Freddie deBoer $5 / month

Freddie deBoer's Substack explores social and political issues with emphasis on nuance, including discussions on 'woke' culture, criminal justice reform, the complexities of love and personal behavior, and critiques of higher education and mental healthcare systems. The author advocates for pragmatism, compassion, and understanding across various topics.

Social and Political Commentary Criminal Justice Reform Cultural Critique Education and Affirmative Action Mental Healthcare Personal Behavior and Relationships LGBTQ+ Rights

The hottest Substack posts of Freddie deBoer

And their main takeaways

Heads Up

19337 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
  1. The mom and baby are healthy, but there are some complications. The doctors decided to keep mom in the hospital for safety until the baby is born.
  2. They are excited for the baby but also a bit sad about the time left in pregnancy. Mom is feeling torn between wanting the baby out and missing the pregnancy experience.
  3. There might be changes in the writing schedule during this time. The writer plans to keep everyone updated and will take some time off after the baby arrives.

Very Weird Ideas About What It Means to Respect Someone's Political Project

5754 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Identity politics Political theory Activism Cultural Commentary
  1. The term 'woke' often means caring about other people, but some feel this definition flattens complex ideas about social justice. It can sound condescending when simplified.
  2. Many people work hard to understand and advocate for social justice, and their efforts deserve more respect than just being labeled as 'nice.'
  3. Using praise that oversimplifies someone's political values can be frustrating for those deeply invested in their beliefs, making it feel dismissive rather than supportive.

Miranda July's Lucrative Fantasies

14077 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Feminism Romance Identity
  1. Fantasies about life can often lead to disappointments. It's important to stay realistic about what to expect in a new place or lifestyle, rather than getting lost in idealized visions.
  2. The idea of 'having it all' is unrealistic for anyone, not just women. Life comes with limitations, and people need to be aware of the challenges involved in balancing career and family.
  3. Romantic ideals, like long-term relationships, provide genuine support and connection in life. Pursuing endless novelty may not lead to the happiness people expect, as the excitement can fade quickly.

If Paul Krugman Didn't Have Enough Juice at the New York Times, Who Could?

9560 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Journalism Public Opinion
  1. Heavy editing can take away a writer's unique voice. It's important for writers to maintain their style even when being edited.
  2. Big organizations may see their employees as replaceable, which can affect morale and creativity. This can lead to a competition where everyone fears losing their job.
  3. The pressures of being in an elite institution can change how content is produced. Writers may face strict guidelines that limit creative freedom.

Announcing The Mind Reels, and Why Only You Can Make It a Success

5909 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Publishing Writing Books Reviews
  1. The author is excited to announce their new book, 'The Mind Reels', which is about a college student facing mental struggles. They feel proud of the work and appreciate the chance to publish it.
  2. For the book to succeed, the author emphasizes the importance of grassroots support from readers since mainstream media may not cover it fairly. They hope that readers will help spread the word and support independent publishing.
  3. There’s a chance for subscribers to win an advanced copy of the book in a giveaway, encouraging readers to engage and participate in the launch excitement.
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Doing This Again Makes Me Hate Myself and Hate You, But Yes, Something Happened to Liberalism in the 2010s, and Sometimes That Thing is Called "Woke"

8168 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Trends Change Ideology Identity
  1. American liberalism changed a lot during the 2010s. People who consider themselves liberals in 2020 are not the same as those from 2010.
  2. Some people deny that these changes happened, which seems dishonest. It's clear that the ideas and focus of liberalism evolved, especially around issues like race and gender.
  3. Despite personal opinions on whether these changes were good or bad, it's strange to argue that liberalism has always been the same when the evidence of change is so obvious.

Kendrick Lamar: Talented Musician, Provocative Figure, Emperor of the Whites

10612 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Social Commentary Pop culture Identity politics
  1. Kendrick Lamar has achieved great success and is highly praised, but his status as an 'underdog' feels ironic given his fame and accolades. It shows how people love to label even the most successful artists as outsiders.
  2. The way people view music is changing; taste is now tied to moral values and public opinions. It's hard for individuals to just enjoy music without it being linked to their identity or politics.
  3. Many white people embrace Kendrick Lamar's art to appear morally good, which can overshadow the true appreciation of his talent. This dynamic is complex and reflects a broader issue in how we celebrate Black artists.

