Postcards From Barsoom

Postcards From Barsoom offers critical analyses of contemporary societal, political, and cultural issues, particularly focusing on the impacts of political correctness, the disillusionment with traditional institutions like academia, military, and the corporate world, and the exploration of alternative ideologies and movements. It also discusses the consequences of technology on society and individual behaviors.

Societal and Cultural Critique Political Analysis and Commentary Military and Defense Issues Corporate and Workplace Dynamics Academic and Educational Criticism Technology and Social Media Impact Health and Public Policy Identity Politics and Discrimination Economic Trends and Employment Philosophical and Ideological Exploration

The hottest Substack posts of Postcards From Barsoom

And their main takeaways

Crumbling DIEvory Towers

6999 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Academic standards Systemic Issues
  1. Many colleges, like Whittier College, are struggling with issues like low enrollment and poor management. This is leading to unhappy students and worried alumni.
  2. At some prestigious universities, standards are declining because of changes to grading and admission policies. More focus is being put on participation and homework rather than exams.
  3. The increasing role of administrators in universities is changing the focus of education. Important academic traditions are being lost as the emphasis shifts toward managing feelings rather than fostering intellectual growth.

Academia is Women’s Work

15604 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Gender Studies Social Psychology Workforce Trends
  1. More women are enrolling in college than men, and this trend is changing how we view various professions. When too many women join a field, men tend to leave, as they see it as less competitive and valuable.
  2. Academia is becoming feminized, which could lead to a decline in its status and quality. As more women join, some believe that the competitive drive that often leads to higher performance in academia may be fading.
  3. Lower male participation in colleges can hurt the university's reputation and funding. If schools are seen as feminine spaces, they might struggle to attract male students and the resources that come with them.

Character Generation on the Carousel of Collapse

2399 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Storytelling Dystopia Culture
  1. The collapse of complex civilizations leads to interesting discussions on future societies and human roles. People often use storytelling and archetypes to explore these ideas.
  2. There is a growing conversation around the influence of gender dynamics in spaces like academia, focusing on how male engagement is changing.
  3. Podcast discussions often dive into topics like male flight from traditional roles and the significance of reality as a structured story, prompting listeners to reflect on their own roles.

What Big Eyes You Have

4302 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🔬 Science Astrophysics Engineering Space Exploration Exoplanets Technology
  1. A huge telescope called the 'Monster Telescope' is proposed to help us see and study exoplanets better. It's designed to be one kilometer wide, allowing us to take detailed pictures of other planets in different star systems.
  2. Even though the Monster Telescope has some limitations, like not being able to see very far or clearly, it can help scientists gather data about exoplanets much more effectively than current telescopes.
  3. There's excitement around building advanced telescopes that can operate in space, and ideas like the 'Luciola hypertelescope' suggest we could even create large arrays of flying mirrors to enhance our ability to observe the universe.

Hurricane Helene and the Lost Mandate of Heaven

12273 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disaster Response Government Accountability Public Perception Civil Society
  1. Hurricane Helene caused a lot of destruction and loss of life, with many bodies not being recovered. The situation is dire, and there's confusion about the real number of victims.
  2. There are reports of the government not properly responding to the disaster, leading to frustration among locals. Many people believe the government is prioritizing other issues over helping those affected by the hurricane.
  3. Despite the government's slow response, local communities and private groups stepped up to help quickly. This shows how important civil society is in times of crisis when official support is lacking.
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Universal Suffrage is a Suicide Pact

9795 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Democracy Political Power
  1. Politics is about managing violence and conflict. It's easier to count votes than to resolve issues with fighting.
  2. Democracy can turn into mob rule, where the majority may abuse their power. To avoid this, certain rights should be protected beyond what people can vote on.
  3. The system of voting has changed, allowing more people to participate, but some argue this could weaken the culture and stability of the nation.

Wordspells to Rewyrd the World

2855 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Essays Mythology Creative Writing Podcasts Cultural critique
  1. Words have power, and they can shape our reality. The way we use language can create meaningful changes in our lives and society.
  2. Myth and stories play an important role in understanding our world. They connect us to our history and help us make sense of our experiences.
  3. Engaging in deep discussions with others can open our minds to new ideas and perspectives. It's valuable to learn from one another through conversation.

Hard Money and Hard Men

3906 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Blockchain Finance Economics Philosophy
  1. To create good times, we need to focus on becoming great individuals first. It's not just about what you do, but about who you choose to be.
  2. In our current world, there's a lot of distraction and mediocrity. We must resist this and strive for excellence by not settling for average.
  3. History shows us the importance of strength and preparation. To appreciate peace, you must understand the value of being ready for conflict.

Hector Saves His Dad

1863 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
⚔ Fiction Creative Writing Literature Storytelling Narrative
  1. A boy named Hector goes on a journey to help his dad, showing the strong bond between family members. This story highlights the importance of love and support in difficult times.
  2. The author feels guilty for not doing more for his supporters and wants to offer something special by putting his fiction behind a paywall. This decision is meant to reward those who truly value his work.
  3. Fiction often struggles to get attention and engagement compared to other topics like politics. The author hopes that by offering fiction for paid subscribers, he can encourage more people to appreciate this art form.

