
  3. Farmers across Europe, like the French farmers in Paris, are protesting over issues like rising costs and green regulations, showcasing a trend of rural discontent.
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A New York School Wipes Israel off the Map. Chris Christie’s Hot-Mic Dropout. Intergenerational Fight Club.

2596 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Antisemitism Presidential Election Air Travel
  1. Teaching kids about different cultures must be done carefully to avoid misinformation or biases.
  2. Generational gaps and misunderstandings exist, but it's important to acknowledge the unique qualities and challenges of each generation.
  3. Misinformation and sensationalism can quickly lead to harmful stereotypes and fuel conspiracy theories, highlighting the importance of responsible reporting.

The UN’s Terrorism Teachers

1970 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Hamas Terrorism Israel Refugees
  1. UNRWA, the organization that molds young minds in Palestinian refugee camps, has been found entangled with Hamas terrorism.
  2. UNRWA teachers have been identified as promoting terrorism and celebrating violent acts against Jews.
  3. Several donor countries have suspended funding to UNRWA, signaling a growing concern over the agency's involvement with terrorism, leading to calls for the abolition of UNRWA.

What Books Are Really Getting Banned?

2323 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Presidential Race Foreign Policy Pandemic response
  1. Investigation found that the issue is not banned books but limited exposure to diverse opinions, especially in school libraries.
  2. Political dynamics in Iowa show low Republican turnouts and endorsements, hinting at an emerging trend in the upcoming elections.
  3. Heartbreaking letter from an Israeli reflects the ongoing trauma and desperate plea for the return of hostages, shedding light on the human cost of conflict.

Democrats Are Praying for an Open Convention

830 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Democratic Party Political strategy
  1. Many Democrats believe Biden is doomed in the upcoming election due to his age and current polling numbers.
  2. There is a desire among some Democrats for an open convention to bring forth a younger and more dynamic nominee to lead the party.
  3. Several potential candidates, including governors and Senators, are being considered to replace Biden, with varying levels of enthusiasm and skepticism.

Opioids Decimated a Kentucky Town. Recovering Addicts Are Saving It.

1613 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Despite facing challenges like closed coal mines and economic decline, eastern Kentucky's towns like Hazard are experiencing a revival through community-driven efforts and small business openings.
  2. The region's approach to revitalization involves leveraging recovering addicts as a valuable part of the workforce and fostering local businesses and community spaces.
  3. Local entrepreneurs like Mandi Fugate Sheffel and Stephanie Callahan are creating businesses that not only offer products but also serve as community hubs, fostering connections and revitalization in their towns.

Recovering Addicts Save an Opioid Town

1562 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. In Hazard, Kentucky, locals are driving the town's revival by starting new businesses and creating jobs, with a quarter of these jobs held by recovering addicts.
  2. Recent polls indicate challenges for Biden, with decreasing approval ratings and concerns about his performance on various issues, including mental fitness and the economy.
  3. The introduction of the Apple Vision Pro goggles has sparked debates between techno-optimists who see potential benefits like enhanced productivity and doomer zoomers who worry about increased disconnection from reality.

The 22-Year-Old Who Unlocked the Secrets of Ancient Rome

1252 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Competition Innovation
  1. The Vesuvius Challenge offered a $1 million prize for decoding ancient scrolls, sparking interest in AI deciphering
  2. Luke Farritor won a prize for using AI to read an Epicurean work of criticism on a scroll from the Villa dei Papyri
  3. Deciphering ancient scrolls has the potential to reshape our understanding of the ancient world and rewrite assumptions about history

Weekend Listening: Dean Phillips on His Long-Shot White House Bid

2109 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Democratic Party Bipartisanship
  1. Dean Phillips is running for president as a moderate Democrat to challenge the party establishment and offer an alternative to voters who feel alienated by both parties.
  2. Phillips believes in the importance of democracy and competition within the Democratic Party, criticizing the coronation of certain candidates and calling for reform.
  3. Although critical of Joe Biden's communication skills and decline, Phillips states that he will support Biden if he becomes the 2024 nominee to defeat Donald Trump.

Kids Get Schooled on Radical Politics

1066 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🚌 Education Curriculum Political Ideology Inclusivity
  1. Children at a Brooklyn public elementary school are taught about Black Lives Matter's principles using a coloring book, introducing terms like 'Queer Affirming' and 'Transgender Affirming.'
  2. Some parents are concerned about the political and communist undertones in the educational material, questioning the appropriateness for elementary school students.
  3. The coloring book used by the school focuses on promoting Black Lives Matter's ideology but lacks in teaching specific black historical figures, leading to concerns about presenting controversial ideas as facts.

New Hate Speech Laws Threaten Freedom Across the West

797 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech First Amendment Biden administration Civil Liberties
  1. Freedom of expression is fundamental for all other rights to exist.
  2. Recent hate speech laws in English-speaking countries like Canada, Britain, and Ireland are threatening free speech.
  3. It is essential to protect free speech as a core element of democracy, as seen in the ongoing censorship challenges in various countries.

