Disaffected Newsletter

Disaffected Newsletter explores societal, cultural, and political issues through the lens of personal trauma and abnormal psychology. It discusses manipulation in relationships, the impact of family dynamics, toxic femininity, immigration, political loyalties, modern taboos, and societal divides, offering critiques of contemporary norms and policies.

Societal Divides Cultural Critiques Family Dynamics Politics and Leadership Mental Health Gender and Identity Immigration Media and Public Perception

The hottest Substack posts of Disaffected Newsletter

And their main takeaways

You're not the only one who sees it

739 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Society Media Mental health Philosophy Art
  1. Many people feel that something is wrong in society, leading to a sense of disconnection and confusion. It's not just you who notices this feeling; others share similar concerns.
  2. There's a lack of basic respect and attention in everyday interactions, like cashiers not making eye contact or delivery people rushing away. This reflects a bigger issue in how society communicates.
  3. The problems we see today are rooted in deeper spiritual and physical issues that have built up over time. This can make it hard to feel connected and understood, but knowing others feel the same can provide some comfort.

Et tu, Substack?

899 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Platforms User Experience Online Communities Content creation
  1. Substack has introduced a feature called 'Notes' that users cannot turn off. This feels like forced participation to many writers.
  2. Many writers joined Substack to avoid the constant notifications and pressure of social media like Twitter.
  3. The changes to Substack have made some users reconsider their support for the platform and their plans to continue using it.

Thank you grocery store man

1019 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🚌 Education Public Schools Teaching Methods Parenting Mathematics
  1. People enjoy simple, friendly interactions, like sharing a tote bag at the grocery store, which can brighten their day.
  2. Many young people struggle with basic skills, such as math, due to a lack of foundational education.
  3. The current teaching environment focuses more on social issues than on essential subjects like math and history, leaving students unprepared for real-life challenges.

Cluck cluck peck peck

1039 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Public Opinion Free speech Activism
  1. People react differently to styles of communication; some prefer straightforward and blunt expressions. It's important to recognize that personal preferences shouldn't dictate how others express their ideas.
  2. If someone is resistant to a message, emotional appeals won't necessarily change their mind. It's often more about the content of the idea than the way it's delivered.
  3. Not everyone seeks to please or follow conventional advice on communication. Some individuals prioritize expressing their truth over trying to fit a more palatable mold.

The drowning will pull you beneath the waves too

939 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Family Dynamics Mental health Abuse Personal Stories Social Issues
  1. Abusive family situations can be very toxic and damaging. It's important to recognize that you don't have to accept this abuse or keep it a secret.
  2. Society often pressures individuals to maintain family privacy, which can help abuse go unreported. Speaking out about these issues is vital for breaking the cycle.
  3. If you find yourself in a similar situation, the best choice may be to distance yourself from those toxic family members. Your well-being should come first.
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Your tolerance is not enough

519 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Court Cases Government Policy Public Sentiment Political Commentary
  1. People often look for politicians to show empathy, but that expectation is seen as childish by some. Adults should expect more serious leadership, not emotional displays.
  2. A recent court ruling allows youths to claim the government harmed their health by promoting fossil fuels, which seems to push for more government control.
  3. There are new insights about special prosecutor Jack Smith that might change how people view his role in politics. There's a lot of interesting and unexpected information about him.

Communication: do it right

859 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Communication Human behavior Social norms Technology impact Generational differences
  1. Clear communication is important. When asking for help, be specific and provide details so others can understand you easily.
  2. Don't expect others to do the work for you. If you send vague messages, people might ignore your requests instead of figuring out what you want.
  3. Respect in communication is essential. Everyone should consider the needs of the person they're talking to and not treat them like a machine.

Global Village of the Damned

679 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Child welfare Legal issues Gender Issues
  1. Some people believe that the process for getting gender surgeries is too easy and lacks proper evaluation. They feel that quick approvals, like 22-minute Zoom calls, might not be safe for individuals making such big decisions.
  2. In California, there's a new proposal that says not supporting a child's gender identity could be considered child abuse. This means courts could take kids away from parents who don’t agree with their child's feelings about gender.
  3. A judge in Washington allowed a spa to change its rules on who can use its women-only space. This decision upset the owner, who has run the spa for a long time, and could lead to the closure of his business.

Recognize who the opposition is

899 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social Issues Public Policy Activism
  1. Know who your true opposition is. It's important to recognize who is not on your side in any battle you're fighting.
  2. Don't feel obligated to pretend to like people who don't share your values. It's okay to stand firm in your beliefs.
  3. Be aware that some people may betray you or your cause. Trust your instincts about who to rely on in difficult times.

