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

For Me, the Lack of Individual Creativity and Shot Creation in the Half Court is the Real Problem with the NBA

3465 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Athletes Coaching Sports culture Performance
  1. The NBA has become too focused on team systems and analytics, which limits individual creativity and shot-making. This means fans don't see as much exciting, personal play on the court anymore.
  2. Players now are often coached to follow strict offensive structures, which can make their gameplay feel robotic and less entertaining, especially compared to past stars like Kobe or McGrady.
  3. The current rules and playing styles could be adjusted to allow more freedom for star players, making games more engaging and fun for fans.

Not the Right Kind of Provocation

5971 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🚌 Education Pedagogy Literacy Education reform Equity
  1. In education, there's a big debate about the best way to teach reading. Some say phonics is better, but it's not as clear cut as people think.
  2. Many believe that teaching methods can completely change students' success, but individual talent and background often play a bigger role in how well they do.
  3. The media and education discussions often ignore important questions about ability differences among students, focusing instead on minor teaching method fights.

Clintonism Lost in 2000

5569 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democratic Party Republican party Elections Political strategy Political Ideology
  1. The Democratic party often shifts to the right after losses, which doesn't help them win or provide meaningful change. This pattern has been repeating for years.
  2. Clintonism, which is a centrist approach, has failed to deliver good results, shown by Al Gore losing in 2000 despite having advantages.
  3. Republicans are better at staying true to their right-wing beliefs, while Democrats struggle to define a clear leftist agenda, contributing to an overall conservative shift in the country.

There Are No Safe Havens

6621 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Labor Market Tech industry Career development
  1. The job market for entry-level programmers has drastically declined, with job postings dropping significantly. It's harder than ever for new coders to find work right now.
  2. While skilled and experienced programmers still have good job prospects, the narrative around learning to code often ignores that not everyone can secure those top jobs.
  3. The promise of tech jobs being a guaranteed path to success is misleading, especially for beginners who face tough competition in a shrinking market.

Don't Panic

7982 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Governance Political trends Public Opinion
  1. Things may seem really bad right now, but we've seen tough times before, and life keeps going. It's important to remember that this is just a part of life, not an end.
  2. Trump's first term showed that he wasn't great at getting his policies passed, even with a Republican majority. His second term might not be as effective as people fear.
  3. Doomsaying often comes from a place of self-importance, and we should be careful not to exaggerate the current situation. It's okay to be concerned, but let's not panic.
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Shorter Writing is Not Better Writing: An Argumentative Treatise

8694 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Criticism Essays Narrative Style
  1. Short writing isn't always better writing. Sometimes, longer pieces can explain complex ideas better than short ones.
  2. The push for brevity in writing often leads to dull and similar-sounding work. Good writing should capture unique voices and ideas without fear of being too lengthy.
  3. Many writers feel pressured to write short because of trends, not because it's the best way to express their thoughts. Confidence in one's own style is important.

First, Do Not Suck: A Video Presentation on Which Writing Advice to Take (and Which Not To) for Subscribers

2908 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🚌 Education Writing Skills Teaching Methods Literary Analysis Content creation Pedagogy
  1. Not all writing advice is helpful; some common tips can actually hinder writers. It's important to find advice that really benefits your style and needs.
  2. Tools like pronouns and the passive voice can be useful in writing, contrary to popular belief. Embracing different writing styles can enhance your work.
  3. Improving as a writer involves a lot of practice and feedback. It's normal to struggle with gaining an audience or making money, even if you see your writing getting better.

BlueSky, Twitter, Celebrity, and the Is/Ought Distinction

4672 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Celebrity Public Opinion Echo Chambers Political Discourse
  1. There are different social media platforms, each attracting different types of people and attitudes. Platforms like Twitter and BlueSky show how user bases can reflect broader cultural divides.
  2. The choice to join a platform often comes down to seeking comfort in shared beliefs and avoiding opposing viewpoints, which can create echo chambers. This has been a challenge for liberals understanding current political dynamics.
  3. A key concern is about wanting the visibility of online presence without the responsibility that comes with it. This reflects a deeper issue around accountability in our public online interactions.

Chiefs Fans Doing the "War Chant" After Beating the Worst Team in the League by Two is the Most Pathetic Thing I've Ever Seen From Any Fanbase

3712 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Football Fan culture Analytics Team Dynamics Media Coverage
  1. Chiefs fans celebrated a narrow win over a bad team with their war chant, which some see as embarrassing and inappropriate. It's not cool to act like you just beat a top team when you barely won against the worst one.
  2. There are concerns about the Chiefs' performance this season compared to past years. Their offensive play has slowed down, and some fans and analysts feel they aren't as dominant as before.
  3. Many Chiefs fans act like a lot of people hate them because they are successful. Instead, they should recognize their team's success and stop complaining about being disrespected, as they are now a winning franchise.

