The hottest Activism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Thinking about... 121 implied HN points 15 Oct 24
  1. Voting in the upcoming US election is important for supporting democracy in Ukraine. The choices made in America can affect Ukraine's future and its struggle against the Russian invasion.
  2. Ukrainian resistance is seen as a key sign of democratic strength in the current decade. Their fight has allowed others, including Americans, to recover from crises and participate in democratic processes.
  3. The livestream event with Liev Schreiber aims to raise awareness about Ukraine and encourage people to vote. Schreiber’s involvement brings more attention to the Ukrainian situation and the need for democratic participation.
Bet On It 442 implied HN points 26 Apr 23
  1. Delay action in the face of tragedy to think carefully and calmly to avoid doing great harm.
  2. Most gun owners are harmless, and punishing all for the actions of a few is unfair.
  3. Banning guns may not eliminate violence and could potentially increase gun homicides.
Beck of the Pack 39 implied HN points 08 Jan 24
  1. Jesse Singal and Alex Berenson are criticized for their biases and unreliability on Substack.
  2. The authors are accused of being misinformed or biased on topics like Israel and Palestine.
  3. There are concerns about the quality of journalism and integrity when it comes to reporting by Singal and Berenson.
Sex and the State 35 implied HN points 26 Jun 25
  1. Choice feminism focuses on individual empowerment but often ignores deeper systemic issues like sexism. It helps some women, but it doesn't address the root problems.
  2. Radical feminists criticize choice feminism for its lack of focus on community and systemic change. They believe real solutions come from tackling the underlying inequalities, not just individual strategies.
  3. The current system benefits those in power, and choice feminism can inadvertently support the status quo. Real change requires collaboration and understanding of the broader social context.
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Proof 82 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. Elon Musk's views on having more children, known as pronatalism, might be risky for the future of humanity. It's important to think about the long-term effects of these ideas.
  2. Musk connects with several far-right beliefs that could influence his thoughts and actions. These connections raise concerns about the broader impact of his ideas.
  3. Understanding the potential dangers of Musk's pronatalism and other beliefs can help society prepare for future challenges. Being aware of these issues is crucial for everyone's safety.
The Path Not Taken 264 implied HN points 18 Dec 23
  1. Scholar-activism has faced a crisis lately, especially concerning left-wing positions like support for Palestine.
  2. There is tension between the original ideal of activism and its progression into institutionalized careerism.
  3. The future of scholar-activism is uncertain, with some scholar-activists falling silent and facing challenges in balancing their activism with their academic careers.
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter 224 implied HN points 21 Feb 24
  1. Advertisers won't easily fund news due to activist campaigns pressuring them to choose where ads appear.
  2. The use of keyword blocklists by advertising agencies has made it difficult to monetize hard news through advertising alone.
  3. Organizations are urging brands to support trusted news sites to ensure journalism is adequately funded, but the path forward is challenging.
Activist Futurism 79 implied HN points 04 Feb 23
  1. OpenAI's ChatGPT, an AI text generation tool, has become widely accessible and raised concerns about its potential misuse
  2. Despite OpenAI's restrictions, the technology's gullibility makes it difficult to prevent its influence on politics
  3. AI, like ChatGPT, is seen as a new tool for activism, potentially aiding in creating more effective social movements
eugyppius: a plague chronicle 227 implied HN points 14 Feb 24
  1. Protests against right-wing ideologies are diverse and unpredictable, bringing together a mix of participants like university students, LGBTQ+ groups, and elderly individuals.
  2. The protests often have dramatic and theatrical elements, such as fake emergencies and unwarranted fears of counterprotestors, contributing to a chaotic atmosphere.
  3. Despite the grand displays and intense emotions, the actual presence of the targeted group, in this case 'Nazis,' is often minimal or non-existent, resulting in a skewed focus during the demonstrations.
Cybernetic Forests 59 implied HN points 27 Sep 23
  1. The call for writing is about seeking contributions for a print zine called Models for Making Distance.
  2. Contributions could include manifestos, art instructions, performances, literary works, and propaganda that explore distancing from algorithmic order.
  3. The project is organized by the Algorithmic Resistance Research Group, a collective focused on critical exploration and creative resistance to algorithmic culture.
The Golden Notebooks 58 implied HN points 22 Aug 23
  1. The writer enjoys watching documentaries directed by women with feminist themes.
  2. The documentary 'All the Beauty and the Bloodshed' is praised for its impactful storytelling and visual contrast.
  3. The movie 'Barbie' is viewed through the perspective of a child, exploring the relationship between imagination and reality.