Here's Your Kanye West Cliff Notes

17079 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Mental health Disability Identity Media
  1. Kanye West has claimed he's not bipolar but autistic, stirring up a lot of conversation. This shows how he sometimes tackles personal issues in surprising ways.
  2. People are becoming less sympathetic toward Kanye as he shows more unstable behavior online. Critics are more focused on his actions rather than considering if his mental health influences them.
  3. There is a strange disconnect around how society views mental illness. Critics want to blame Kanye but feel conflicted about viewing him as a person influenced by his disability.

We Have to Take Some Kind of an L on Immigration, For Now

15191 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Sentiment
  1. Many people want to move to rich countries for better lives, but there's a huge political and social challenge in doing so. The existing government systems are often unprepared for large waves of immigrants.
  2. It's important to talk about immigration in a realistic way. Simply saying everyone has a right to move doesn't consider how it affects both the immigrants and the countries they're leaving.
  3. There's a need for more legal ways for people to immigrate, but public sentiment often leans towards more restrictions. It's essential to listen to those concerns while finding a balanced solution.

I Told You: Chaos is Coming

17481 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Violence Ideology Society Philosophy Psychology
  1. People are feeling lost and disconnected in today's world, which can lead to dangerous behaviors like violence. This sense of emptiness makes some look for meaning in extreme actions.
  2. Many young people are struggling to find real meaning in life, and they might turn to historic ideologies that feel hollow or even joke-like. They want something to hold on to, but everything feels lightweight.
  3. The solution may lie in connection and community. If people can reach out and support each other, there might be hope for a better future, but this is not an easy path.

As a Big Fan of Immigration, I Recognize the Utility of Assimilation

13706 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Cultural Identity Language Social Issues
  1. Assimilation can help immigrants succeed in their new country by learning the language and culture. It makes it easier for them to find jobs and fit into their communities.
  2. Language skills are important in everyday jobs, especially for customer service roles. Customers expect to understand workers, and clear communication helps everyone involved.
  3. While celebrating diversity is important, it’s also necessary to recognize that moving to a new country often requires some level of adjustment. Immigrants may need support to adapt successfully.

Subscriber Writing, February 2025

1516 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
📚 Literature Creative Writing Essays Reviews Personal narratives Cultural critique
  1. There's a lot of great writing by subscribers every month, so readers should check it out. Submitting work helps gain more readers too.
  2. The email format is changing because there are more submissions than can fit in one message. This change makes it easier for interested readers to find what they want.
  3. The topics covered range widely, from politics to personal experiences, showing the diverse interests of the community and offering something for everyone.

Losing Medicaid, Winning the Grammys

10643 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pop culture Media Critique
  1. Pop culture should not be the main focus of political understanding. People often look at politics through the lens of pop culture, making it less serious.
  2. Coping mechanisms can be unhelpful in facing real-world issues. It's important to confront the harsh realities instead of hiding in entertainment.
  3. Media often mixes celebrity news with political significance, distracting from crucial societal problems. This creates a false sense of activism instead of addressing actual political challenges.

So When Are We Allowed to Ask the Patrick Mahomes Question?

5321 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Analysis Athletes Statistics Media
  1. Patrick Mahomes has had a noticeable decline in his performance over the last two seasons, which is surprising for someone viewed as one of the best quarterbacks. People should be allowed to discuss this drop in stats and performance even if his team continues to win.
  2. Despite still being a good quarterback, his recent numbers do not match the elite standards he set earlier in his career, which raises questions about his current ability. His style of play has shifted from aggressive to more conservative, leading to fewer big plays.
  3. Sports media often avoids criticizing star players like Mahomes due to their past success and the team's winning record. However, if other quarterbacks experienced similar declines, they would likely face significant scrutiny, suggesting that it's time for a more honest conversation about Mahomes.

The Indoor Plumbing Test

14170 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Inventions Hype Human Impact
  1. AI is being hyped as a revolutionary technology, but its real-world impact is limited compared to basic necessities like indoor plumbing. We often overlook how essential and transformative improvements in basic infrastructure have been.
  2. Many claims about AI's incredible benefits are overstated. In reality, AI does small tasks that people can already do themselves, which raises questions about its actual social importance.
  3. The ongoing hype around AI seems to come from a deep desire for a breakthrough technology that can change our lives. However, life is likely to remain mostly the same, with more focus needed on real improvements in areas like medicine.

