The hottest Activism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

⤴✊ The techno-optimism of a 1970s Black Power activist and poet

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Activism
  1. Nikki Giovanni was a prominent poet and activist known for her strong views on race and social justice. She wrote about significant issues such as politics and love with a unique voice.
  2. Her work was influenced by the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, making her a key figure in the Black Arts Movement. This helped her gain recognition as the 'Poet of the Black Revolution.'
  3. Giovanni's perspective encouraged a sense of optimism and hope in the 1970s, contrasting with some of today's social justice narratives which may feel more negative.

Normies Of The World, Unite!

Michael Shellenberger • 2066 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. Children are being rushed into gender-transitioning treatments without proper investigation, raising concerns about sterilization and medical abuse.
  2. Wokeism is compared to a powerful and dogmatic religion, uniting various social issues under one umbrella.
  3. There is a call for a united anti-Woke movement, bringing together liberal, libertarian, and conservative individuals to defend freedom of speech and reject harmful ideologies.

Reading the World: Documentary About My Dear Friend Mark Crispin Miller

Tessa Fights Robots • 9 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Activism
  1. Mark Crispin Miller is presented as a brave, pioneering, non‑partisan dissident and a deeply valued friend.
  2. A new documentary about him, directed by his wife Amy Smiley, has a trailer online and a donation page for people who want to support the film.
  3. Readers are encouraged to support the creator through paid subscriptions or donations. The publication stresses that its material is for educational purposes and not professional advice.

EXCLUSIVE: Public Schoolers Are Paid $1,400 a Pop to Become Social Justice Warriors

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 969 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. An activist group in California has been paid by a school district to provide equity and leadership training to students and teachers.
  2. The activist group pays high school students to participate in their programs, which are focused on marginalized youth.
  3. Some teachers and parents have concerns about the group's influence and messaging, seeing it as propagandistic and potentially harmful to students' education.

Voices for Children - a rally at NZ's Parliament grounds on 31st Oct.

A B’Old Woman • 239 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. There is a rally happening at New Zealand's Parliament on October 31st, focused on children's issues.
  2. Organized by a Māori women's group, this event will feature strong voices speaking on current gender topics affecting kids.
  3. Activities and policies regarding youth, like a secret program in Christchurch, are being highlighted as concerns during the rally.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Writing Prompt: What movement does the world need right now?

The Novelleist • 412 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Activism
  1. We are facing a time of change and uncertainty, and we have opportunities to shape the future. It's a chance to creatively think about what the world needs right now.
  2. Writing is important, but taking action is also necessary. We should focus on building movements that align with the changes we want to see.
  3. There are many areas to explore for creating change, like politics, economics, or philosophy. We should brainstorm actionable ideas to make those changes happen.

The 'Posie Parker' madness of New Zealand’s mainstream media in just seven days.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, received a huge amount of media attention in New Zealand, with 158 news articles about her in just one week. This shows how much focus the media can put on one individual, especially when the subject stirs controversy.
  2. There was significant violence during the 'Let Women Speak' rally in Auckland, which media coverage seemed to downplay or misrepresent. The way the media handled this issue raised questions about their professionalism and objectivity.
  3. A few journalists, like Rachel Smalley and Sean Plunket, stood out by offering a different perspective and promoting women's rights, despite facing backlash from their colleagues. Their actions highlight how challenging it can be to present alternative views in a charged media environment.

Social Learning Links, 1/28/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. Barton Swaim discusses Cipolla's idea of classifying people into four categories: helpless, bandit, intelligent, and stupid. He argues that even well-credentialed elites can act stupidly, benefiting themselves while causing harm to others.
  2. Lorenzo Warby warns against the dangers of activism, suggesting that it attracts manipulative personalities who use power without accountability. This can lead to aggressive behavior and undermine responsible governance.
  3. Dan Williams highlights a debate about whether ordinary citizens can understand today's complex world and argues for giving more decision-making power to experts. This raises questions about the nature of democracy and who truly understands political issues.

Letter #73: Jon Pollock (2015)

A Letter a Day • 255 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
💼 Business Activism
  1. Jon Pollock discusses how activism fits into Elliott Management's overall investment strategy by seeking to positively shape investment outcomes and drive returns.
  2. Elliott Management excels in activism in the Technology sector due to the complex nature of the industry and the potential for unlocking value through operational improvements.
  3. Elliott Management's success in attaining board representation without launching proxy fights is attributed to strong relationships with institutional shareholders and the identification of situations where change is needed.