Call Me Karen (Barbara)

519 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Government Social Issues Media Civil Rights
  1. A jury let violent attackers from Antifa off without punishment, raising concerns about the legal system's integrity. It highlights a troubling trend where justice seems compromised.
  2. The government has intruded into everyday life, notably with the ban on incandescent light bulbs and hefty fines for selling them. This serves as a warning about increasing government control.
  3. The term 'Karen' has been used to label reasonable women negatively, but there is a call to redefine this and celebrate reasonable women like 'Barbara'. It's about recognizing and valuing assertive, concerned voices in society.

Manderley, again

679 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Analysis Themes Narrative Characters
  1. Manderley represents a place of both beauty and sadness, where memories and past experiences linger. It's easy to get lost in thoughts about what was or what could have been.
  2. The narrator feels a strong connection to the story of _Rebecca_, listening to it often and finding comfort in it. It's a way to escape and reflect on deeper feelings.
  3. There's a tension between wanting to be drawn in by the beauty of a place and the recognition of its darker aspects. People are attracted to complicated memories and experiences, even if they are bittersweet.

My mother's final gift

859 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Mental health Family Dynamics Emotional Healing
  1. Recognizing toxic behavior can be a hard but necessary step. It helps clear the fog and allows people to see the truth about their relationships.
  2. It's easy to feel guilty or doubt oneself when dealing with an abusive person. Understanding that you did not deserve that treatment is important for healing.
  3. Sometimes, painful experiences can lead to important realizations. Those moments can serve as a reminder that you are not crazy and deserve better.

Left Wing Authoritarians

679 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Social justice Personality Traits Political Psychology Culture Wars
  1. Some researchers are finding that authoritarian traits can be present in left-wing groups, not just right-wing ones. This challenges the common view that authoritarianism is only a right-wing issue.
  2. There is a difference between being politely formal and genuinely respectful. Some people use formal politeness to disguise their condescension and social judgment.
  3. The conversation touches on the reality of mortality and the challenges people face when dealing with death and funerals, especially in a financial context.

On Sinead O'Connor and Borderline Personality Disorder

499 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music Mental health Biography Art Media
  1. Sinead O'Connor's life and struggles highlight the challenges of living with Borderline Personality Disorder. It's important to understand the emotional ups and downs that come with this condition.
  2. Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their success or fame. Sinead's story reminds us to be compassionate towards others who are suffering.
  3. Discussing and raising awareness about mental health is crucial. It helps to break the stigma and encourages people to seek help when they need it.

And I'm not sorry

899 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Cultural critique Social Issues Gender Studies Media Analysis Public Discourse
  1. Some people feel upset about direct talk on tough issues. It's okay to speak your mind, even if it annoys others.
  2. There are mixed feelings around responsibility in relationships. Everyone should own their actions without blaming others.
  3. Sharing honest thoughts can sometimes lead to being seen as irrelevant. But staying true to your beliefs is important.

Morning Mina

899 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Lifestyle Media Entertainment Society
  1. Having a loving pet can make a big difference in your life. Cats can offer companionship and joy.
  2. It's important to find things that bring you happiness. Little moments with pets can brighten your day.
  3. Supporting creators and writers can help them continue their work. Subscribing to newsletters is a way to show support.

New Normal

879 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Media Society Film Fiction Literature
  1. Living in a place can feel surreal and alien, almost like a horror movie setting. People often sense a disconnect between their real lives and what they see around them.
  2. The experience of ordinary activities, like visiting a locksmith, can feel strangely uncomfortable and unusual in today's world.
  3. There's a nostalgia for past media that captured intense feelings and realities better than many modern films do. Many people long for that more genuine storytelling.

The love of a cat

1478 implied HN points • 13 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Pets Relationships Wellness Narrative Behavior
  1. Gaining a cat's love takes time and effort. Unlike dogs, cats can be more reserved and cautious about showing affection.
  2. Pets can help each other heal from emotional struggles. The bond between a pet and their owner can support both through tough times.
  3. Every pet owner has a unique journey with their animals. Each relationship is special and helps both the pet and the owner grow together.