The Greatest (Ever?) Show on Turf

1316 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
  1. The Super Bowl this year features a heavyweight matchup between two dominant teams, with a focus on the quarterback's quest for greatness.
  2. Off-the-field excitement around the Super Bowl includes Taylor Swift adding to the hype and controversy related to her attendance.
  3. The Super Bowl isn't just about football; it's a cultural event with opportunities for hosting gatherings, enjoying halftime performances, and engaging in various cultural activities before kickoff.

Should Parents Pay for the Crimes of Their Children?

1284 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. A parent was convicted of involuntary manslaughter due to negligence leading to a school shooting by her son, setting a potential precedent for accountability in such cases.
  2. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards have influenced hiring decisions in unexpected places like the University of Nebraska's College of Engineering, showcasing the ongoing impact of DEI principles in academic settings.
  3. There is concern about the negative impact of focusing on combating racism in medical education to the detriment of patient care excellence, as raised by Jeffrey Flier, former dean of Harvard Medical School.

Can a Jew Still Love Kanye?

908 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Relationships Fashion Books
  1. Eli Lake reviews Kanye West's album, acknowledging Kanye's controversial behavior but praising his musical talent.
  2. Kat Rosenfield discusses the idea of using books as props for image and the divide between actual readers and those who pose with books.
  3. Evan Gardner explores Beyoncé's foray into country music, highlighting her diverse musical influences and questioning the genre boundaries in music.

Weekend Listening: Should America Continue to Aid Ukraine?

894 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense Public Opinion Legislation Political Views
  1. The costs of the war between Russia and Ukraine have been extremely high, with many casualties and significant financial support from the U.S.
  2. Public opinion in America has shifted over the past two years, with a majority now opposing additional funding to support Ukraine.
  3. Debates center around the importance of America's role in Ukraine, the effectiveness of aid packages, and the state of the war in Ukraine.

Could October 7 Bring Down the Squad?

964 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Congress Lobbying Polls Democrats
  1. Democratic Rep. Summer Lee faced backlash from Pittsburgh's Jewish community for her actions and comments regarding Israel and Hamas.
  2. The Squad members, including Summer Lee, are facing serious primary challenges from well-funded opponents due to their stance on Israel and their support of movements like Ceasefire Now.
  3. The Democratic Party is experiencing internal conflict over attitudes towards Israel, with more moderate Democrats and the pro-Israel lobby opposing the harsh criticism of the Jewish state by some left-wing members of the party.

Who Is Reading Even for Anymore?

881 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Books Social media
  1. Books serve a dual role: for story and as performance props, influencing how we are perceived.
  2. Reading has shifted from a private activity to a public performance, especially influenced by social media and digital culture.
  3. There is a growing divide between readers who quietly enjoy books and public readers who read for an audience, shaping modern book culture.

My Research on Gender Dysphoria Was Censored. But I Won’t Be.

8778 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🔬 Science Research Gender Dysphoria Academic Publishing Activism Data Privacy
  1. The retraction of a scientific article on Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria sparked controversy and highlighted the influence of activist movements in academia.
  2. The authors faced accusations of violating editorial policies around consent, which they refuted by claiming to have followed ethical research practices.
  3. Despite the retraction, the authors plan to continue studying the controversial topic of ROGD, emphasizing the importance of scientific inquiry and resisting censorship.

In a Deep-Blue City, Will Locals Get Tough on Crime?

677 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Progressives Election Democratic Party Policies
  1. The city of Austin, Texas is facing a surge in crime rates, with concerns over the progressive criminal justice reforms led by District Attorney José Garza.
  2. The upcoming Democratic primary race for District Attorney in Austin will determine the future of criminal justice policies, with moderate candidate Jeremy Sylestine challenging Garza's progressive agenda.
  3. There is a divide among Austin residents, with some supporting Garza's approach of reducing incarceration and addressing root causes of crime, while others criticize him for leniency towards criminals and lack of justice for victims.

Tracey Jacobson Abandoned Our Afghan Allies. Now She’s Getting a Promotion.

1247 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. There are about 150,000 Afghans like Omar who helped the U.S. but are still waiting for their SIVs, stuck in a difficult process.
  2. Tracey Jacobson, despite her extensive experience, faced criticism for her role in the chaotic SIV process, now being nominated as the U.S. ambassador to Iraq.
  3. Many Afghans who sided with America are in danger, facing a brutal campaign in Pakistan and a dangerous situation due to Taliban threats.

Ladies’ Night at the Grammys

1182 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. Female solo acts like Billie Eilish, SZA, and Olivia Rodrigo are dominating the Grammys this year, with Taylor Swift expected to keep her winning streak going.
  2. The music industry is focusing on authenticity, with nominees like Jelly Roll, Noah Kahan, Ice Spice, and Fred Again bringing unique and genuine stories to their music.
  3. There is a call for justice for Lana Del Rey at the Grammys, highlighting her impact on a generation of young women and the need for recognition of her unique voice and artistry.

