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Sex and the State is a newsletter that delves into issues surrounding sex work, mental health, societal norms, and power dynamics. It explores complex topics like the legality of prostitution, modern work culture, personal stories of growth and hardship, and critiques of political and social systems.

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The hottest Substack posts of Sex and the State

And their main takeaways

Authoritarians and the games they play

9 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Demographics Power Christianity Political Spectrum
  1. The terms 'left' and 'right' don't accurately represent contemporary US politics; 'liberal' vs 'authoritarian' is a more relevant ideological spectrum.
  2. The author wants to discuss topics like democracy, demographics, power, and Evangelical Christianity in-depth in the future.
  3. Readers can access more content and a 7-day free trial by subscribing to the author's newsletter 'Sex and the State.'

A fate worse than death?

10 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health
  1. In a study, 68.9% of patients found bladder or fecal incontinence 'worse than death.'
  2. A slightly smaller percentage of patients felt that 'requiring a breathing tube to live' was worse than death.
  3. Consider subscribing to continue reading this content and access the full archives with a 7-day free trial.

A brief primer on medical misogyny

10 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues
  1. The post discusses medical misogyny and the author's work experience at a wellness startup.
  2. The author highlights the issue of medical misogyny replacing hysteria with depression.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial of Sex and the State.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The argument for ass whoopings > prison

9 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Crime Ethics
  1. Atlanta-based rapper Killer Mike shared a video of two gas station employees beating a would-be robber with a piece of wood, emphasizing the importance of discipline early in life.
  2. The post discusses the idea of physical discipline as a deterrent for criminal behavior, suggesting that it can be more effective than imprisonment.
  3. The conversation is centered around the argument that experiencing consequences like physical discipline can correct behavior more effectively than prison time.

Authoritarians and their shitty childhoods

6 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Social Issues Healthcare Public Policy
  1. Life for bottom-half Americans has been worsening over the years due to factors like market concentration, stagnant wages, rising costs, and increasing inequality.
  2. These hardships could be contributing to the rise of Trumpism, affecting mobility, mental health, and overall well-being.
  3. Factors like reduced economic mobility, increasing precarity, and societal challenges like teen depression are linked to the decline in conditions for many Americans.

Activism update

7 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. The author gave their first public comment at a legislative event.
  2. They also presented on the issue of homelessness in Huntsville.
  3. Readers can access more content by subscribing to the author's blog.

TV Tuesdays 18: The CIA and JKF

18 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Conspiracy Intelligence Media Accountability
  1. Former CIA director Allen Dulles was involved in controversial actions and may have played a role in JFK's assassination.
  2. The defense establishment in the US has historically been focused on communism and tolerant of fascism.
  3. The power players in the US defense and intelligence sectors often come from similar elite backgrounds and may prioritize corporate interests over democracy.

H4H 27: More than you ever wanted to know about guardianships

6 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Homelessness Mental Illness
  1. Mental illness is not the only cause of homelessness, but there is a strong connection. Building more housing and providing cash assistance can solve homelessness for many but not all.
  2. Severe mental illness or addiction can be barriers to staying housed even with affordable housing and financial help.
  3. The law defines guardianship/conservatorship, outlining who is eligible and the legal protections needed to prevent harm and homelessness for vulnerable individuals.

Why smoke shows marry bags of dirty socks among church folk

19 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Relationships Gender Religion Beauty Society
  1. Men in Evangelical churches have leverage in choosing partners due to gender imbalances.
  2. Conservative church culture often prioritizes traditional beauty standards for women and financial stability for men in relationships.
  3. Church teachings on marriage and social circles play a role in the phenomenon of 'smokeshow' women marrying 'bags of dirty socks' men within church communities.

Why men won't go to therapy

18 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
  1. In 2021, there were 55% more women than men seeking therapy.
  2. Gender norms play a significant role in men avoiding therapy.
  3. Reframing therapy as a way to strengthen the brain could help men see its value.

Cash rules less around me than I realized

4 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
  1. Cash has less influence on my life than I thought.
  2. Choosing catchy headlines can make a big difference in attracting readers.
  3. Subscribing to the blog can give access to more thought-provoking content.

H4H 24: We respond to your comments!

4 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎙 Podcasts Discussion
  1. They had to reschedule an interview due to bad weather.
  2. They enjoy hearing from listeners and respond to their comments on their podcast.
  3. Listeners can suggest interview subjects and topics for the podcast.

We're on a break

0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Relationships Self-worth Sexuality
  1. The author is taking a break from writing to spend time with family, so readers can check out older posts in the meantime
  2. The posts recommended to read are about love, relationships, and men's issues related to porn
  3. The newsletter focuses on human connection, self-improvement through relationships, and destigmatizing sex