Salieri Redemption

Salieri Redemption explores cultural and literary topics with a critical approach to millennial experiences, writing and creative industries, societal values, and racial and gender dynamics. It examines the influences of technology, societal shifts, and personal growth while challenging popular culture, identity politics, and the traditional narratives surrounding art and literature.

Cultural and Literary Criticism Millennial Challenges Creative Industries Societal Values and Shifts Racial and Gender Dynamics Technology's Impact Identity Politics Art and Literature Narratives

The hottest Substack posts of Salieri Redemption

And their main takeaways

Hard and Boring

943 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. Jazz allows for creativity and self-expression without strict rules.
  2. Practice and consistency lead to progress, even if slow.
  3. Some industries devalue hard work and knowledge in favor of quick success.

“For The Boys”

805 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. Contemporary guys' culture should focus on genuine expressions and not stereotypes
  2. There should be room for playful banter between genders without misogyny
  3. Encouraging genuine expressions of contemporary male experiences is important

Asian American Psycho

707 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. Americans love Asian psychos in cultural works from Asia, but Asian American art lacks that darker complexity.
  2. Contemporary Asian American literature tends to be timid, avoiding uncomfortable truths and exploring only safe racial themes.
  3. Asian American cultural works often focus on assimilation anxieties and lack exploration of darker, more provocative themes found in Asian works.

Millennials Will Age Terribly

923 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
  1. Millennials are predicted to age poorly due to economic challenges and societal shifts.
  2. The difference in mindset and experiences between Millennials and Zoomers is influenced by technological advancements and generational shifts.
  3. Online culture values youth and creates a dynamic where younger individuals are idealized while aging is feared.

Internet Writing is Litnerd Crypto

569 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
  1. Internet writing can provide social currency and opportunity.
  2. Transitioning between different writing styles can be rejuvenating.
  3. Validation and recognition are important to writers, sometimes more so than money.
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Attention, Rage, and the Artist as the Supreme Being

786 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
  1. Young Americans aspire to be influencers for a reason, reflecting societal values and desires.
  2. In a world where attention and rage drive relevance, artists are seen as supreme and irreplaceable beings.
  3. The imbalance in celebrating male artists fuels fury, leading to cancel culture focused on creative industries.

Fake Pitchfork Nostalgia

373 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. Reflecting on the changing cultural significance and demise of platforms like Pitchfork
  2. Exploring personal feelings and observations about getting older and societal views on aging
  3. Contemplating writing achievements, personal growth, and the passage of time

Literary Cooties

746 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
  1. Literature has a lack of cool boys compared to cool girls
  2. Male writers are seen as uncool and the decline is characterized by a lack of interest from young men
  3. Honesty in writing, especially about male concerns, is essential for good literature

The Luxury of Having Time to Read

550 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. Finding time to read can be challenging with busy schedules.
  2. Reading is often prioritized lower than other activities in daily life.
  3. Reading can sometimes feel isolating and demanding, but it offers a unique experience in exchange.

Over-Explaining in Art

511 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
  1. Avoid over-explaining in your creative works to let the audience interpret
  2. Maintain the mystery and intrigue by not providing unnecessary details
  3. As a writer, trust your audience and refrain from being a 'teacher-god'

Goodbye to Identity Politics

530 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. Enthusiasm for identity politics has diminished by 2023 due to scandals and a focus on niche interests.
  2. Identity politics can prioritize the feelings of select groups and become exclusionary.
  3. Continuing to focus solely on identity-related topics may hinder personal growth and exploration of new writing topics.

Social Media Climbing

393 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
  1. Girls and women may feel constant pressure and rejection on social media.
  2. The pursuit of beauty and power on social media can lead to complex and contradictory behaviors.
  3. Self-awareness and acknowledgment of hypocrisy play a significant role in personal growth and understanding.

Yellowface-saving

491 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
  1. Critiques should not be too enthusiastically received by the target, as it may indicate the critique was not impactful.
  2. Novels like 'Yellowface' and 'The Other Black Girl' are seen more as intra-elite gossip rather than revolutionary satires.
  3. In the mainstream publishing world, genuine threats are more readily rejected, while established voices are more easily accepted.

Fan Fiction World

452 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
  1. Fans wanting to take ownership of their favorite works from creators is a common phenomenon.
  2. People often struggle with separating their admiration for a creation from their opinions about the creator.
  3. The complexities of fandom, idolization, and creator appreciation can lead to intense emotional connections and conflicts.

Don't Trust An Asian American Who Went To Harvard Who Defends Harvard

452 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
  1. Question the motivations of Asian Americans defending Harvard in relation to diversity and affirmative action
  2. There is a focus on race in elite college admissions, potentially neglecting other types of diversity
  3. Elite colleges may prioritize social ambitions over true racial justice and diversity goals

Affirmation Art and Box Office Politics

412 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
  1. Affirmation art focuses on boosting self-esteem through art and media.
  2. Box office performance is sometimes used as a measure of societal moral validation.
  3. There is a concern about media representation becoming a fixation and reliance for self-worth.