Medical Schools Should ‘Combat Racism.’ But Not Like This.

1075 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. Proper prescription in medicine should be based on accurate diagnosis, emphasizing precision and rigor in a doctor's approach.
  2. There are concerns about the approach to addressing racism in medical education, with calls for clear definitions and rigorous discussions to ensure effective healthcare outcomes for all.
  3. Medical education should focus on evidence-based practices and equipping future physicians to treat patients effectively, without diluting rigor with ideological agendas.

The Autism Surge: Lies, Conspiracies, and My Own Kids

7776 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Autism Diagnosis Research
  1. Autism diagnoses in California have increased significantly over the past few decades, with a 50-fold surge in cases over 33 years.
  2. The rise in autism cases cannot solely be explained by better or broader diagnostics, indicating a real and concerning increase in the disorder.
  3. The lack of clear understanding of the causes of autism and the increasing rates point towards a pressing need for better research, support, and services for individuals with autism.

Lessons in Excellence from the Tuskegee Airmen

816 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Military Leadership History
  1. The Tuskegee Airmen were groundbreaking African American military pilots who excelled in their roles despite facing discrimination. They proved their capabilities and earned numerous honors.
  2. Brigadier General Charles McGee, one of the Tuskegee Airmen, exemplified resilience, excellence, and selflessness throughout his military career, becoming an inspirational figure.
  3. The Tuskegee Airmen's story reflects the importance of unity, hard work, and shared values in overcoming challenges. Their achievements emphasize the significance of traditional values and meritocracy.

John Sailer: The DEI Rollback

1442 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
  1. Utah Governor Spencer Cox made DEI a priority with initiatives like appointing a diversity officer and implementing equity challenges, but then shifted to reversing DEI excesses due to concerns of harm and divisiveness.
  2. Many red states are passing laws and regulations to curtail DEI practices in higher education, with some banning diversity statements in faculty hiring and even outlawing DEI initiatives altogether.
  3. Even in blue states, there is a noticeable shift in mood towards DEI, with universities quietly eliminating diversity statement requirements and conducting internal investigations to address discrimination concerns.

Why Is the American Right Pandering to Putin?

881 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia United States Democracy Human Rights Economic Disparities
  1. Moscow appears clean and safe, but wealth disparity and control by the Kremlin are significant issues in Russia's capital city.
  2. The extreme wealth in Russia often stems from Soviet-era practices and companies are controlled by Kremlin power.
  3. Tucker Carlson's recent actions, like praising Moscow and interviewing Putin, have been controversial and divided public opinion in the U.S.

Britain Can’t Protect Its Own Government Ministers from Islamists

1029 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. British MP Mike Freer faced serious threats to his safety, leading to his decision to step down from his position due to 'intolerable stress' on his family. This highlights the alarming rise in abuse and violence targeting politicians.
  2. Freer's case sheds light on the increasing danger faced by MPs, especially those advocating for Israel and facing intimidation from various groups. It reflects a concerning trend of violence and threats affecting democratic processes in the UK.
  3. The challenges Freer endured, from arson attacks to death threats, underline the harsh reality of security measures required for public figures in the face of rising extremism and political tensions. His experience reveals the need for stronger measures to protect politicians and uphold democratic values.

NYC Public School Wipes Israel from the Map

1497 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. A New York City public school displayed a map of the Arab world that omitted Israel and labeled it as Palestine, sparking accusations of Jewish erasure.
  2. Educators in American public schools are increasingly teaching anti-Semitic ideas, such as labeling Israel as an 'apartheid state', leading to concerns about misinformation being taught to students.
  3. The donation of over $1 million from Qatar Foundation International (QFI) to the NYC Department of Education raises questions about the influence of external funding in school programs.

NYU Professor Tells Students of Hamas Atrocities: ‘We Know It’s Not True’

1214 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. An adjunct NYU professor denied reports of Hamas atrocities in Israel, sparking controversy.
  2. The professor endorsed violence as a form of protest and resistance, advocating for ungovernability as a strategy.
  3. Some students and organizations raised concerns about the professor's statements, leading to his suspension from NYU.

He Hunted al-Qaeda. Now He Hunts Neo-Nazis

626 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Extremism Security Military Terrorism Justice
  1. Kristofer Goldsmith founded Task Force Butler to combat neo-Nazi terrorism in the US, facing credible threats and dangerous situations as a former Army sergeant.
  2. Task Force Butler infiltrates and monitors online Nazi groups, providing legal evidence that has led to convictions and lawsuits against extremist organizations.
  3. Goldsmith's personal journey, from Army veteran suffering from undiagnosed PTSD to leading an effort to dismantle white supremacist groups, highlights his resilience and dedication to fighting against hate.