Why Trans Activists Attack Women

Michael Shellenberger • 1718 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. Trans activists claim there is a genocide against trans people, but the evidence is not clear.
  2. There is an increase in physical violence by some trans activists directed towards women.
  3. Understanding the reasons behind trans activists attacking women and taking steps to protect women is crucial.

28.

Wild Holy & Free • 639 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Activism
  1. Trayvon Martin's death brought awareness to racial injustice in America.
  2. The fear of being unsafe is a daily reality for many Black individuals.
  3. Personal experiences can lead to a profound shift in beliefs and actions.

Judy Heumann Was Not A Tragedy

Momspreading • 235 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Activism
  1. It's important to learn about the disability rights movement and celebrate activists like Judy Heumann.
  2. Judy Heumann and the disability rights movement showed joy, collectiveness, and creativity in their activism.
  3. Teaching children about disability history and rights is crucial for building an inclusive society.

Pride on the Rocks

Heterodox STEM • 128 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Activism
  1. Pride events have changed a lot over the years, leading to confusion and mixed feelings within the LGBTQ+ community. Many feel that the original purpose of celebrating gay rights has been lost among various new movements.
  2. There is a growing concern about how young people are introduced to complex topics like gender identity. Some believe these discussions may distract from real issues facing the gay community.
  3. Pride's popularity seems to be declining, with fewer corporate sponsors and financial difficulties. Many think it should refocus on honoring past achievements rather than expanding into new agendas.

A win win opening for a president who badly needs one?

The Crucial Years • 1066 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. Environmental campaign is rapidly emerging in the Gulf of Mexico to halt LNG exports, influencing political and environmental grounds.
  2. Biden has the opportunity to show leadership by denying new LNG export licenses, which could cut costs for American consumers and address inflation concerns.
  3. Taking action against LNG exports can help Biden address his polling challenges, appeal to young voters concerned about climate change, and demonstrate commitment to clean energy initiatives.

“An Innocent Recreation”: Shooting Pigeons for Sport

Bird History • 79 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
💾 History Activism
  1. Pigeon-shooting contests were popular in the 1800s but were shut down by animal rights activists, leading to the extinction of passenger pigeons.
  2. Trap shooting competitions used live pigeons as targets, with shooters aiming to hit them as they were released from traps, sparking tournaments that consumed thousands of birds.
  3. Controversy arose over the cruelty and wastefulness of live pigeon shooting, leading to the development and adoption of clay pigeons as a more humane and popular alternative.

Police horses punched in the gut by trans activists

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. During a rally in Melbourne, some activists attacked police horses, which is alarming and shows a dangerous level of violence.
  2. The rally is centered around giving women the chance to speak, but there are tensions between different activist groups that complicate the situation.
  3. Media coverage often sparks controversy, with claims being made against rally leaders that may not reflect the reality of their actions or intentions.

You can't always tell when you're on the right side of history

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Activism
  1. You can't always tell when you're on the right side of history, even when causes seem morally right now.
  2. Appealing to being on the right or wrong side of history can be a powerful but flawed argument tactic in debates.
  3. Progress is possible, and it's important to think deeply about moral crusades rather than relying on 'right side of history' arguments.

A Brief History of "Homeless"

Mental Disorder • 216 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
💾 History Activism
  1. The term 'homeless' is imprecise and can refer to various living conditions and situations.
  2. The language used to describe homelessness has evolved over time, from terms like 'hobo' to 'bum' to 'the homeless.'
  3. The rebranding of homelessness as a policy issue has led to significant funding for housing first policies and a shift towards more politically correct terms.

Claude Jean-Pierre, 67 ans, tué par des gendarmes

L'Atelier Galita • 359 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Activism
  1. Claude Jean-Pierre, a retired Guadeloupean, was tragically killed by gendarmes during a routine traffic stop.
  2. The family faced a challenging journey to seek justice, with pressure to silence their efforts, but eventually succeeded in getting the case investigated further.
  3. The case highlights the importance of demanding accountability and justice in the face of potential institutional racism and police misconduct.

You can help end illegal discrimination in academia

Heterodox STEM • 249 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

The COP is the Scoreboard, not the Game

The Crucial Years • 926 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Activism
  1. The COP negotiations serve as a way to talk and pressure each other but do not have legislative authority
  2. The outcomes at COP reflect the current state of the world and political pressure from mobilized people
  3. Language and agreements at COP do not immediately translate into tangible action, requiring further activism at the local level

More trans ideology is being inserted into our children's lives by the Ministry of Education NZ

A B’Old Woman • 339 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. There's a concern that an agenda related to trans issues is being quietly pushed into schools in New Zealand. This includes appointing people who support trans ideology on school boards without public votes.
  2. A new bill is being proposed that could make it easier for non-elected advocates to join school boards, and many people in the education sector may not know about these changes.
  3. Questions are being raised about why gender and sexuality need special representation on school boards, and how this might affect the balance and influence within these boards.

