The hottest Activism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Very Weird Ideas About What It Means to Respect Someone's Political Project

Freddie deBoer • 5754 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Identity politics Political theory Activism Cultural Commentary
  1. The term 'woke' often means caring about other people, but some feel this definition flattens complex ideas about social justice. It can sound condescending when simplified.
  2. Many people work hard to understand and advocate for social justice, and their efforts deserve more respect than just being labeled as 'nice.'
  3. Using praise that oversimplifies someone's political values can be frustrating for those deeply invested in their beliefs, making it feel dismissive rather than supportive.

No Kings

Thinking about... • 754 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Civil Rights History Government
  1. We want freedom from kings and powerful leaders because they often put their needs above ours. Freedom means a government that truly works for the people.
  2. History shows that the fight for freedom is a long journey, filled with struggles against oppression. It teaches us that we need allies and to listen to each other.
  3. Protests are just the start of the work for freedom. They remind us that we can stand up and take action together for change.

Death Row Inmate Saved by Supreme Court

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 60 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Supreme Court Death Penalty Activism Legal Reform
  1. Richard Glossip, a death row inmate, has been saved from execution by a recent Supreme Court ruling. This has brought hope to his family and supporters.
  2. Lea Glossip, Richard's wife, waited nine years for this moment and had a unique relationship with him before they married.
  3. The case highlights ongoing debates about the death penalty and raises questions about justice and wrongful convictions in the legal system.

When There's No Money In The Pursuit Of The Good And No Goodness In The Pursuit Of Money

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Activism Capitalism
  1. Pursuing good often leads to less money and material comfort, as many helpful professions pay poorly, like teaching and environmental work.
  2. On the flip side, many wealthy people achieve their success through exploitation and harmful practices, which can hurt society and the environment.
  3. This situation shows how our systems reward those who prioritize profit over ethics, meaning the truly good people often go unrecognized while the selfish gain power.

The Right to Vote

Campaign Trails • 4426 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Rights Civil Rights Political History Activism Election Integrity
  1. Voting is really important, and it has a long history of struggle. Many people fought hard to secure the right to vote for everyone.
  2. Some activists even lost their lives while fighting for voting rights. This shows just how much they believed voting mattered.
  3. If voting wasn't important, people wouldn't have had to sacrifice so much to protect it. Everyone should remember the value of their vote.
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New York’s Vigil for That Terrorist—What’s His Name?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 969 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Activism Public Opinion Terrorism Media Coverage
  1. A vigil was held in New York for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed recently. Many attendees did not know much about him.
  2. The event included flowers, flags, and candles, with a suggestion for people to wear masks. It highlighted a lack of understanding about who Nasrallah was.
  3. This gathering was organized by college groups supporting Palestine, showcasing their connection to current events in the region.

Bari Weiss: Against the Vandals

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5318 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Conservatism Activism Political Events Journalism
  1. The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship aims to create a hopeful vision for the future and preserve the foundations of civilization. This shows a collective desire to bring about positive change in society.
  2. Recent political leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina and Giorgia Meloni in Italy have shown that strong leadership can lead to significant change, challenging the idea that decline is inevitable.
  3. Attending and participating in gatherings like ARC can feel energizing and affirming, especially when surrounded by like-minded individuals who care about important issues.

Climate superpowers

The Crucial Years • 1036 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Activism Environmental justice Sustainability Policy
  1. One way to inspire others for climate action is through music. Antonique Smith's new version of 'Love Song to the Earth' aims to unite people and inspire hope.
  2. Jessie Diggins uses her platform as a champion skier to advocate for climate change awareness. She believes athletes can lead conversations about protecting the planet.
  3. Connecting climate change to everyday lives is crucial. People need to understand how pollution affects their health and environment, especially in communities of color.

Doomscroll: Amber A'Lee Frost

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 457 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Cultural critique Political Commentary Social movements Media Analysis Activism
  1. Young people are often seen as the future of social change. But we need to think about whether they really will lead the revolution.
  2. There are new efforts by the Republican party to support workers. It's important to consider if these changes are genuine or not.
  3. A lot of educated people are struggling to find jobs, which raises questions about what happens next in our society.

Beware The Yard Sign Thieves!

Vicky Ward Investigates • 119 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Politics Activism Social Issues
  1. Yard sign theft is becoming a problem as election day approaches, especially in some communities. People are stealing signs for various political candidates, causing frustration for those trying to show their support.
  2. In a town where many liberal artists live, the focus is on the missing Harris/Walz signs, which keep getting stolen. This makes it harder for those wanting to display their political views.
  3. Replacing these stolen signs can be costly for residents, as they often have to buy new ones multiple times. The ongoing thefts are creating tension between different political views in the area.

