Reactionary Feminist

Reactionary Feminist explores the intersection of feminism, technology, culture, and health from a critical perspective, questioning progress narratives. It discusses societal shifts in perceptions of gender, sexuality, and relationships, highlighting concerns over the erosion of traditional roles, impact of digital culture, and the exploitation of human nature by capitalism.

Feminism and Culture Technology and Society Relationships and Societal Norms Health and Biotechnology Gender and Sexuality Capitalism and Consumerism Art and Literature

The hottest Substack posts of Reactionary Feminist

And their main takeaways

Britain Neither Wants Nor Needs US Abortion Politics

13 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Ideology Legislation Cultural norms
  1. Britain has a practical approach to abortion laws, allowing some procedures under specific conditions. Unlike the U.S., this issue is more settled and less contentious in British society.
  2. Changing the law to decriminalize late-term abortion could normalize the act, which many see as akin to infanticide. Legal changes can directly shape social norms over time.
  3. It's important to protect societal values surrounding care for babies and recognize that not all behaviors should be decriminalized. Compassion shouldn't lead to laws that can encourage harmful outcomes.

Guest Post: Love in the Age of TikTok

13 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Relationships Technology Psychology Society
  1. Young conservatives are still affected by modern dating culture even when they criticize it. This shows that the influence of technology and social media reaches everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
  2. The way love is viewed today is often like a marketplace, where people assess each other like commodities. This shift can make real connections harder to form and diminish the value of love.
  3. Social media, especially short-form videos, changes how we interact and think. Constant scrolling can make it tough to focus or commit, which can harm deep, lasting relationships.

The Nature of Chickens

8 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature Art Education History
  1. Deep work is important for creativity and reflection, but we need to be aware of what we focus on and why it matters.
  2. The balance between hard work and the simpler understanding of knowledge is crucial; we shouldn't just value effort but also acknowledge the insights that come easily.
  3. Animals show us how to work in harmony with our nature, reminding us that we should find joy and ease in being ourselves while still being productive.

The AI Pork Prism

15 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Literature History Society
  1. There is a real difference between things that have an inherent form and those that are artificially made. This difference can impact how we perceive the value of things.
  2. The term 'slop' describes things that seem formless or lacking structure, which can apply to everything from food to internet content. This reflects a deeper concern about what is natural versus what is unnatural.
  3. The ongoing debate about nature and culture often misses the point of whether things really have an intrinsic nature at all. This discussion has significant implications for how we view technology and our world.

Lily Phillips and the Spreadsheet Egregore

59 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Media Feminism Digital Culture
  1. Lily Phillips participated in a shocking stunt where she had sex with 100 men in 24 hours, which left her feeling robotic and dissociated. It shows how extreme pressure from fans can lead to tough emotional experiences.
  2. The idea of 'audience capture' explains how creators like Phillips might feel compelled to meet audience expectations, even if it harms them. This pressure can feel like a form of possession by the desires of her followers.
  3. The concept of 'egregores' suggests that collective desires or expectations can have a powerful impact on individuals. This means that Phillips' choices may not be fully hers, as they are influenced by both online culture and group dynamics.
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New Year's Resolution: Bring Back The Aunties

47 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Gender Studies Relationship Dynamics Community Building
  1. Older married women can play a key role in helping younger friends form relationships. They have the experience and interest to gently guide and support their social circles.
  2. The current dating scene feels challenging for many, with issues like online dating creating confusion and loneliness. This highlights the need for support in finding lasting relationships.
  3. Taking on the 'auntie' role by connecting younger singles can be beneficial for everyone involved. It’s a way to strengthen community ties and help combat loneliness among the next generation.

4B Is Magnificently Reactionary

63 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political Movements Social Commentary
  1. The 4B movement encourages women to stop dating, having sex, and having babies as a form of protest. It's a way for some women to regain control over their lives and choices.
  2. This movement challenges the idea that desire should be completely free and unrestrained. By practicing self-discipline, women might find new opportunities for meaningful relationships.
  3. Participating in the 4B pledge may spark romantic feelings as women step back from casual hookups. It's possible that instead of staying single, they could find genuine love.