Mailbag Grab Grab

3434 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Writing Publishing Reading
  1. The writer is open to doing a podcast if it's funded and someone else handles the technical aspects, but they don't think it would attract enough new subscribers.
  2. They are excited about their upcoming book projects, including a novel and a nonfiction book about mental health, with expected publication dates in 2025 and 2026.
  3. Despite receiving many emails, the writer can't always respond due to time constraints but values the input and feels guilty for not replying.

Subscriber Writing, December 2024

1330 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Book Reviews Creative Writing
  1. There are many interesting blog posts from different writers. These posts cover a wide range of topics that might capture your interest.
  2. The email roundup indicates that reader engagement is important, as more entries mean more chances for quality writing to be discovered.
  3. Subscribing allows you to participate and share your own writing, offering an opportunity to reach a wider audience.

The Endless, Perplexing Controversies Over (How We Talk About) Lamar Jackson

2691 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Media Performance Controversies Football
  1. Lamar Jackson is an outstanding quarterback, but he faces unique scrutiny compared to others, especially regarding his playoff performance. Many see criticism of his playoff games as unfair, considering he has had a strong regular season.
  2. The media often treats Jackson differently than other quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, despite similar playoff records. This shows a possible double standard in how these players are discussed.
  3. Winning a Super Bowl is crucial for a quarterback's legacy, and both Jackson and Prescott need to prove themselves in the playoffs to be considered among the best. Fans and analysts should recognize this reality instead of making excuses.

There is No Ideal Drug Policy

3310 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Prohibition Criminal Justice Public Health Political Ideology
  1. There is no perfect solution for drug policy because people will always seek out drugs, and some might suffer serious consequences from their choices. It's important to accept that addiction and tragedy can happen, regardless of the laws in place.
  2. Efforts to decriminalize drugs often come with challenges, but reverting to strict prohibition has historically failed and leads to more harm than good. Enforcing harsh penalties on the drug trade can result in a cycle of injustice and social problems.
  3. The idea that every issue has a simple solution can be misleading. Sometimes, trying to fix a complex problem like drug use with quick fixes can create more issues rather than resolving the existing ones.

... No, We Definitely Want to Use Medical Arguments to Defend Trans Children

11912 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Transgender rights Medical care Advocacy Health care Medical Ethics
  1. Medical arguments are crucial for defending trans children to ensure access to necessary healthcare.
  2. Advocating for trans rights should focus on practical strategies that work in the real world, not just theoretical ideals.
  3. Challenging societal norms and privacy laws for medical decisions of trans children may have adverse political consequences.

Perhaps Taylor Swift Isn't the Defining Political Issue of Our Times

12747 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Media Celebrity Society
  1. Consumption should not be equated with politics; what you buy does not define your political beliefs.
  2. Boycotting products, like hating Bud Light, is not a substantial political action; true political change requires mass action and not just personal choices.
  3. Liking certain music or celebrities does not make someone inherently more progressive; true politics is about material change and actions, not just cultural consumption.

Screw You Guys, I Root For Muad'Dib

8446 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Critique Fandom Characterization
  1. In the Dune universe, the writer roots for Paul Atreides despite knowing it won't end well
  2. The Dune 2 movie is praised for being a meticulously crafted, popular film with excellent cast and stunning visuals
  3. Despite the warnings about not rooting for Paul due to the themes of the story, the writer still finds him and his rebel army cool and follows Muad'Dib passionately

This is Zion

8663 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Nationalism Immigration Anti-Semitism
  1. The United States is considered a place of safety and prosperity for Jews, and some argue that it could be a better home for them than Israel.
  2. Critics of Jewish nationalism suggest that Israel's reliance on American support raises questions about its long-term viability.
  3. Encouraging Jewish immigration to the United States as an alternative to Israel is proposed as a solution for Jewish safety and success.

What We Might Mean by "Liberal Bias"

9777 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Journalism Ethics Political Advocacy Public Perception
  1. Liberal activists advocate for media to move away from balanced reporting and towards acknowledging facts over false equivalence
  2. Journalistic shifts towards liberal advocacy can lead to overlooking alternative perspectives, such as left critiques of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
  3. The financial model of news media can create a cycle of confirming readers' biases, limiting diverse perspectives and challenging journalism

Preemies, Genes, Meritocracy, and the Left

8694 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Meritocracy Parenting
  1. Premature birth and low birth weight can lead to significant academic challenges, affecting cognitive and academic outcomes.
  2. Acknowledging genetic influences on academic performance is controversial, but it's important to consider alongside environmental factors.
  3. Our focus on academic success and meritocracy may need to shift to value a broader range of human qualities and contributions.