Perhaps You Would Be a Little Touchy Too

16429 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Disability Psychiatry Therapy Identity politics
  1. Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood, with many thinking mood swings happen quickly, but the truth is they usually take weeks or months. It's important to really understand how the disorder works.
  2. People are increasingly claiming new and unusual diagnoses for mental health issues, which can undermine the seriousness of established conditions. This shift creates confusion and can affect how we view our own experiences.
  3. Claiming a diagnosis can feel liberating for some, but it can also lead to challenges when others misrepresent these conditions. It's tough when what you know to be true about your own illness feels threatened.

After Liberal Cultural Hegemony

10365 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Liberalism Censorship Art Critique American Politics
  1. Many people got really upset about certain books in the past, often without reading them, which made it hard for authors. This created a strange situation where publishers would listen to loud complaints instead of just letting books be published.
  2. Right now, there's a bit of a backlash against that intense focus on social justice, but the effects of that period are still lingering in society. Some people are still trying to cancel things they don’t like, and that behavior continues in various forms.
  3. The way liberals approach politics often revolves around judgment and pointing out failures, which some see as limiting. There’s a question of what kind of politics will emerge in the future and if it will be different from how things have been.

Maybe This is Why You Shouldn't Have Published the Andrew Huberman Story

16120 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ethics Gender Issues Public Opinion Investigative Reporting Cultural criticism
  1. The Andrew Huberman story did not include serious allegations like those in the Neil Gaiman story. It focused on infidelity and tardiness instead of misconduct.
  2. The way the Huberman story was presented created misunderstandings, leading many to think it was a MeToo story. The excitement around it suggested serious accusations were involved.
  3. It's important for journalism to clearly differentiate between bad behavior and harmful misconduct. Mixing them can dilute the serious conversation around issues like sexual assault.

Who "Neurodiversity" Left Behind

15655 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Disability Rights Activism Mental health Social Issues Public Discourse
  1. The voices of people living with severe disabilities are often overlooked in public discussions about neurodiversity. This can leave families feeling isolated and unheard.
  2. Autism discourse has shifted to focus on individuals who thrive, while those who struggle daily are sidelined. It's important to acknowledge the challenges faced by many with severe autism.
  3. A diverse conversation about autism is needed, including all levels of ability and experiences. Everyone, regardless of their background, should have a say in these important discussions.

Call for Subscriber Writing, February 2025

959 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Readers Authors Blogs
  1. There's a call for writing submissions from subscribers to share their work with a large audience. It's a great chance for writers to get noticed.
  2. You need to use a specific Google Form to submit your work by the deadline. Make sure to follow the instructions to avoid missing out.
  3. This is only for written pieces, like blog posts or articles, not for promoting podcasts or social media. So focus on sharing your writing!

"Wouldn't It Be Cool If..." Science is a Scourge and We Will Regret It

9344 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🔬 Science Quantum physics Scientific Method AI Research Education
  1. There are tons of resources to learn about science today, but a lot of popular science content can be misleading and full of hype. It's important to be careful about what you believe, especially if you don't have a strong background in the subject.
  2. Many claims in science media, like the existence of alternate dimensions or warp drives, often lack strong evidence. It’s crucial to approach such claims with skepticism rather than taking them at face value.
  3. Real scientific work is usually slow and methodical, rather than exciting breakthroughs. Making science seem too flashy might mislead younger people about what a career in science really involves.

Our Healthcare System, a Reign of Terror

18038 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Mental health Social justice Policy Critique Inequality
  1. Many people only react strongly to certain types of suffering and fail to recognize the ongoing harm of our healthcare system. It's important to think about why we care more about some victims than others.
  2. Our healthcare system often denies essential care to those who need it, leading to tragic outcomes. The choices made by companies and policymakers directly affect people's lives and deaths.
  3. There's a disconnect in how society views death caused by healthcare versus murder. We need to acknowledge and address the systemic issues causing suffering in our healthcare system, rather than just express sympathy for individual cases.

What the Book Section Likes

7023 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Publishing Book Reviews Literary Criticism
  1. The publishing industry is not dying, but book media is getting less attention and resources. Many people love book reviews and discussions, but they are threatened.
  2. There's a lot of conformity in how books are celebrated by the media. Many books get praised just for following trends, making it hard for unique voices to break through.
  3. Nonfiction books often oversimplify history to support a central idea, which can distort the truth. This trend makes both book critics and readers miss out on a wider range of stories and perspectives.