Advice for Young Writers

22 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Criticism Journalism Education
  1. Writing for politics can be a specific career path if you're social and good at following trends. If you like engaging with popular ideas and have a good writing style, consider internships and networking.
  2. If you're more of a lone thinker and have unique interests, traditional paths might not suit you. Instead of chasing a flashy job, think about how to create your own space to learn and share ideas.
  3. It's important to recognize that gaining experience and refining your writing skills takes time. Focus on learning and growing rather than expecting immediate attention for your opinions.

The Re-Enchantment of Men

13 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Politics Gender
  1. Men are showing a shift towards more right-wing ideas and groups lately. This change is part of a bigger conversation about masculinity in today's world.
  2. The rise of figures like Bronze Age Pervert has sparked discussions about the 'moral rebellion' of men. It's all about how men are rethinking their roles and identities.
  3. There's a return of a more poetic and heroic sensibility in culture today. This shift is partly due to the impact of the digital age and how we connect with ideas and movements online.

Manic Pixie Dream Girl Nightmare

17 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Social Issues
  1. The story highlights the complicated relationships and power dynamics in the lives of Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer. It shows how people's charisma can sometimes mask deeper issues of control and vulnerability.
  2. The concept of the 'High Priestess' is explored through Amanda Palmer, suggesting that her idealistic approach to relationships may overlook real power imbalances.
  3. Neil Gaiman's background in a high-ranking Scientology family may have shaped his understanding of moral and spiritual authority, potentially leading to manipulative behavior in his relationships.

Imago DEI

17 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Innovation Ethics Philosophy Cultural impact Human nature
  1. Conservatives often accept new technology but must recognize its potential to undermine traditional values. It's tricky because embracing innovation can clash with the idea of conserving what is meaningful.
  2. There's a concern that technology is erasing the essence of what it means to be human. Some people think we need to improve humanity through tech, but this risks losing our fundamental nature.
  3. Instead of fearing technology, the focus should be on using it in ways that support our human nature. A balanced approach can lead to progress without sacrificing who we are.

What Self-Optimisers Get Wrong About Habit

10 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Lifestyle Routine Work-life balance
  1. Routine is important and good for creating a sense of structure in life. It helps people think clearly and gives them energy to enjoy life more.
  2. Opposing routine because it feels overly structured can lead to burnout. Instead of rejecting routine entirely, it’s better to find balance.
  3. Self-optimization can be restrictive and stressful. Routine should serve personal growth and mental freedom, not just efficiency.

"Woke" Is Not The New Reformation

24 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Philosophy Religion Literature Politics
  1. Wokeness shouldn't be seen as a new movement but rather as an outdated belief system. It's stuck in the past and isn't really helping people today.
  2. A genuine new Reformation is on the way that will challenge wokeness and bring back useful truths, both scientific and spiritual. This shift aims to improve society instead of causing division.
  3. Several recent books highlight these ideas and show that many smart thinkers agree that a significant change in thought is coming soon.

Return of the Old Gods

12 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Poetry Fantasy Mythology Spirituality
  1. People often seek deeper meaning and joy in a world that feels disenchanted. They're looking for something to believe in amidst the chaos.
  2. The rise in fantasy writing reflects our desire to reconnect with a sense of enchantment that we feel has been lost. It's like finding old gods in new stories.
  3. Many individuals express a longing for love and loyalty as they navigate their emotional journeys, similar to themes found in classic poetry.

Guest post: Do Androids Dream Of Electric Grief?

9 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Mental health Digital ethics Cultural impact
  1. AI grief support tools are becoming popular. They can create avatars of deceased loved ones to help people cope with loss, but there's a debate about if they really help or just keep people in denial.
  2. Modern society tends to rush people through their grief. This pressure can make it harder for individuals to process their feelings and leads to unhealthy mourning experiences.
  3. Without traditional mourning rituals, people may struggle to find meaningful ways to grieve. Rituals can help offer structure and support during an emotionally challenging time.