Assholes get featured on the front page

879 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Media Critique Public Discourse Social Commentary
  1. Sometimes, people who seem really nice can actually be rude without using bad words. It's important to see through polite language to recognize the disrespect behind it.
  2. Veiled aggression can be sneaky, so we should be careful about how we interpret someone’s words even if they sound nice.
  3. Not everyone deserves respect just because they act civil; true respect should come from genuine kindness and honesty.

Musical interlude

579 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎶 Music Artists Albums Genres Reviews Events
  1. Tom Petty's music carries themes of longing and boundaries, suggesting to others to stay away when needed.
  2. His lyrics often reflect a sense of personal struggle and discontent, which resonates with many listeners.
  3. Enjoying a musical interlude can provide a break and a moment of reflection in daily life.

Twitter-why?

1059 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Rights Censorship Public Discourse LGBTQ+ Issues
  1. Twitter denied reinstating an account multiple times, claiming it incited violence against marginalized communities. The account owner insists this accusation is false and calls for fair treatment.
  2. The account has lost significant funding from Patreon, impacting its ability to promote their show and causing financial strain.
  3. The owner expresses frustration with Twitter's lack of communication and transparency, emphasizing the importance of truth and fair treatment in online platforms.

A Surgical Safe Space

699 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Social Issues Government Public Debate
  1. Josh had a nice and normal talk with younger people, showing that understanding can bridge age gaps.
  2. New laws in Vermont could lead to serious problems for children's safety, raising concerns about their welfare.
  3. Research suggests that boys with gender identity issues might have mothers with certain personality disorders, hinting at complex family dynamics.

The taming of the Shredder

659 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Streaming Entertainment Discussion Culture
  1. You can learn to manage difficult situations better. It's about finding ways to handle challenges in life.
  2. Understanding the history behind a problem helps in solving it. Knowing how things got to where they are can guide your actions.
  3. Emotional awareness is important. Recognizing your feelings and reactions allows for better decision-making.

Act Now! Supplies are Running Low!

539 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Entertainment Culture Humor Lifestyle
  1. The author is currently busy with personal matters, like traveling and selling a house. This has caused a delay in regular posts.
  2. To engage their audience, they are offering a special sale called Just-4-U with humorous or absurd product options.
  3. They invite readers to sign up for a free trial to access more content and stay connected with their updates.

Plug your writing on our Substack

639 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Community
  1. You can share your creative work like writing, music, or art with others. It's a chance to connect and show what you do.
  2. Feel free to leave links to your projects in the comments so others can check them out. This is a great way to support each other.
  3. By subscribing to the newsletter, you can stay updated on new posts and help support the creator's work.

Do You Have Evidence?

1 HN point • 26 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Manipulation Evidence Communication Critique
  1. Some people don't really care about real evidence; they're just trying to challenge you for show. It's more about their ego than the truth.
  2. When someone demands proof for something obvious, it's usually a tactic to dismiss your point instead of engaging in a real discussion.
  3. Instead of giving in to their demands for evidence, consider ignoring them or showing others how they manipulate arguments. This helps everyone stay aware of these tactics.

Remember when hip hop was fun?

399 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music Art Media Society Entertainment
  1. Hip hop used to be about fun and enjoyment. Many people miss that energy in today's music.
  2. The culture of hip hop has changed over the years, and some fans feel it has lost its playful spirit.
  3. Reflecting on the past can help us appreciate the joy that hip hop once brought to many listeners.

Rewritten

499 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Society Health Technology
  1. Machines are now designed to make us serve them instead of the other way around. It's like technology has gone backward due to government rules.
  2. The CDC has recently shared advice for a specific group of people about breastfeeding. This has raised concerns about the nature of the message they are sending.
  3. Fans of Madonna can be very intense, similar to Beyoncé's fans. A person named Josh has faced some heated comments from them on social media.

Disaffected audio-MI 'hate speech' bill

479 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Free speech Civil Rights Social Issues
  1. Michigan is proposing a law that could criminalize misgendering, seeing it as a form of harassment. This could mean fines or even jail time for people who misgender others.
  2. The discussion around this law highlights the complexities and potential issues in defining hate speech and harassment.
  3. It's important to stay informed about such laws as they can impact free speech and how people communicate with each other.

Did this really happen?

799 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Urban life Youth culture
  1. A group of joggers tried to cross the street in a way that almost caused a car accident. It seemed like they were trying to get hit, which was unusual behavior.
  2. Society is losing basic public courtesies, like waiting for the traffic light and respecting road rules. Many people no longer follow simple manners in public spaces.
  3. This incident highlighted a troubling change in behavior among pedestrians, with a feeling that some people may purposely put themselves in danger for attention or fun.