Welcome to Hamassachusetts

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2652 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Education Legislation Activism Public Policy
  1. There is a growing concern about antisemitism in Massachusetts public schools. Lawmakers are highlighting this issue during discussions and hearings.
  2. A recent event featured a state representative showing a folded dollar bill as a symbol of antisemitism, sparking reactions from teachers and union leaders.
  3. The leader of the Massachusetts Teachers Association did not make a judgment when asked if that imagery was antisemitic, reflecting a complex conversation around these topics.

Pushing Back, Short-Term and Long

The Crucial Years • 3667 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Renewable Energy Environmental justice Activism
  1. This is a tough time for climate and social justice activists, with funding cuts causing chaos and uncertainty.
  2. There's a rising movement and resolve against harmful policies and actions, with people actively rallying and making their voices heard.
  3. Despite the challenges, the cost of clean energy is falling, giving us a promising opportunity to shift toward renewable resources and fight for change.

Orwell Comes to Campus: The Ideology of Settler Colonialism

The Octavian Report • 8 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Ideology Activism Colonialism Social movements
  1. Settler colonialism is a theory that explains how some societies have replaced indigenous populations. It highlights a history where settlers took land and resources, often causing harm to native peoples.
  2. The term 'settler' now includes not just the original settlers but anyone who lives in those areas and isn't indigenous, which can lead to complicated discussions about who belongs where.
  3. Many people today use the idea of settler colonialism to criticize modern issues like inequality and environmental exploitation, seeing them as ongoing results of historical injustices.

Democrats need to loudly reject progressive extremism

Noahpinion • 24823 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Public Opinion Activism Progressivism
  1. Democrats need to clearly distance themselves from the progressive activist movement. This is important because many voters still see them as too extreme.
  2. Public perception can heavily impact a political candidate's success. Even if a candidate shifts towards the center, voters might still label them based on past associations.
  3. Social media has shifted how people interact with politics, making it easier for extreme views to be noticed. Many people have had firsthand experiences with progressive activism, which shapes their opinions and voting behavior.

Who "Neurodiversity" Left Behind

Freddie deBoer • 15655 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Disability Rights Activism Mental health Social Issues Public Discourse
  1. The voices of people living with severe disabilities are often overlooked in public discussions about neurodiversity. This can leave families feeling isolated and unheard.
  2. Autism discourse has shifted to focus on individuals who thrive, while those who struggle daily are sidelined. It's important to acknowledge the challenges faced by many with severe autism.
  3. A diverse conversation about autism is needed, including all levels of ability and experiences. Everyone, regardless of their background, should have a say in these important discussions.

Unauthorized Use of my Name

Letters from an American • 44 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Opinion Media Ethics Activism Political Identity
  1. The author has not supported or endorsed any events using their name. They want to make it clear that they do not know the event organizers.
  2. If the author decides to support something, they will personally announce it through their own social media or posts.
  3. The author is addressing confusion among people who are reaching out and clarifying their stance on the unauthorized use of their name.

Lessons From Michigan's DEI Failure

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1099 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Social Issues Political culture Public Policy Activism
  1. The University of Michigan spent a lot of money and time on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, but many people felt frustrated and saw it as a failure.
  2. Students from different backgrounds thought that the DEI programs were well-intentioned but didn't achieve their goals.
  3. Research suggests that people who are religious report being happier compared to those heavily focused on DEI principles.

Activism, Uncensored: A Clash of Inauguration Protests

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3149 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Media Rights Government
  1. Protests can bring together people with very different views, leading to chaotic interactions on the streets. It's a reminder that activism often sparks intense emotions and actions.
  2. Some protesters use art and symbols to express their messages, which can be open to interpretation. This shows how deeply feelings about rights and identity can influence what people create and display.
  3. It’s important to document events like these without judgment, allowing visuals to tell the story. Capturing these moments helps us understand the context of today's activism.

Fight Song

Magic + Loss • 636 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Activism Political Analysis Civics
  1. Being active in democracy means accepting conflict and standing up to your opponents. It’s important to be ready to fight for what you believe in.
  2. Donald Trump uses intimidation to get support, and he has made it clear he won't accept losing another election. This creates fear and uncertainty among his opponents.
  3. Past experiences show that when Trump doesn't get his way, it can lead to chaos. It's crucial to stand firm against his tactics to protect democratic values.

Another Journalist Arrested In Another Western Nation For Wrongthink About Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2631 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Journalism Activism Censorship Israel-Palestine
  1. Journalists are facing arrests in Western countries for expressing pro-Palestinian views. This shows a growing trend of limiting free speech about controversial issues.
  2. Social media platforms and governments are increasingly censoring information that criticizes Israel or supports Palestine. This reflects a wider attempt to control public discourse.
  3. The current climate poses risks to truth-tellers and activists. Many are concerned about rising authoritarian measures meant to silence dissenting opinions.