Our Product is Permission

12407 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Social Trends Parenting
  1. Many people today often make excuses for their choices, believing life is too hard to do what's right instead of what's easy. This mindset can lead to unhealthy habits and a lack of personal accountability.
  2. There has been a cultural shift where values like authenticity, artistic integrity, and genuine relationships are being overshadowed by the pursuit of fame and comfort. It’s important to continually challenge ourselves and be open to growth.
  3. The rise of social media has allowed people to embrace slouching standards in lifestyle and behavior, leading to a rejection of former norms like dressing well or valuing hard work. It's crucial to recognize the impact of these changes on our culture.

Judith Butler with a Pretty Damn Good Indictment of Identity Politics!

12623 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Election Analysis Political critique Social justice
  1. The election results suggest that identity politics didn't cost Democrats the vote. Voters were more concerned about issues like the economy and immigration.
  2. People get frustrated when they're talked down to, and this negativity can hurt political movements. It's important to engage people without making them feel judged.
  3. Criticism of identity politics isn't just from the right; many thinkers on the left have also raised valid concerns. There's a need for honest reflection on how these ideas have shaped recent political events.

Nothing is Ever Lamar Jackson's Fault

3558 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Football Media Athletes Performance Criticism
  1. Lamar Jackson is a great quarterback but often gets excused for his poor performances in important games. Many in the media seem to overlook his mistakes while criticizing other quarterbacks more harshly.
  2. Some people defend Jackson by pointing to others' mistakes in games, but they ignore that a quarterback's turnovers are significant in losing. It's not fair to just blame teammates when the QB makes big errors.
  3. Using playoff wins to judge quarterbacks is tricky. If Jackson played like others, he would face more criticism. Fairness in criticism should apply to all players, regardless of their race or past achievements.

Being Ghosted by the New York Times

13861 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ethics Political Commentary
  1. Freelancers often face a lack of communication from big publications like The New York Times. When they pitch ideas, they expect a simple 'no' if the piece isn't wanted, but many times they don’t receive any response at all.
  2. There's a sense of casual disrespect in the industry, especially from larger publications. Many freelancers and even some employees feel underappreciated and mistreated, which can create a toxic work environment.
  3. Despite the frustrations, freelancers still want to write for well-known outlets like The New York Times because of the exposure and audience they can reach. It’s important for these big publications to treat writers with respect to foster better relationships.

With January 6th and Trump, the Truth Has Always Been Bad Enough

5476 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Media Critique
  1. The January 6th event can be seen as a big disturbance, but it wasn't an organized coup that succeeded in taking power. It was mainly a chaotic riot by people who didn't really know what they were doing.
  2. Claiming that Trump's actions represent a real dictatorship doesn't align with what actually happened, as he did eventually hand over power to Biden. He behaved more like a popular leader using fear to gain support.
  3. There is a tendency among some people to hype up threats posed by Trump rather than look at the situation clearly. This makes the discussion about his impact more emotional than factual.

Destruction Grows From Idealist Hearts

3743 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict Studies Political Ideologies U.S. foreign policy
  1. The situation in Syria was complicated, with many different groups fighting for power, making it hard to identify who the 'good guys' were.
  2. Ideas like the Arab Spring, which aimed to promote freedom, often failed because they didn't take into account the local issues and conflicts that already existed.
  3. Many people in the U.S. tried to solve problems in the Middle East with big ideas, but found out that the reality was much more complex than they thought.

All the Little Unborn Babies

17141 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Healthcare Reproductive Rights Public Policy
  1. IVF involves many ups and downs, including the high likelihood of miscarriages, which can lead to a lot of anxiety for parents. The process makes individuals very aware of the fragility of early pregnancy.
  2. Miscarriage is common and often goes unnoticed, but it is a significant loss for would-be parents. Many people feel guilt or blame themselves even though it's often just part of nature.
  3. Understanding the realities of pregnancy and loss can change perspectives on abortion. The chaos of nature shows that life doesn't always happen the way we plan or want it to.

A Series of "Parodies," If That's the Right Word, of Podcasts on the Ringer Podcast Network

2722 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Comedy Media Entertainment Culture Sports
  1. Podcasts can be both entertaining and repetitive. It’s easy to notice when hosts keep saying the same phrases or jokes.
  2. Hosts often joke about the pressure to create content and meet audience expectations, feeling like they're stuck in a loop.
  3. There's a lot of fun in playful banter among podcast hosts, showing that behind-the-scenes discussions can be just as amusing as the main content.