Let's play a game!

399 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Games Media Community Pop culture
  1. There's a fun game where you guess the movie from a famous line. The line given is 'She goes to the opening of an envelope.'
  2. To participate, you need to share your guess along with your age and sexual orientation.
  3. Everyone can join in since there are no winners or spoilers; it's just for fun in the comments section.

The last show

599 implied HN points • 21 May 23
😂 Humor Comedy Satire Entertainment Writing Media
  1. Plane crash stories are exciting because they bring high drama and tension. The chaotic scenes captivate people more than other disasters like sinking ships.
  2. The narrator comically imagines being in a plane crash and feels overly confident due to watching so many crash shows. This leads to silly situations involving him and the flight crew.
  3. The story mixes humor with a fictional crash scenario while poking fun at flight attendants and the absurdity of emergency situations, making it entertaining.

Heather Heying on Disaffected

619 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🎙 Podcasts Audio Shows Interviews Personal Development
  1. Humans have evolved with differences in psychology based on sex, not just physical traits. This means men and women might think and behave differently due to their evolutionary backgrounds.
  2. Heather Heying, a biologist, shares insights about our evolutionary history and how it shapes our modern lives. Understanding this history can help us navigate today's challenges.
  3. The discussion is only available as an audio podcast, so listeners need to tune in through podcast platforms to catch the conversation.

Rick Beato on The Carpenters

579 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎶 Music Music theory Artist analysis Cultural impact
  1. Watching young people react to old music can be joyful because they feel real emotions. It's great to see their surprise and connection to genuine artistry.
  2. Rick Beato brings a mature understanding of music, especially The Carpenters, and helps people see the beauty in their chords and melodies.
  3. You don't have to be a music expert to appreciate music; learning a bit about music theory can deepen your enjoyment and understanding of what you love.

Rebellion!

519 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Education & Policy Media Critique Activism Mental health
  1. A therapist discusses Nevada's focus on 'affirmation only' gender ideology and offers advice on finding a non-activist therapist.
  2. People are starting to resist extreme gender policies in schools, highlighted by principals criticizing students for not supporting LGBTQ events.
  3. There is controversy over schools providing inappropriate materials in libraries, as some believe it harms children despite claims of promoting diversity.

Changing Seasons

539 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Education Legal Cases Media Identity politics
  1. Megyn Kelly spoke out against the use of gender pronouns, suggesting they contribute to a harmful lie that affects women and children.
  2. A Vermont school district was ordered to pay a family $125,000 after punishing them for misgendering a student who made their daughter uncomfortable.
  3. Elon Musk publicly supported banning gender surgeries for children after a conflict with some Twitter employees about a related film promotion.

Musical interlude

579 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎶 Music Nostalgia Pop Rock Vinyl
  1. Growing up in the '80s felt magical and full of possibilities. It seemed like the world was just waiting for you and your friends to explore it.
  2. Nostalgia for music from your youth is common. For some, the songs from 1980 to 1991 bring back strong memories and emotions.
  3. Hearing songs from the past can trigger deep feelings. A familiar melody can suddenly bring tears after many years.

Episode 120: No Bridge Too Far

579 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Political Commentary Legislation Social Issues Healthcare
  1. A Texas Democrat courageously switched sides to support a ban on certain medical treatments for children, showing strong conviction on this issue.
  2. In 2023, it seems tough to maintain a morally respectable stance as a progressive liberal Democrat, suggesting a significant shift in political dynamics.
  3. An Australian malpractice insurer is refusing to cover doctors who provide gender transition treatments for minors, highlighting ongoing concerns about such practices.

What is love?

439 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎙 Podcasts Parenting Culture Politics Media Society
  1. Love for children and each other should be real and caring, not just for show. Many people confuse true love with performative acts that are more about themselves.
  2. Parental rights can be complicated and sometimes unfairly taken away, as shown in the case of Ted Hudacko. This raises concerns about the impact of laws on family well-being.
  3. Current events highlight deep issues in society, like discrimination and mismanagement of resources, affecting many people's lives.

Happy New Year

879 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🎙 Podcasts Media Entertainment Communication Culture Personal
  1. The author is starting a new chapter in life as they wrap up a 20-year career. It's a big change for them.
  2. There's a mix of excitement and sadness that comes with change. They acknowledge feeling a bit melancholic about what is being lost.
  3. The author looks forward to sharing new content in the upcoming year and appreciates the support from their subscribers.