Glenn Loury $7 / month

Glenn Loury's Substack explores themes around race, inequality, freedom of expression, and the complexities of identity politics in the United States and globally. Loury, an economist, engages with controversial topics while challenging prevailing narratives on systemic racism, affirmative action, censorship, and the role of traditional values in addressing social issues.

Race and Inequality Freedom of Expression Identity Politics Systemic Racism Affirmative Action Censorship and Media Education and Academic Freedom Political Narratives Social Justice and Activism Family and Community Dynamics

The hottest Substack posts of Glenn Loury

And their main takeaways
3596 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
  1. Defenders claim that ousting Claudine Gay was more about race and ideology than academic integrity, but it still doesn't excuse plagiarism.
  2. Being a university president may require more than being a noteworthy scholar; skills like administration and fundraising could take precedence.
  3. The debate on affirmative action and academic standards for black students is complex, with implications for diversity, standards, and systemic corruption.
1257 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
  1. John and Glenn discuss the use of racial slurs for illustration or analysis, rather than to demean.
  2. The taboo against racial slurs is expanding to even include terms that were once considered dignified, like "Negro."
  3. They talk about the power dynamics involved in the growing list of forbidden terms.
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5640 implied HN points β€’ 05 Dec 23
  1. The concept of "poetic truth" is discussed, referring to the creation of a partisan version of reality for power and leverage.
  2. The narrative around George Floyd's death is challenged, highlighting potential inaccuracies and the danger of perpetuating false truths.
  3. The importance of seeking and acknowledging the truth in controversial and emotionally charged situations is emphasized, even when it challenges established beliefs.
1867 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
  1. The charges of plagiarism against Claudine Gay were serious enough to merit her removal, despite other motivations behind the campaign against her.
  2. The appointment of high-ranking officials, especially in historical positions like Harvard President, should prioritize qualifications over symbolic representation.
  3. Habitual plagiarism can undermine a leader's credibility and position, regardless of race, and institutions should uphold standards of integrity and merit.
786 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
  1. The reading list on Israel-Palestine conflict includes diverse perspectives and historical accounts from authors like Norman Finkelstein, Rashid Khalidi, and Benny Morris.
  2. The list delves into topics such as the historical roots of conflict, political dimensions, peace efforts, and the impact on Palestinian society.
  3. Authors like Avi Shlaim and Michael Oren provide insights into strategies, regional context, and key personalities during significant events like the Six-Day War.
1434 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 24
  1. The author wrote a memoir to understand and explain his unique life experiences.
  2. Writing the book helped the author reflect for readers' benefit as well as his own.
  3. By reading the memoir, readers can form their own judgment about the author's story.
1827 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jan 24
  1. The Center for Antiracist Research raised $43 million with little to show for it in terms of research on racism.
  2. One approach suggested to fight racism with $43 million was to start a center for the rigorous study of race in America with elite scholars and promising grad students.
  3. Another proposed idea was to use the money to fund a movie dramatizing the shift in black political thought in 1966, which would showcase how certain ideas contributed to present-day racial divisions.
1238 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
  1. Livestream event discussing the significance of Justice Clarence Thomas and his impact on American law and society.
  2. Justice Clarence Thomas is celebrated for his efforts to uphold individual liberties and limit federal government powers.
  3. Criticism against Justice Thomas often focuses on personal attacks rather than his judicial ideas, especially from black critics who question his loyalty to the African American community.
2063 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 23
  1. The Derek Chauvin trial had potentially exculpatory evidence excluded and facts misrepresented.
  2. There were concerns raised about the pathologist's autopsy report not aligning with the popular narrative surrounding George Floyd's death.
  3. Speculation was raised about the use of certain statements, like 'I can't breathe', becoming tropes in police encounters.
648 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. The term 'Black Conservatism' is discussed in relation to calling out progressive race-mongering.
  2. The conversation addresses whether calling out progressive race-mongering automatically makes one a conservative.
  3. The discussion involves an exploration of the implications of self-identifying as a 'Black Conservative'.
1650 implied HN points β€’ 17 Dec 23
  1. Black-Jewish alliance started strong but faced challenges over time, especially with disagreements over issues like affirmative action and Israel-Palestine.
  2. Historical tensions between Blacks and Jews stemmed from economic factors and differences in experiences of discrimination.
  3. Racially preferential policies, like affirmative action, deepened enmity between Black and Jewish communities by bringing to light symbolic and ideological differences.
707 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
  1. Historically, some individuals were disqualified from public office in the aftermath of the Civil War under the 14th Amendment for rebelling against the US government.
  2. Disqualifying Trump from the presidency could pose a threat to democracy, as millions of voters support him and could potentially re-elect him.
  3. The decision to disqualify a popular candidate like Trump ultimately lies with the Supreme Court, highlighting a challenging crossroad between legal concerns and voter preferences.
943 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 24
  1. The October 7 attacks intensified political tensions in Israel.
  2. Omer Bartov believes Gaza War and extreme elements in Netanyahu's coalition could lead to democratic crisis.
  3. The situation in the Knesset may bring Israel to the brink of a democratic crisis.
432 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
  1. Institutional principles like neutrality and free expression may not fully eliminate self-censorship.
  2. Self-censorship is influenced by social dynamics and ad hominem inferences.
  3. Public discourse is at stake when fear of judgment leads to self-censorship.
3557 implied HN points β€’ 15 Oct 23
  1. The article discusses Ibram Kendi's rejection of the western intellectual tradition and his call for a new academic discipline.
  2. Kendi criticizes standardized tests in education as a racist policy that degrades black minds and bodies.
  3. Kendi proposes a radical solution to racism in the United States, advocating for a totalitarian government run by 'formally trained experts in racism.'
1690 implied HN points β€’ 05 Nov 23
  1. Moynihan's essay 'Defining Deviancy Down' explores the impact of shifting norms and incentives on society.
  2. Critics of Moynihan's work questioned his motives rather than engaging with the validity of his analysis.
  3. The redefinition of deviancy has implications for mental health, substance abuse, and social control in society, leading to complex outcomes.
1022 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 23
  1. In war, understanding the strategy does not excuse us from grappling with the moral consequences.
  2. The necessities of war can lead to doing monstrous deeds that require a moral accounting.
  3. It's crucial to acknowledge the moral dilemmas and complexities of conflicts, even when actions deemed necessary have devastating consequences.
3518 implied HN points β€’ 06 Aug 23
  1. The Florida Board of Education's guidelines for teaching African American history include lessons on the Underground Railroad, slave rebellions, and the harsh realities of chattel slavery.
  2. The controversy on the Florida curriculum involves a debate between emphasizing victimization or acknowledging the agency of enslaved individuals.
  3. Some researchers argue that recognizing the agency of enslaved blacks does not downplay the inhumane aspects of slavery and can provide a more nuanced understanding of their experiences.
4068 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jun 23
  1. A controversy at Brown University surrounding systemic racism sparked a debate on freedom of expression.
  2. Glenn Loury, a black conservative economist, argues against claims of systemic racism at Brown and presents his scholarly contributions.
  3. Loury emphasizes the need to address racial inequality without undermining academic freedom.