The ACLU Is Trying to Destroy the Biden NLRB

7178 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor relations Civil Liberties Legal system Constitutional Law
  1. The ACLU is trying to expand mandatory arbitration, potentially limiting workers' rights and making union organizing harder.
  2. The ACLU is challenging the appointment of the current General Counsel of the NLRB, which could impact the legitimacy of decisions made by the Biden Board.
  3. The underlying dispute revolves around the termination of an ACLU staffer for protected complaints about workplace conditions, revealing a complex situation where legal theories are used to justify actions.

What We've Lost in Music Criticism

8787 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎶 Music Criticism Pop Rock Diversity
  1. Indie rock no longer exists in 2024, with no cool clubs or scene left to produce new albums, showing a cultural shift away from 'indie' music.
  2. The embrace of poptimism in music criticism led to a shift towards conformity and popular music elevation, changing the role of the critic from highlighting underappreciated music to reassuring popular tastes.
  3. Music criticism has lost its diversity and focus on challenging artistic expressions due to the dominance of poptimism, impacting the vibrancy and depth of music discussions.

Semaglutide Kind of Life

5662 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Weight management Exercise Mental health
  1. The author started taking a medication called Rybelsus due to metabolic problems caused by long-term use of psychiatric medications and physical limitations.
  2. The author's struggles with weight management, loss of control due to inability to lift weights, and the significant cost of medication highlight the challenges they face in trying to maintain their health.
  3. Regular monitoring and support from professionals are essential for the author's well-being, despite concerns about societal judgment around medication use.

Who is the Real Dr. Peter Breggin, "The Conscience of Psychiatry"?

7085 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Psychiatry Conspiracy Theories Mental Illness Public Safety
  1. Dr. Peter Breggin is a prominent figure in the modern anti-psychiatry movement, influencing American understanding of psychology with his opinions and academic background.
  2. Anti-psychiatry spans political spectrums and has gained notable influence in popular culture, intersecting with holistic medicine and alternative health viewpoints.
  3. Breggin, while respected in some mainstream circles, holds extreme views like being an anti-vaxxer and conspiracy theorist, casting doubt on the safety and efficacy of psychiatric medications.

Perhaps a Wave Has Crested

18193 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Cancel Culture
  1. The era of cancel culture may be declining.
  2. There is a growing understanding of human flaws and limitations.
  3. Endless outrage and offense are exhausting and cannot be sustained indefinitely.

Goodbye to "Goodbye to All That"

14201 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🎭️ Culture City life Urban living Personal narrative
  1. The decision to leave New York was primarily a financial one, due to housing costs and lack of space.
  2. Living in New York has positives and negatives, with challenges like limited space and high prices.
  3. Leaving New York doesn't mean losing all city experiences, especially with day trips possible from a nearby location.

Affirmative Action Thoughts in an Inelegant List Format

12964 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Higher education Social justice
  1. Race-conscious admissions in universities are okay under reparations for slavery, not just for diversity.
  2. The existing system discriminates against Asian applicants and elite colleges are a small part of higher education.
  3. Affirmative action deepens inequality within the Black community and the purpose of education has contradictory goals.

Q & Answers

5352 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Ethics Identity Politics Art Mental health
  1. Engaging with opposing viewpoints can help refine ideas and perspectives.
  2. Art must uphold quality standards to effectively convey political messages.
  3. Personal apologies for past mistakes should not be incessantly repeated; it's essential to learn, make amends, and move forward.

It's All in Your Hands

14232 implied HN points • 17 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The world can be harsh for gentle people
  2. Feeling harm and vulnerability can lead to violence
  3. Struggling with self-preservation and fragility can be a tough balancing act

Gamifying the Self for Status and Profit

5847 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Media Journalism
  1. Web 2.0 principles underlying online platforms can be toxic and damaging to journalism and media.
  2. The pressure for individuals in the reporting and opinionating business to be on Twitter created a culture where tweeting was perceived as necessary for existence in the industry.
  3. Twitter and similar constant mass-broadcasting services can lead to peer pressure, conformity, and hinder independence of thought in journalism and commentary.

Think Less, Agnes

11726 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Travel Philosophy Academia Personal Story Critique
  1. The article discusses the tendency to overthink and intellectualize everyday experiences.
  2. It critiques the author's perception of love and relationships based on overly philosophical ideals.
  3. The text challenges the notion of profoundness in experiences and questions the need for such intellectualization.

Vague Recriminations Can't Fix American Mental Healthcare

11540 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Healthcare system Treatment Advocacy Medications
  1. The American mental healthcare system needs more than vague criticisms to be fixed.
  2. Expanding access to mental healthcare requires understanding and addressing the existing stigma and challenges within the system.
  3. Advocacy for mental healthcare should focus on realistic goals and solutions, rather than relying on vague critiques and unfounded assumptions.