Right-Wing Intellectuals under Trump, Andrew Jackson and MAGA, "Ethnic Niches" and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1462 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Intellectuals Trump Era Populism Activism
  1. Different intellectuals have different roles in the political landscape. Some focus on specific issues and work within the current system to make a difference.
  2. It's okay for intellectuals to express discontent at times. Everyone has their own style when it comes to speaking out against things they believe are wrong.
  3. Having a strong sense of integrity can lead people to voice their opinions more openly. Some find it hard to stay quiet about issues that frustrate them.

You can help end illegal discrimination in academia

Heterodox STEM • 249 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Education Discrimination Policy Activism
  1. Discrimination in academics based on race is illegal, and institutions can lose federal funding for such practices. It is crucial for schools to treat all students equally, regardless of race.
  2. Programs that claim to be neutral might still discriminate if they are influenced by race. Institutions cannot use indirect ways to favor or disadvantage students based on their race.
  3. If you see discrimination in education, it's important to report it. You can file a complaint with the Department of Education, and there are ways to do this anonymously for safety.

Can These Moms Get RFK Jr. Confirmed?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1363 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Health Activism Legislation Public Opinion
  1. Eating store-bought food can sometimes lead to health issues for kids. It's important to be aware of what we feed our children.
  2. Switching to an organic diet made a big difference for Zen Honeycutt's children. She reported that many of their health problems disappeared after this change.
  3. Parents should trust their instincts about food and health. Zen Honeycutt felt compelled to change her family’s diet when she noticed severe reactions in her son.

🌳 🌈 Time for a hard reset for environmental policy: A Quick Q&A with … Emily Domenech

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Infrastructure Bipartisan Issues Activism
  1. Bipartisan environmental reform is hard to achieve because Republicans and Democrats have different ideas on what needs changing. One side wants to make building easier, while the other focuses on renewable energy.
  2. Many lawsuits against projects can cause delays and make them financially unfeasible. Even if most of these lawsuits fail, they still create uncertainty that can halt progress.
  3. Current environmental policies and lawsuits can block innovation instead of helping the environment. A reset might be needed to improve infrastructure and address climate change effectively.

Fathoms

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1220 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Cultural critique Activism
  1. The world is overwhelmed with issues like war, pollution, and corporate greed. Many people feel trapped in a cycle of distraction instead of addressing these problems.
  2. There is an underlying peace and wisdom beneath all the chaos and madness. It encourages people to seek deeper understanding and stillness in their lives.
  3. Facing the uncomfortable truths about the world is essential. It's important to move beyond denial and confront the realities we often ignore.

Meditations On Bono Receiving The Presidential Medal Of Freedom From Joe Biden

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3166 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Activism Politics Society
  1. Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, raising questions about the authenticity of such awards in a society perceived as fake.
  2. Despite his humanitarian claims, Bono has strong ties to powerful figures and institutions, leading to criticism of his commercialized activism.
  3. The current state of art and creativity is often corrupted, serving the interests of the elite instead of promoting genuine change for the betterment of society.

You Are Not Powerless, Because You Don't Stand Alone

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1876 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Social Change Political Movements Dystopia
  1. You're not alone in wanting to change the world. Many people are waking up and realizing that the current system needs to change.
  2. Even if it feels like you have little power, together with others, your small efforts can lead to big changes.
  3. Real change comes from teamwork, not just from one hero. It's about many people joining forces to create a better world.

We Live In A Nightmare

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2989 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Society Governance Activism Human Rights
  1. Many people don’t realize that we are already living in a dystopia where societal problems like capitalism and militarism are ignored. Understanding this is crucial for recognizing the real issues in our world.
  2. When you wake up to the truth, you begin to see the suffering caused by your government and the media. This awareness can be upsetting but is vital for genuine change.
  3. True happiness isn’t found in what society defines as success, like careers or consumerism. Instead, it lies in meaningful connections, nature, and honest experiences.

It's Not The Responsibility Of The Global South To Bring Down The Empire. It's Ours.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2156 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Imperialism Resistance Media Activism Global relations
  1. It's not fair to expect the Global South to fight against powerful empires for us. We need to take responsibility ourselves.
  2. The current empire is strong and won't easily fall just because some resist. Change may take a long time and we have to be patient and realistic.
  3. We have the tools and ability to create awareness and drive change in our own societies. It's important to help others see the need for a better world.

Activism, Uncensored: On January 6th, Protests for and Against Donald Trump

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Activism Election Polarization Culture war
  1. There were protests on January 6th about Donald Trump's election results. Some people wanted Congress to not certify the election, while others were asking for pardons for those involved in the earlier protests.
  2. The protests highlighted a deep divide in American culture and politics. People on both sides expressed strong beliefs and emotions regarding Trump and the events of January 6th.
  3. A video by Ford Fischer showed different viewpoints from these protests. It offered a clear look at the ongoing cultural conflicts in the country.