Real Women NZ's first livestream

A B’Old Woman • 359 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. Real Women NZ recently launched its first weekly livestream to discuss issues affecting women, especially in relation to trans ideology. This provides a platform for women to share their experiences openly.
  2. The group was formed after a violent incident earlier this year during a women's rally in Auckland, sparking a need for more safe spaces for women to express their views.
  3. Upcoming plans include creating a YouTube channel and possibly a website to reach a wider audience, ensuring that women can connect and continue these important discussions, even if they are banned from other platforms.

The Student Activist Who Brought the Revolution to Europe

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
💾 History Activism
  1. Jonathan Loring Austin was a student activist who played a significant role in the American Revolution by challenging the status quo and advocating for independence.
  2. Austin embarked on a crucial mission to Europe to secure aid and support for the American cause, facing challenges such as misinformation and capture along the way.
  3. Austin's actions ultimately contributed to the success of the American Revolution and the establishment of independence, showcasing the power of speaking truth to power.

Seattle, We Have a Problem

The Cholent • 98 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. BLM at School in Seattle has embraced anti-Israel ideology, causing concern among parents.
  2. King County Bar Association published an article equating pro-Palestinian stance with terrorism, sparking controversy.
  3. Real Change newspaper rejected a Jewish Rabbi's column about anti-Semitism, showcasing a trend of lack of openness in progressive spaces.

Jill and Sean talk about NZ's new Women's Rights Party.

A B’Old Woman • 259 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. The Women's Rights Party in New Zealand is close to reaching its goal of 500 members to register for the upcoming election. This is important for gaining a political platform.
  2. Registering as a political party allows them to contest the party vote and access funds for advertising, which they can't do as an activist group.
  3. Many people feel that mainstream political parties have neglected women's rights, which is why the Women’s Rights Party is seen as a needed alternative that stands up for these rights.

It's a bit hellish for women at Hell's Gate in Rotorua, NZ.

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. A social rule used to keep men out of women's spaces created a safe environment for women. This changed when some men started claiming to be women and accessing these spaces.
  2. Some women are misled into believing that men entering women’s changing rooms are genuinely women, which makes it uncomfortable for those who truly identify as female.
  3. Rallies are planned for women to express their concerns and demand to be heard on this issue, highlighting the importance of women’s rights and spaces.

Martin Luther King sur les émeutes

L'Atelier Galita • 339 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Activism
  1. Martin Luther King believed that riots were the voice of the unheard and a desperate cry for attention.
  2. He emphasized the importance of addressing social injustices to prevent riots.
  3. King highlighted that responsibility for preventing riots lies with both the black and white communities.

Supervisor Hillary Ronen asked a judge to release Mission gang member from probation

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 196 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. Supervisor Hillary Ronen tried to help a gang member get off probation despite knowing his criminal activities.
  2. Fernando Madrigal, a youth activist turned gang member, was involved in a murder case and pleaded guilty to racketeering.
  3. Ronen's actions raise questions about ethics and her support of Madrigal, who was connected to violent crimes.

What is Patriarchy?

The Great Gender Divergence • 196 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Activism
  1. In patriarchal societies, prestigious positions are dominated by men, reinforcing beliefs of male competence and authority.
  2. Material and cultural dimensions of patriarchy are mutually reinforcing.
  3. Patriarchal backlash can occur when gender norms are challenged.

Headlines of the Warming World No 15

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Activism
  1. Denmark has introduced the world's first carbon tax for agricultural emissions to fight climate change. This tax aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming and could inspire other countries to take similar action.
  2. Extreme heatwaves are becoming more common and severe around the world due to climate change. Recent heatwaves in places like India and Mexico have resulted in fatalities and power outages.
  3. Microplastics have been found in human tissue, including penises, raising concerns about their impact on health. This highlights the widespread issue of microplastic pollution and its potential effects on the human body.

Batshit Crazy

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 10 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism
  1. The political situation in the United States is deeply alarming and feels insane.
  2. One commentator, Steve Schmidt, is singled out as actually understanding and plainly explaining how serious this is amid many noisy pundits.
  3. This isn’t a time for irony — it’s an urgent call to mobilize and do everything possible to stop the danger before it’s too late.