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

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

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.

Children of the Revolution

1850 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🚌 Education Cancer Research AI Technology
  1. Teaching Black History Month to kids through a Black Lives Matter coloring book has sparked controversy and concerns among parents regarding the content being taught in schools.
  2. The importance of teaching actual black history, like the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, as opposed to contemporary political ideologies in schools.
  3. The issue of fraud in cancer research highlights the lack of transparency in data sharing within the scientific community, leading to questions about the integrity of medical research and the need for more stringent protocols.

Should the U.S. Shut Its Borders? Join Us for Our Next Live Debate

1827 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debates Presidential candidates Civil Liberties
  1. Traditional presidential debates may not happen, and even if they do, they often lack substantial discussion on important issues.
  2. The America Debates initiative by The Free Press aims to host live debates across the country on contentious topics like closing America's borders.
  3. Exclusive presale tickets for The America Debates are available to paid subscribers before opening to the general public.

Free Subscriptions for College Students

1752 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education College Free speech Independent Journalism Critical Thinking
  1. Free speech is crucial for a free society and intellectual growth, but is often viewed as political in the current era.
  2. Campus culture sometimes discourages questioning and different perspectives, leading to fear of being judged for holding alternative views.
  3. Reading independent journalism and engaging in conversations can inspire critical thinking, challenge beliefs, and empower individuals to speak up for what they believe in.
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The Normies Will Save the World

1738 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Policies Politicians Voters
  1. Some prominent figures in American politics seem to show more support for tyrants and terrorists than for democracy.
  2. Most Americans are invested in and personally consider conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war, the Ukraine-Russia war, and tensions between China and Taiwan as important to U.S. national interests.
  3. The majority of Americans hold strong views against Chinese communism, Russian dictatorship, and Islamist terrorism, supporting the notion that America and the West are forces for good.

Matti Friedman: The Song of the Israel-Hamas War

1729 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Israel Conflict History
  1. Matti Friedman is a well-known nonfiction writer, reporter, and columnist, whose work delves into Israeli history and identity.
  2. His song 'Canaan' captures the dark and existential realities of the ongoing war, challenging the notion of reaching a promised land and questioning the concept of homeland.
  3. Shaban's songs, like 'Canaan' and 'A Practice Run for Waking Up,' seem to foreshadow Israeli conflicts, evoking deep emotions for those directly involved in the war.

The Democrats Praying for an Open Convention

1683 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential Election International relations Mental health Therapy
  1. Speculation about Michelle Obama entering the presidential race as an alternative to Joe Biden is circulating, but Michelle Obama has repeated she will not be running for president.
  2. Concerns are rising among Democratic insiders about President Biden's declining faculties and the need for a possible replacement before the next election.
  3. There's a complex dynamic between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, but a change in Israeli leadership may have to come from within, not due to external pressures.

The Three Adults Who Abandoned Me—And Taught Me Life’s Most Important Lesson

1660 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. Rob Henderson shares his heartbreaking childhood and the impact of abandonment from three adults in his life.
  2. Fentanyl epidemic in America is causing record-high overdose deaths, impacting people across all backgrounds.
  3. Concerns about Biden's age and the Democrats' shift in attitude towards his ability to run for reelection are becoming more openly discussed.

How Abortion Became ‘the Defund the Police of the GOP’

1623 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Republicans Election
  1. Americans in different states are showing disagreements with their party's approaches to social issues like pro-life legislation.
  2. There is a notable shift in American politics, with individuals reconsidering their party allegiance based on specific issues.
  3. Personal experiences and conflicts with political decisions are leading some voters to reevaluate their support for specific candidates.

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.

Why Is The American Right Pandering to Putin?

1544 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Documentary
  1. Some members of the American right are supportive of Tucker Carlson's friendly chat with Vladimir Putin, yet critics see it as pandering to an enemy of democracy.
  2. Despite concerns about Biden's age and Trump's foreign policy remarks, some argue that Biden's experience and Trump's stance on NATO could be reasons for their support.
  3. A documentary based on the book 'The Coddling of the American Mind' by Lukianoff and Haidt is being turned into a feature film, backed by Substack, probing into rising mental health issues and illiberalism among young Americans.

It’s Oscar Night!

1507 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Reviews Criticism Romance Drama
  1. The Oscars ceremony might not be highly anticipated, but the lineup of movies competing for Best Picture is impressive.
  2. The movie 'American Fiction' provides a satirical take on identity politics in the context of a black writer's success with writing cliched storylines.
  3. In 'Oppenheimer,' director Christopher Nolan uses a unique structure to showcase the creation of the atomic bomb and the interplay of fusion and fission processes.