There’s a Crown Lying in the Gutter

11222 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. The social mood among the younger generation has shifted towards politics and disaffection with the current system.
  2. There is a recruiting crisis among the military, particularly with young white men, leading to decreased interest and enrollment.
  3. An emerging rival elite, comprised of tech individuals and capable Westmen, is challenging the current regime and offering a different vision for the future.

The Bud Light Military

10509 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. Keep soldiers happy, especially the best ones, to maintain crucial support
  2. America's military recruitment faces challenges due to controversial actions and lack of loyalty
  3. The regime may try to manipulate emotions to rally support for wars, so remain vigilant and skeptical

Fake, Gay, and DIEing of AIDS

7653 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
  1. The universities are facing challenges and may not be salvageable due to deep-rooted issues.
  2. Academia is criticized for promoting diversity over merit in hiring and admissions, leading to concerns about the qualifications of faculty and students.
  3. Calls are made to dissolve universities and redirect resources, questioning their relevance and impact on society.

The Day The Irish Snapped

9240 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
  1. Immigration policies can have economic benefits for the ruling class but negative impacts on the general population.
  2. The narrative of historical guilt is used to justify mass migration and suppress resistance in White countries.
  3. The power of having a strong leader to unify and represent the people in times of crisis and change.

Outside the Walls of the Crumbling Tower

7237 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
  1. The academy is outdated and can be replaced with online resources.
  2. Independent scholars can thrive outside of traditional academia by building an online presence.
  3. The credentialization system is a key missing element for autodidacts to succeed in self-education.

If No One’s Hiring White Guys, What Are They Doing With Themselves?

10865 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
  1. An analysis found that only 6% of new hires in top companies were White individuals, indicating possible discrimination against White men in hiring processes.
  2. Hispanics and Asians were over-represented in new hires compared to their population share, while Whites were under-represented at every level of the hiring process.
  3. White individuals who face difficulties in traditional employment settings are exploring options such as freelancing, starting small businesses, working for small companies, or seeking opportunities abroad.

Cracking the Shell of a Dead Future

6126 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. The global system is destabilizing, and a new equilibrium will eventually be established.
  2. There's a shift in dynamic between corporate media and independent media in shaping the news cycle.
  3. Elon Musk is challenging the globalist control by normalizing free speech and fostering a positive vision for humanity's future.

Cryptocracy

6483 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
  1. Power is often hidden and unaccountable in the form of cryptocracy.
  2. Secrecy in public affairs breeds distrust and paranoia among the public.
  3. Encouraging disobedience and challenging authority can help regain personal agency and push back against oppressive systems.

The Zetetic Blade

3529 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. Postmodernism weaponizes philosophy, but we can find our own weapon.
  2. Challenge the progressive dogmas with radical skepticism to go beyond postmodernism.
  3. Transcend postmodernity through zeteticism towards a truthful existence in metamodernity.

Why Smart People Do Stupid Things (Like Getting mRNA Injections)

7098 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
  1. Smart people sometimes make choices that may seem foolish to others.
  2. Intelligent individuals may prioritize social acceptance and professional consequences over personal beliefs.
  3. High cognitive ability does not always lead to better decision-making in complex societal contexts.

Theft of Fire

3350 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
  1. Modern romance is portrayed as a trap of suspicion and power struggles.
  2. A hard science-fiction novel, 'Theft of Fire', explores human problems in a space adventure setting.
  3. The story delves into themes of intimacy and survival amidst damaged characters.

Pixel Valhalla

6087 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
  1. Different cultures have diverse beliefs about the afterlife, such as Valhalla, which was seen as a dynamic place for warriors in Norse mythology.
  2. Modern society may be luring young men into a sedentary lifestyle through activities like video games and internet distractions, potentially impacting their motivation and engagement with the world.
  3. Challenges in societal dynamics, gender relations, and political ideology could be leading to shifts in behavior and attitudes, potentially affecting relationships and societal stability.

Monopoly on Knowledge: The Era of Epistemic Security

3390 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. Security has evolved from a focus on national security to include multiple sectors like political, economic, environmental, and societal.
  2. The concept of security has shifted from dealing with existing threats to also managing potential risks, leading to the sacralisation of security.
  3. Epistemic security, achieved through a monopoly on knowledge, poses a threat by limiting diverse perspectives and hindering true progress.

The Internet is a Brain With Schizophrenia

4342 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
  1. The Internet can be likened to a brain with schizophrenia, divided into right and left networks leading to separate social groups.
  2. The Right and Left networks in society have distinct cognitive functions - observation and obtaining vs. synthesizing and analyzing.
  3. There is polarization between the left and right hemispheres of society, with implications for societal balance and potential solutions to address the current societal issues.

The White Man’s Ghost Dance

4818 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
  1. The Red Man's attempt to resist white encroachment through the Ghost Dance movement led to despair and ultimate failure.
  2. Similar apocalyptic movements have occurred historically, such as the Boxer Rebellion and Judean Zealots, but did not result in success.
  3. In facing modern challenges of displacement and cultural change, turning to traditions and self-improvement, like the dissident right, may offer coping mechanisms but may not bring about significant change.

