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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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Top posts of the month

And their main takeaways
15 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 24
  1. The post discusses the complex issue of sexual abuse within religious institutions like the Southern Baptist Convention and the impact it has on their practices and beliefs.
  2. It highlights the dangerous trade-off of prioritizing the prevention of gay sex over addressing the prevalence of rape, shedding light on important societal attitudes and priorities.
  3. The post serves as a reminder of the need for critical conversations and actions to combat sexual abuse and protect vulnerable individuals in various communities.
15 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 24
  1. The author is involved in local organizing and activism with a group called the Huntsville New Liberals and a project focusing on housing.
  2. The author dedicats a significant amount of her time to her newsletter and local activism work.
  3. Readers can subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access the author's full post archives.
13 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 24
  1. The relevance of the left/right political divide is being questioned, with focus shifting towards pro-social versus anti-social perspectives.
  2. Authoritarianism is being considered as inherently anti-social, sparking discussions on its impact on society.
  3. Engagement with differing perspectives, such as pro-social versus anti-social viewpoints, can lead to meaningful discourse and understanding.
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10 implied HN points β€’ 29 Feb 24
  1. The author discusses the belief in female idiocy and its connection to urban/rural divide, with Evangelical Christianity playing a role in the cycle.
  2. The concept of female brain drain is highlighted as a contributing factor to the urban/rural divide.
  3. Evidence supporting the theory of Evangelical Christianity's impact on gender pay gap is shared, reinforcing points made in previous parts.
9 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
  1. The political and ideological realignment since 2016 is prompting a reevaluation of societal values and the types of 'games' we engage in.
  2. Hannah Nikole Jones's essay on affirmative action raises the question of reframing societal norms and behaviors.
  3. Affirmative action discussion opens up the opportunity to reconsider the dynamics of racism, sexism, and status games in society.
9 implied HN points β€’ 05 Mar 24
  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.'
6 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 24
  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.
0 implied HN points β€’ 19 Mar 24
  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