Climatescape Community Dispatch 58 implied HN points 12 Apr 23
  1. Access to fresh water is decreasing due to climate change impacts like rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, leading to a water crisis globally.
  2. The water crisis in the United States is varied, with regions like the western U.S. facing drought, competition over dwindling water resources, and disregard for Indigenous water rights.
  3. Copper mining, necessary for climate change solutions like electric vehicles, poses a significant threat to water resources due to its high water usage, emphasizing the importance of alternative solutions and prioritizing water reuse, recycling, and Indigenous community involvement.
Stories From The Rail 319 implied HN points 13 Nov 21
  1. The Trump Administration's treatment of immigrant children is compared to prison camps, highlighting the importance of societal awareness and action.
  2. Authoritarian rule thrives on division and fear within the populace, emphasizing the need for unity in challenging oppressive systems.
  3. Individual actions, like spreading knowledge, showing kindness, and participating in societal change, play a crucial role in combating injustice and fostering a better society.
Ladyparts 219 implied HN points 12 May 22
  1. Walking can be a way to clear the mind and shake off stress.
  2. Pregnancy and motherhood can have long-lasting physical impacts on a woman's body.
  3. Attacks on reproductive rights are rooted in misogyny and control over women's bodies.
JoeWrote 102 implied HN points 29 Oct 24
  1. Holding back votes from Kamala Harris won't change the Democrats to be more leftist. The party hasn't shown it learns from past mistakes, so it's unlikely to react to losing votes in a meaningful way.
  2. Trump is argued to be as bad as Harris, but Harris might be less harmful, especially for issues like abortion and workers' rights. Voting for her could prevent a more extreme agenda under Trump.
  3. It’s hard to build a strong third party or organize effectively when the left is not unified. The focus should be on organizing and reaching out to more people to create genuine political change instead of just relying on elections.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 60 implied HN points 26 Feb 25
  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.
The Chris Hedges Report 70 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. The Chris Hedges Report is a reader-supported publication that invites subscribers to ask questions during live sessions.
  2. It offers the chance for readers to engage directly and share their thoughts or concerns.
  3. Subscribers can choose to support the work through free or paid options, helping to keep the content coming.
I Might Be Wrong 67 implied HN points 21 Jan 25
  1. Free speech, color blindness, and meritocracy have become associated with the right, even though they used to be core liberal values. It's surprising how politics has shifted these concepts.
  2. Many people on the left feel that America is fundamentally flawed, which can overshadow the progress that's actually been made. This mindset can lead to dismissing positive changes.
  3. Some radical left ideas don't reflect the views of the people they claim to advocate for, causing confusion and debate within the community about what true beliefs should be.
eugyppius: a plague chronicle 207 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  1. Leaders of the German Farmers' Protest are working against their own movement by focusing on narrow issues like diesel taxes
  2. Farmers need to broaden their focus and aim for wider political change to succeed
  3. The current leadership of the farmers' movement is compromised and farmers may need to work independently for real change
Michael Tracey 94 implied HN points 17 Oct 24
  1. Trump's recent events labeled as 'town halls' were staged with paid audience members and partisan activists. This makes them feel less like real discussions and more like organized rallies.
  2. Audience members were often recruited through casting agencies, with some even being paid $80 to attend. Many were unsure about what the event really was before arriving.
  3. These events do not provide a genuine platform for candidates to be questioned honestly. Instead, they tend to favor cheerleading by supporters rather than real scrutiny or debate.
Letters from an American 24 implied HN points 18 Jul 25
  1. John Lewis was a passionate civil rights leader who fought against racial segregation. He took part in important protests and was injured while advocating for voting rights.
  2. Lewis believed in 'good trouble' and encouraged people to speak up against injustice. He urged everyone to keep fighting for change, even when it feels tough.
  3. His legacy continues today, as people honor his work by protesting for justice and equality. It shows that his spirit and message still inspire action.
Tessa Fights Robots 27 implied HN points 26 Jun 25
  1. Many people feel a sense of ongoing conflict in the world today. It's like we are aware of issues but feel powerless to stop them.
  2. The feeling of being overwhelmed by the situation is common among regular individuals. We see the problems but feel trapped by existing systems.
  3. There's a call for unity and a refusal to support those who seem to benefit from conflict. The idea is to stand together against those who laugh at our struggles.