You Can't Go Home Button Again

275 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
  1. The author reflects on the phones they've used throughout their life, from their first LG to their latest iPhone, and how each phone represents different stages and experiences in their life.
  2. The author discusses their choice to switch from an iPhone 7 to an iPhone 12 despite past anti-Apple sentiments, showing a shift in perspective towards technology and personal preferences.
  3. The author's journey with different phones also captures memories and significant moments in their life, from college experiences to work-related changes, reflecting how technology intertwines with personal narratives.

The Baby Burden

393 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
  1. Children are often viewed more as burdens than blessings in contemporary culture.
  2. Societal tension exists between valuing children as the future and not placing social value on parenthood.
  3. There is a growing conflict between traditional views on commitment, marriage, and parenthood in modern progressive cultures.

Cat Person, 2017 Brain, and Women's Happiness

353 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
  1. The idea of a movie adaptation of 'Cat Person' raises questions about sexual dynamics in society.
  2. There is a discussion about women's dissatisfaction with dating apps and the impact of social and technological progress on dating happiness.
  3. The concept of happiness as a foundation for ideology and societal progress is scrutinized in the context of women's romantic preferences.

Arc de Failure

334 implied HN points • 19 May 23
  1. Many stories about failed artists hold enduring appeal due to their relentless pursuit of dreams.
  2. Success is not always as fulfilling as the journey to achieve it.
  3. The concept of being able to do what you love as a career may not be as realistic as once believed.

The Tossed Salad Principle in the Culture Wars

314 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
  1. In culture wars, sometimes the goal is to humiliate enemies more than to promote cherished ideas.
  2. Gender representation in movies can spark controversy, even when portraying action-oriented heroines.
  3. Successful media with progressive elements often incorporate messaging subtly, focusing on quality rather than overt lecturing.

They Were All Writing Like AI Anyway

294 implied HN points • 25 May 23
  1. Some professional online writing resembled AI-generated content
  2. AI may replace writers, even creative ones, leading to uncertainty about the future of work
  3. AI could potentially devalue good writing by normalizing lower-quality content

It's Just Emotional Truth That's Taken Me Over

294 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
  1. People are upset at Hasan Minhaj for potentially fabricating stories in his comedy career.
  2. There are diverging interests between those upset at Minhaj for his type of comedy and those upset he's not downtrodden enough.
  3. Society values victimhood more in women, presenting challenges for male comedians like Minhaj.

"I'm Not An Activist": Reflections on a Milestone Night

255 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
  1. The film 'I'm Not An Activist' focuses on Asian Americans forming a self-defense initiative against violence.
  2. The documentary reflects on the challenges faced by Asian American communities amidst rising attacks.
  3. The premiere event of the film showcased a diverse audience coming together to support the filmmakers and the cause.

Overcoming the Fear of Writing

235 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
  1. The fear of writing can be overcome by embracing solitude and acknowledging the beauty in the process.
  2. Finding a compromise in writing, like playwriting, that involves others can help build a supportive community.
  3. Creating a structured writing routine, finding inspiration in different works, and persevering through doubt can lead to finishing a writing project despite fear and uncertainty.

Who's the Next Lena Dunham?

216 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
  1. Williamsburg's evolution from hipster heaven to a different cultural hub
  2. Reflections on Lena Dunham's controversies and character portrayals in 'Girls'
  3. Exploring the possibility of a new generation capturing youth culture like Lena Dunham did

De-Online Detox (Dying on the Jonah Hill)

216 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
  1. Using film cameras creates more meaningful and nostalgic photos.
  2. Online social interactions can lead to heightened anger and less respect compared to face-to-face interactions.
  3. Disconnecting from online dating apps can lead to a more relaxed and natural approach when meeting new people.

Save a Loner, Unleash a Cad

176 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
  1. The portrayal of modern dating in contemporary novels can offer valuable insights into relationships and societal norms.
  2. There is a disparity between men and women's social peaks and the timing of commitment in relationships, leading to potential resentment and power imbalances.
  3. The traditional concept of young marriage as a mutual exchange may no longer align with societal shifts, posing challenges for gender dynamics and long-term happiness.

The Glorious Narcissism of Reading Your Own Journals

58 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
  1. Journaling provides an honest account of thoughts and experiences over time.
  2. Reading old journals can bring back vivid memories and reveal unexpected significance.
  3. Personal writing reflects imperfections and human experiences, creating a valuable record of the past.

The Dorky Social Climbers of the College Novel

1 HN point • 09 May 23
  1. Americans are obsessed with elite colleges but there are few cultural works about college experiences compared to high school narratives.
  2. Elite American colleges emphasize personal growth and self-discovery, contrasting with job-training views of universities in other countries.
  3. Portrayals of college narratives often focus on academically bright, socially ambitious protagonists seeking upward social mobility in elite universities.

Coming soon

0 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
  1. Website salieriredemption.substack.com is launching soon.
  2. The post by Chris Jesu Lee is promoting the upcoming launch.
  3. Subscribe to the Salieri Redemption newsletter for updates.