The New Fusionism

20 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Dynamics Election Analysis Conservatism Big Tech
  1. There's a big shift happening in American politics, especially after the recent elections. People are curious about what a Trump victory means for the future.
  2. The coming political landscape will mix traditional social conservatism with the influence of big tech, like what Elon Musk represents. This could change how conservatives think about family and human values.
  3. Some people are worried about new tech affecting society, but there's a sense of hope that not everything will lead to extreme changes, like Trump promising to ban certain medical transitions for youth.

New essay: Mystifying the Appearances

8 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature History Art Politics
  1. The essay discusses how different thinkers, like Owen Barfield and Jacques Derrida, interpret our connection to what we perceive. Barfield sees it as magical, while Derrida views it as dangerous.
  2. Derrida's perspective has become more dominant, leading to a culture filled with confusion and skepticism. This has created a sense of emptiness in society.
  3. However, there seems to be a shift happening now, with people questioning this dominant way of thinking and exploring new ideas in politics and culture.

New essay: Soul Trader

5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Identity Technology Metaphysics Consciousness Digital Age
  1. The concept of identity today relates to our understanding of the self and the soul, linking back to historical changes in awareness and technology. Understanding this connection helps us see how we evolved with our tools, starting with literacy.
  2. Modern technology, especially after the sexual revolution and through social media, has begun to commodify our emotional and social aspects, which can have both good and bad effects. This commodification can lead to profits but also risks or negative impacts for society.
  3. The writer suggests we can embrace technology without losing our sense of what it means to have a soul, as long as we acknowledge the difference between our deeper human qualities and digital tools. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of modern advancements while fostering genuine well-being.

Scrolling Toward The Divine

10 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Internet Cognition Experience Philosophy
  1. The internet can help people feel a deeper connection to spirituality and religion. Scrolling through online content might actually draw individuals closer to God.
  2. Reading online changes how we think. It helps us recognize patterns in the world that we might have missed with traditional reading methods.
  3. This shift in how we perceive things can lead to various experiences, including a renewed interest in religious matters.

Yes, the "Woke Right" is real

9 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Culture Wars Conservatism Social movements
  1. The idea of a 'Woke Right' exists and may provide a better perspective than the traditional Right or Left views. It challenges the notion that all 'wokeness' is negative.
  2. Some people argue that the 'Woke Right' aligns with cultural critiques similar to those seen on the Left, but it can also strive to connect with more positive values like goodness and beauty.
  3. The discussion around the 'Woke Right' is often defensive, suggesting a pushback against new ways of thinking in politics and culture, rather than just about denying or ignoring these changes.

Fukuyofuturism

7 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology International relations Cultural Trends History Economic Policy
  1. The future we expected, like the rise of technology and economic growth, hasn't turned out as we imagined. Places like Skelmersdale show how plans for a better world can fail.
  2. Events like Trump's 2024 election have made people rethink ideas about democracy and global progress. It seems history isn't finished yet, and changes could happen fast.
  3. The views of thinkers like Fukuyama and Faye highlight differences in how Europe might shape its future. These differences are important to consider, especially as Europe's political landscape changes.

Strip-Mining Children

34 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Children's Health Ethics Parenting Gender identity Medical Ethics
  1. Some argue for allowing everyone, including children, unrestricted freedom to modify their sexed appearance, claiming it as a fundamental right.
  2. The concept of normophobia pushes for a war on normalized societal patterns, particularly targeting children for exploitation in the name of individual freedom.
  3. Challenges arise when trying to balance individual freedom with the need for limits and guidance, especially in the context of children's development and well-being.

Ireland says NO to abolishing mothers

33 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Feminism Ireland Motherhood Equality Activism
  1. The Irish people rejected a proposal to remove explicit mention of mothers in the constitution during a recent vote.
  2. There is a growing resistance against the push for absolute gender sameness and the erasure of women's sexed nature.
  3. The women's movement is evolving to address new blind spots and emphasize the distinctiveness of mothers and the importance of women's lived realities.