Awakening From Empire Propaganda Starts With One Small Act Of Heresy

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2873 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Political Ideology Public awareness Activism
  1. Questioning what you've been taught can start with just one small thought. This tiny spark can lead you to realize that some of the information you've trusted might not be true.
  2. People often wake up from harmful beliefs in a similar way. They have little doubts that grow into bigger questions, helping them see the truth.
  3. By pointing out lies in everyday news, we can help others start asking questions. Just one clear example can encourage someone to rethink the big picture.

There Is No Need To Wait For Revolution Or Paradise

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2202 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Society Revolution Awareness Philosophy
  1. You don't have to wait for a big change to start making a difference. You can begin now by sharing ideas and helping others see the truth about our world.
  2. You have the power to enjoy life and see beauty all around you, even when times are tough. Learning to appreciate the moment can make a big difference in how you feel.
  3. There's no need to wait for a perfect future or grand revolution. The time to act and appreciate life is right now, so don't hold back any longer.

Did I Publish The Private Medical Records Of Transgender Children?

Singal-Minded • 2241 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Transgender Issues Medical Ethics Activism Misinformation
  1. People are spreading false rumors about someone publishing private medical records of trans minors. This rumor seems to stem from misunderstandings and exaggerations about what was actually reported.
  2. It's important to approach such topics carefully, as misinformation can lead to harmful consequences for individuals and communities. Claims need careful examination before being believed.
  3. The online environment can intensify these rumors, causing real-world effects and fears for those involved, highlighting the need for accountability in how information is shared and discussed.

The Bear Cave #256

The Bear Cave • 653 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Markets Healthcare Corporate Governance Activism
  1. There are serious concerns about AppLovin's business practices, including alleged money laundering and low-quality apps. Activist reports suggest their recent growth is questionable.
  2. TransMedics Group is facing backlash for alleged unethical practices in organ transportation. Reports indicate they may have refused life-saving procedures due to billing issues.
  3. A number of executives in various companies have resigned recently, showing instability in leadership roles. This includes multiple CFOs and the CEO of Hershey, which may impact company performance.

The Bear Cave #257

The Bear Cave • 396 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate News Regulatory issues Activism
  1. Activist reports are highlighting possible financial issues with several companies, suggesting they may not be as strong as they claim.
  2. Recent executive resignations at various companies indicate instability and potential challenges within their leadership.
  3. The U.S. Department of Transportation is taking action against Southwest Airlines for their ongoing delays, showing the importance of accountability in the travel industry.

In Soviet Germany, the government protests YOU

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 230 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Government Elections Political parties Activism
  1. Protests in Germany are increasingly targeting those labeled as 'the right,' which now includes not just far-right parties but also center-right ones. This means many voters are being seen as needing 'reeducation.'
  2. The government is allegedly using taxpayer money to finance protests against political opposition, which raises questions about fairness in democracy. Nonprofit groups linked to the state are involved in organizing these protests.
  3. There is a growing tension in German politics where opposition to the ruling parties is being met with protests and accusations of extremism, which might push voters towards more populist, right-wing parties.

“Don’t put ‘gender’ into law - it’s a terrible idea”, the Women’s Rights Party & Mana Wāhine Kōrero tell NZ’s Law Commission.

A B’Old Woman • 1119 implied HN points • 17 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Human Rights Legislation Social Issues Activism
  1. Adding 'gender' to the law could harm women's rights. Many believe it could create confusion about sex-based rights.
  2. The process to submit opinions on this issue isn't fair. Not everyone has equal access to technology or the ability to express their views clearly.
  3. There's a call for more attention to the negative impacts of letting men identify as women in women's spaces, and a need for women's voices to be heard.

What The Detransitioner Clementine Breen’s Gender “Therapy” Looked Like

Singal-Minded • 1083 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Mental health Activism Medical Ethics Trans rights
  1. Clementine Breen, a UCLA student, is suing her doctor for care she received during her transition. She feels that the treatments led her to regret her decisions.
  2. Breen's therapy involved close connections between her therapist and the medical staff, which raises concerns about impartiality. This makes it important to have independent support in such sensitive situations.
  3. There were signs that Breen's gender identity questions came about due to recent family trauma, suggesting that therapists should explore underlying issues before making treatment decisions.

Stop pretending Meta cares about free speech

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 6598 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Tech Policy Censorship Activism Media Regulation
  1. Meta doesn't really care about free speech. They are making rules that often silence voices that challenge their views or threaten their profits.
  2. People who say they support free speech often try to shut down discussions that go against their beliefs. This includes laws that restrict what can be taught in schools about racism and LGBTQ+ issues.
  3. Billionaires like Zuckerberg use the idea of free speech to protect themselves from consequences while preserving their power. Real change requires creating an internet that serves everyone's needs, not just the powerful.