Letters from an American 28 implied HN points 15 Jun 25
  1. Sharing personal stories and photos can create a meaningful record of events like protests.
  2. Art, like Peter Ralston's work, can powerfully connect people to themes of resilience and patriotism.
  3. Displaying support for causes collectively can strengthen community bonds and awareness.
Journal of Free Black Thought 19 implied HN points 31 Jul 25
  1. The Niagara Movement, started in 1905, pushed for full civil rights for black Americans. It was a response to the slow progress of racial equality and aimed for immediate change rather than gradual improvements.
  2. W.E.B. Du Bois and other leaders of the movement believed in the power of educated black individuals to lead the fight against inequality. They wanted to challenge stereotypes and show that black Americans have the capability and moral quality to demand their rights.
  3. The movement emphasized activism and direct action, encouraging black Americans to confront injustice openly. This bold approach influenced future civil rights groups, including the NAACP, which continued the mission of fighting for equality.
I Might Be Wrong 7 implied HN points 12 Nov 25
  1. KitKat, a bodega cat, was killed by a driverless car, leading to public outcry. This incident sparked protests and calls for more regulations on autonomous vehicles.
  2. Jackie Fielder, a San Francisco politician, is using KitKat's death to rally against driverless cars. She believes this tragedy should be a symbol for those who oppose the technology.
  3. The comparison between Fielder's actions and historical figures like Goebbels highlights how some see political exploitation in tragic events. This suggests that using a pet's death for political gain can be controversial.
Sustainability by numbers 238 implied HN points 28 Aug 23
  1. Researchers are uncertain about which emotion is most effective in driving climate action.
  2. Emotions in response to climate change vary and are likely a combination of concern, anger, sadness, and hope.
  3. Pairing emotions like concern, anger, and sadness with hope can be vital for motivating action towards addressing climate change.
Men Yell at Me 288 implied HN points 13 May 23
  1. Mother's Day is not just about gifts and recognition, but has deeper historical significance related to community care and activism.
  2. The original spirit of Mother's Day focused on pacifism, progress, community care, and support for mothers, led by women like Ann Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Anna Jarvis.
  3. There is a need to shift focus towards advocating for maternal mental health care, medical knowledge, childcare, and policies supporting mothers' well-being, rather than relying on symbolic gestures.
The False Consensus Effect 39 implied HN points 23 Oct 23
  1. Winning the war on propaganda is possible with a billion eyes watching and sharing information, leading to a shift in power.
  2. The author questions the current U.S. government system, highlighting the financial burden of taxes and the desire for a more peaceful defense budget like Ireland's.
  3. The trip to Ireland was eye-opening, showcasing a country where the people have a strong voice in government decisions and stand up for justice.
Adetokunbo Sees 208 implied HN points 23 Sep 23
  1. Climate activists are advocating for the banning of cruise ships due to their significant contribution to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. The global cruise ship market is projected to grow substantially, potentially exacerbating the climate change crisis.
  3. Exploring solar energy products like solar panels, inverters, batteries, water heaters, and charge controllers can offer sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources.
Inland Nobody 160 implied HN points 11 Jan 24
  1. Politics involves discussions and negotiations about how power is used.
  2. To be effective in politics, set clear goals, know the rules, and manage relationships.
  3. Accumulating power and building relationships are crucial in making political change.
Discomfort zone 39 implied HN points 18 Apr 23
  1. Be mindful of how good intentions of offering support can unintentionally lead to intrusion and co-dependency.
  2. It's crucial to prioritize defender security in civil society work to ensure the well-being of activists.
  3. Empowerment should focus on promoting equality and liberation for all, rather than creating elites within activist communities.
Activist Futurism 39 implied HN points 14 Apr 23
  1. ProtestGPT is an AI tool designed to help activists generate unique and innovative protest ideas on various topics.
  2. ProtestGPT provides activists with campaign concepts, theories of change, press releases, social media posts, and step-by-step guides for organizing movements.
  3. Activists can interact with ProtestGPT to customize campaign ideas and get suggestions on protest targets, helping them plan effective and impactful actions.
Letters from an American 44 implied HN points 23 Feb 25
  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.
I Might Be Wrong 61 implied HN points 19 Nov 24
  1. There's a claim that some academic sources prove there's no competitive advantage for trans women in sports, but these sources might not be as strong as they seem. It's important to be cautious about where such information comes from.
  2. Many people feel distrustful of institutions like government and media because they sometimes spread confusing or contradictory information. This can make it hard for people to know what to believe.
  3. Activists are often trying to push their point of view, but if others in power repeat these views without evidence, it can further hurt the credibility of institutions and confuse the public even more.