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

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

Gaza and Hiroshima

1022 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations
  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.

A Democratic Crisis in Israel

943 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics
  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.
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An Israel-Palestine Reading List

786 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Conflicts History Politics Middle East Books Israel-Palestine conflict History Colonialism Politics Middle East
  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.

Between Race Abolition and Racial Essentialism

786 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Society Race Politics History
  1. Race is a social construct that some are trying to do away with, aiming towards a future of racelessness.
  2. We live in a society where race is a reality and needs to be addressed, finding a middle ground to identify with racial or ethnic communities without confining oneself to them.
  3. Creating opportunities for interaction across different racial groups is key to breaking down prejudices and building understanding.

The Historical Precedent for Trump's Disqualification

707 implied HN points • 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.

What Is "Black Conservatism"?

648 implied HN points • 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'.

Iran's Crisis of Legitimacy

609 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
  1. Iran is facing a crisis of legitimacy due to internal strife, a bad economy, and repressive government.
  2. Iran should not have nuclear weapons, and diplomacy is key to preventing proliferation.
  3. Foreign policy is driven by self-interest, and nations like Iran work against American interests to pursue their own.

Are Jewish Students in Danger?

609 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. Jewish students on college campuses may feel unsafe due to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
  2. It's essential to consider historical context and empirical evidence when discussing complex political situations.
  3. Institutions need to address issues like antisemitism alongside diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Debating the Deindustrialization Narrative

589 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
  1. Some believe black poverty is caused by factories leaving cities, leading to a cycle of poverty. Others, like John McWhorter, are skeptical of this deindustrialization narrative.
  2. The debate over the impact of deindustrialization on African Americans has been ongoing for decades and is still being reopened today.
  3. There are differing perspectives on how the decline of industrial jobs has affected the economic situation of African American communities.

How Iran Became a Theocracy

471 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. Iran is currently ruled by a hardline theocratic regime led by Ayatollah Khomeini.
  2. Reza Aslan explains how Ayatollah Khomeini's radical version of Shi'a Islam became dominant in Iran.
  3. To access the full episode and exclusive content, subscription to Glenn Loury's channel is required.

Neutrality and Self-Censorship on Campus

432 implied HN points • 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.

A Writer Goes to War

412 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
  1. The conflict in Ukraine has caused division in the US
  2. Writer Haim Shweky believes Putin must be stopped
  3. A writer can be both a poet and a warrior