Thank You For 20,000 Subscribers

6 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Community Content Subscribers Engagement
  1. There are 20,000 subscribers to the newsletter, which is a large and exciting number. This shows the writer has a strong and growing community.
  2. To celebrate this milestone, there is a special offer of 20% off for new subscribers until the end of 2024. It's a great chance for people to join and get more content.
  3. Subscribers will get access to new posts, archives, and a chat community. It's a way to connect and engage more with the writer.

ARC and afterwards: D'ARC

3 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Events Social Community Arts Entertainment
  1. There's a party happening after the ARC conference in London, organized by Sovereign House. It's a fun way to meet people and enjoy music.
  2. The party will have multiple DJ rooms and a nice terrace for cigars. It's set for February 19th from 9pm to 3am.
  3. If you're interested in attending, you can request an invitation online. It's a great chance to socialize and maybe even see the speaker in attendance.

Fetal Schmittianism

26 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Abortion Legislation Autonomy Compassion
  1. The debate around when unborn babies should be considered people is complex and impacts legal, ethical, and emotional aspects.
  2. Laws on abortion are tied to the concept of personhood and individual rights, presenting challenges in balancing the rights of the mother and the unborn child.
  3. Changing legislation regarding late-stage abortions may affect the broader understanding of personhood and who holds the authority to determine it, potentially leading to unintended consequences.

Guest Post: When Reactionary Feminism Ain't It

17 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Society Family Politics
  1. Feminist policies are not universally applicable and need to consider local, cultural, and material contexts.
  2. Luxury beliefs in feminism can vary greatly across different societal contexts and personal experiences.
  3. Some women may benefit from traditional feminist values like independence and career focus, while others may prioritize family and marriage due to different societal pressures.

Guest Post: Nourishing Your Intellectual Life As a Mother

14 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
  1. Stack reading materials by your nursing spot to utilize time while nursing your baby for reading.
  2. Stay connected with a like-minded buddy to engage in intellectual conversations and grow together.
  3. Involve your kids in your interests like learning about music, as it can be a bonding and enriching experience for the whole family.

The Missing Aunties

27 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Relationships Marriage Gender Family Community
  1. In the past, 'aunties' played a role in matchmaking and family formation, which seems more successful than modern dating methods.
  2. The decline of the 'auntie' role in society may have led to challenges in relationship formation and marriage survival stories.
  3. Efforts are being made to recreate an 'aunty-like' network for matchmaking and support in relationships, recognizing the need for social coordination.

The Hyperpalatable Human

27 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Implications
  1. There is a cultural shift in society's view of human nature and health, shaped by biotech and digital advances.
  2. The aim of medicine is now more about self-expression than restoration, leading to extreme self-modifications.
  3. Surgical enhancements, like hyperpalatable foods, can distort natural signals at the expense of their original purpose and health.

Devour Me, Mummy

25 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Youth Surveillance Digital Culture Online behavior
  1. Thirty percent of zoomers support surveillance cameras in homes, linking to a decline in democratic norms and a rise in authoritarian control.
  2. The shift towards supporting surveillance may be influenced by factors like early childcare experiences and internet citizenship norms.
  3. Younger generations, accustomed to digital surveillance and online authority, are transitioning towards post-liberal subjects.

Unpaywalled: Globo Homo Economicus

3 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Ideology Transhumanism Demographics Biotech Philosophy
  1. Replacism is an ideology that looks beyond just changes in demographics. It also connects to broader ideas like transhumanism and biotechnology.
  2. Renaud Camus has a significant viewpoint on the concept of replacism, suggesting it impacts our understanding of identity and existence.
  3. The discussion around replacism invites people to think about how technology and society might change our bodies and identities in the future.

Best writers and thinkers on the Machine?

11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🚌 Education Philosophy History Literature Technology
  1. Ruth Gaskovski at School of the Unconformed compiled a reading list on the Machine and asked for suggestions.
  2. There is a summer seminar in Cambridge, MA on the philosophy of technology called 'The Machine Has No Tradition'.
  3. Selected readings from the seminar's syllabus include works by Karl Marx, Carl Schmitt, Ivan Illich, and others.