A Super Tuesday for Donald Trump

1502 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Media Government
  1. Primary voters chose Trump and Biden, indicating a desire for a rematch, despite other challengers trying to offer alternatives.
  2. Nikki Haley's supporters continued to back her financially even when it became clear that her campaign wasn't successful, demonstrating loyalty and belief in her message.
  3. Across the Western world, new hate speech laws threaten freedom of speech, with Ireland, Canada, and Britain considering strict legislation.

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.

Violent Rioters at Berkeley. In Defense of Self-Driving Cars. Richard Lewis, RIP

1456 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech National Security Political Figures First Amendment Comedy
  1. Maintaining the distinction between speech and violence is crucial in civil society.
  2. Self-driving cars are safer than those driven by humans and can help reduce the high number of road deaths.
  3. Texas A&M decided to shut down its Qatar campus due to national security concerns related to the school's relationship with Qatar and its ties to groups like Hamas and Iran.

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

‘If I Die, They’re Dying with Me’

1446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Security Government Privacy Free speech
  1. Iraq combat veteran Kristofer Goldsmith leads a team of veterans targeting neo-Nazi terrorists in the US, facing numerous threats and dangers in his line of work.
  2. Google's AI chatbot Gemini has caused controversy by producing absurd and morally questionable responses, highlighting concerns about biased politics influencing tech products.
  3. College student Jack Sweeney has stirred debate by tracking celebrities' private jets on social media, facing legal actions from figures like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk, prompting discussions on privacy, free speech, and data in the digital era.

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.

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.

EXCLUSIVE: Public Schoolers Are Paid $1,400 a Pop to Become Social Justice Warriors

1307 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Debate California
  1. An activist group in California is paying public high schoolers to learn about social and racial justice, funded by taxpayers, causing controversy
  2. The Free Press is hosting live debates as an alternative to the traditional presidential debates, with the upcoming topic being whether America should close its borders
  3. The movie industry hopes 'Dune: Part Two' will revive Hollywood, but the film's success at the box office doesn't necessarily mean it will bring in a new era of actors with the same impact as previous stars

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.

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

Trump’s TikTok Flip-Flop. A Weed Debate. Another Presidential Contender.

1252 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Bipartisanship Media Control
  1. The House of Representatives is voting on legislation to force ByteDance to sell TikTok due to concerns over Chinese Communist Party control, leading to an unexpected political divide.
  2. The debate over cannabis legalization includes concerns about health risks associated with marijuana use, such as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
  3. There are bipartisan efforts in the House to address the threat of foreign propaganda and data control by the Chinese Communist Party through TikTok, with legislators pushing for a forced sale of the platform.

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.

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.

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.

Why This Berkeley Professor Is Sleeping in His Office

1085 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Antisemitism Higher education
  1. Ron Hassner staged a sit-in protest in his UC Berkeley office to address rising campus Jew-hatred due to inaction by the administration.
  2. There was a violent incident at UC Berkeley involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups, leading to campus tensions and fear among Jewish students.
  3. Hassner's demands to the university include keeping Sather Gate open, issuing apologies to disrupted speakers, and providing staff with Islamophobia and antisemitism training.

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.

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.

What Should We Do About the Crisis at the Border?

1038 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration
  1. The crisis at the southern border is causing more discord over what action to take.
  2. Immigration remains a top concern for voters in the upcoming presidential election, with a consensus that the system is broken.
  3. A live debate in Dallas on April 11 will feature discussions on shutting U.S borders, involving prominent figures in the domain.

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.

American Troops Know: Iran Is Already at War with Us

1029 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. The conflict between Israel and Hamas is just one part of a broader war involving Iran and its proxies against the US and its allies.
  2. Since October 7, there have been various aggressive actions by Iran-backed groups like missile attacks and drone strikes on locations such as Iraq and Yemen, resulting in casualties among American personnel and civilians.
  3. There is a concern over the Biden administration's approach towards Iran, with some feeling that the policies are inconsistent - pursuing a nuclear deal while facing aggression from Iran and its proxies in the Middle East.

Matti Friedman: What If the Real War in Israel Hasn’t Even Started?

973 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
  1. The possibility of a war with Hezbollah in the North of Israel is a major concern, with potential devastation and a scale of conflict beyond what has been seen before.
  2. Hezbollah's military strength poses a significant threat to Israel, with a vast arsenal and advanced capabilities, creating a sense of urgency for finding a diplomatic solution.
  3. The current situation with Hezbollah has led to the displacement of thousands of Israeli civilians, evacuation of areas, and a state of tension and unease in the region.

EXCLUSIVE: Public Schoolers Are Paid $1,400 a Pop to Become Social Justice Warriors

969 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Education Activism Antisemitism Inclusivity
  1. An activist group in California has been paid by a school district to provide equity and leadership training to students and teachers.
  2. The activist group pays high school students to participate in their programs, which are focused on marginalized youth.
  3. Some teachers and parents have concerns about the group's influence and messaging, seeing it as propagandistic and potentially harmful to students' education.

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.

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.