Affirmative Action-Americans on Suicide Watch

3390 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
  1. Today's Supreme Court decision overturns Affirmative Action, impacting college admissions and professional competence.
  2. Affirmative Action was intended as a temporary measure, but has shown long-lasting negative effects on organizational functionality.
  3. The Supreme Court's decision may lead to changes in corporate hiring practices, potentially reducing the influence of Affirmative Action.

DIEing Confidence in the Academy

3192 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
  1. American's confidence in higher education has sharply declined in recent years based on a Gallup poll.
  2. The decline in confidence is attributed to rising costs of education, political divisions, and concerns about quality of education.
  3. Enrollment in universities has been dropping, potentially due to frustrations over the educational experience and skepticism about the value of degrees.

Determined to Die

4322 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
  1. Reflecting on the concept of death and the impact it has on individuals and families.
  2. Exploring the exhaustion and disillusionment present in modern society, questioning the direction of civilization.
  3. Considering a shift in perspective, from feeling alienated to finding clarity and purpose in a changing world.

The Death Cult vs The Demon Weed

3588 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
  1. The article discusses the contradictory approach of promoting opioids while demonizing tobacco.
  2. It highlights the government's questionable priorities and actions regarding public health.
  3. The author questions the motives behind heavy regulation of tobacco and its potential benefits, contrasting it with other societal issues.

Nothing Ever Happens

3251 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
  1. Events often do not meet our dramatic expectations, leading to a feeling that 'Nothing Ever Happens.'
  2. Change happens gradually over time, not instantly, like how language slowly evolved over thousands of years.
  3. To make a difference, we must be patient, understanding that our actions today plant seeds for the future, even if immediate results are not visible.

Omni-Boycott

3569 implied HN points • 31 May 23
  1. The Omni-Boycott movement aims to hold woke corporations accountable for their controversial actions
  2. Parents are pushing back against propagandizing in schools, leading to significant cultural shifts and consequences for companies
  3. ESG standards have influenced corporations to embrace divisive political stances, but the Omni-Boycott seeks to create uncertainty and caution to influence change

Memetic Judo, Biopolitics, and Exopolitics

2795 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
  1. Questioning mainstream narratives is important to avoid being influenced
  2. Be cautious of how information is presented and be aware of potential manipulation tactics
  3. Maintain a critical mindset and avoid blindly believing or opposing information

Lexical Liberty and Conceptual Freedom

3747 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
  1. Substack promotes free speech and open-minded discussion
  2. Short, easily shareable posts on microblogging platforms can lead to negative interactions
  3. Freedom of speech is essential for testing and improving ideas in society

Tonic Masculinity

4778 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
  1. Gender confusion is a pervasive issue in society, impacting how we define masculinity and femininity.
  2. Tonic Masculinity focuses on lifting men up, making them strong, powerful, and virtuous in a positive way.
  3. Building goal-oriented male groups that serve a purpose can help men rediscover true masculinity and reclaim their roles in society.

Canada Burning

3053 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
  1. There are over 100 wildfires in Quebec and Ontario, an unusual occurrence for this time of year.
  2. The cause of the wildfires is debated between climate change and deliberate arson.
  3. Speculation includes the possibility of arson by eco-terrorist groups or even coordination by the Canadian government.

Professor Copper’s Tactical Primer

2181 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
  1. The book 'Professor Copper's Tactical Primer' is an illustrated guide for teaching military tactics to children
  2. The book covers topics like firearms safety, ambush techniques, and tactical principles in a fun and engaging way
  3. The goal of the book is to inspire children to learn organized mayhem through recreational methods like paintball or nerf guns

The Devouring Mother of the Digital Longhouse

4044 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
  1. Recent data shows a decline in traditional teenage behaviors like drinking and sex
  2. Increased queer identity and negative impacts of social media contribute to changes in teenage behavior
  3. Cultural changes, not just regulations, are needed to address the influence of technology on youth

Under the Influence

2557 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
  1. Influencers have significant cultural impact and can shape opinions and behaviors.
  2. Participation in influence networks can influence and shape individuals' identities and beliefs.
  3. Choosing which influence networks to engage with is crucial as they can have long-lasting effects on personal growth and development.

Depopulocalypse

2974 implied HN points • 16 May 23
  1. Falling fertility rates pose a threat to civilizations due to aging populations.
  2. Various biological factors like obesity and societal factors like delayed marriage contribute to reduced fertility.
  3. Urbanization, lack of social networks, and changing societal norms also impact fertility rates.

“Interesting.”

3013 implied HN points • 12 May 23
  1. The Internet has changed the way narratives are controlled by challenging traditional media
  2. Social media platforms are being used to influence beliefs and control conversations through algorithms and censorship
  3. Individuals like Elon Musk are leveraging their platforms to change the narrative by allowing open discussions on sensitive topics

This Stupid Virus

3291 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
  1. COVID-19 may have originated from a lab and is real, despite differing opinions.
  2. The virus's properties suggest it may have been designed to make people slightly dumber.
  3. Releasing the virus in Wuhan could have served multiple covert purposes, like creating cover stories.