What I'm Thankful For

10643 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Thanksgiving Family Mental health Media Personal Growth Food
  1. Being thankful for loved ones is essential. Family and friends provide support in tough times.
  2. Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday because it focuses on gratitude without the stress of gift-giving. It’s a time to relax and enjoy good food and company.
  3. Mental health medications can be life-saving. They have helped many people rebuild their lives, despite some negative opinions about them.

I'll Take the Crypto Industry Seriously When Its Biggest Advocates Stop Saying "What Did You Expect?"

8384 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investments Regulation Scams Media
  1. The crypto industry has a problem with accepting responsibility for scams and fraud. Many people in the community brush off losses with a 'what did you expect?' attitude, which doesn't help their credibility.
  2. A serious industry should focus on cleaning up its image and ensuring accountability. If crypto enthusiasts want people to take their industry seriously, they need to demand better practices.
  3. If the crypto culture continues to mock victims of scams, it risks pushing more people towards stricter regulations. This could hurt the industry in the long run.

welp

14851 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Political theory Voting Rights Campaign Strategy
  1. People are frustrated with the Democrats because they can't form a strong winning team. This makes it hard to have a good opposition party against the Republicans.
  2. Losing elections isn't just about blaming certain individuals or outside forces. It’s important for the party to look at its own problems and fix them.
  3. Even when things seem bad for the Democrats, there’s always hope for improvement. It’s essential to understand what’s wrong and work on solutions.

People with Serious Mental Illness Say Racist and Bigoted Shit All the Time

13211 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Disability Rights Social Issues Psychiatry Stigma
  1. People with serious mental illnesses can sometimes express racist or bigoted thoughts, which challenges the common belief that mental illness doesn't influence behavior. It's important to recognize that mental health conditions can distort thinking and actions.
  2. Acknowledging the complex relationship between mental illness and behavior is essential. People should not dismiss bad behavior outright but consider the person's mental health struggles and how those may impact their actions.
  3. There’s a cultural tendency to oversimplify mental illness, leading to misunderstandings. It's vital to accept that being mentally ill doesn't exempt someone from responsibility for their actions, but it can complicate how we view those actions.

2024 in Review

4331 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Media Youth Trends Society Criticism
  1. The 'brat' meme seemed to be more popular with older generations, and it might not really reflect what younger people actually enjoy or connect with.
  2. Many people in media feel pressured to stay relevant and youthful, leading them to embrace trends like 'brat' to seem more in touch.
  3. There's a growing disconnect where older writers might misinterpret the interests of younger audiences, wanting to feel young themselves through cultural phenomena.

Big Mommy is Not Coming to Save Us

15408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Media influence Party Dynamics Political Ideology
  1. People like Donald Trump, and no amount of media criticism seems to hurt his popularity. Many voters support him despite knowing his flaws.
  2. Democrats often struggle to connect with voters because they don't have a clear message or identity. They need to focus on issues that matter to everyday people.
  3. Expecting that a higher authority will correct wrongs in politics is unrealistic. Voters are looking for practical solutions, not just complaints about Trump.

If the Democrats Want to Win, Someday They'll Need to Give People Something to Vote For

13335 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Democratic Party Political strategy Ideology
  1. Democrats need to offer clear reasons for people to vote for them. If they don’t, they risk losing support from their base.
  2. Critics feel that Democrats often focus on attacking others instead of explaining their own policies. This makes it hard for voters to believe in the party.
  3. A lack of confidence and clear values from Democrats can lead to more support for extreme candidates. To change this, Democrats must embrace their beliefs and communicate them effectively.

On the Occasion of This Election, Let Me Talk to You About Bill Clinton

13551 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Ideologies Voting Rights Campaign strategies
  1. The writer feels that voting for candidates just because they belong to a party is not right. They believe politicians should earn votes by truly representing the people's values.
  2. They think that the Democratic Party has moved too far to the right and is too focused on compromise, which harms its ability to address important issues.
  3. The writers criticize Bill Clinton for his conservative actions and believe that the Democratic Party should not rely on him as a respected figure.

Fighting Discrimination Does Not Entail Defending Shitty Social Behavior

6373 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Discrimination Fandom Pop culture
  1. Fighting for rights is important, but we shouldn't excuse bad behavior in the process. It's okay to say 'knock it off' when people act inappropriately.
  2. Many young people mimic serious disorders for attention, but this can be harmful to those who genuinely struggle with those issues. It's important to critique this without fear of backlash.
  3. Online fandoms can become hostile, with people using accusations of bigotry to silence criticism. It's necessary for communities to be able to set healthy boundaries and address bad behavior.