The hottest American Society Substack posts right now

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Top Links 647 Trump & the American gentry. The Federal government that just doesn't grow. Showing off & the English Polanyi.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Trump Government American Society Public Opinion
  1. Many Trump supporters come from the American gentry, which includes small business owners. They play a key role in his support base.
  2. The Federal government is not expanding significantly, which can impact its effectiveness.
  3. There is an interest in cultural themes, such as showing off and references to the English thinker Polanyi, pointing to deeper societal issues.

Last Chance Ride

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6969 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Autocracy Democracy 2024 election American Society Government Corruption
  1. The author reflects on the past, present, and uncertain future of America through road trips and personal experiences.
  2. The author warns about the potential for a mafia state autocracy in 2024, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and resisting such a threat.
  3. The author discusses the reception of their books, highlighting how insights once seen as fringe or pessimistic can later be accepted as reality.

The Battle for American Masculinity: Buchanan v. Gatsby

Holodoxa • 219 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Masculinity Gender Politics Social Commentary American Society
  1. Fitzgerald explores different molds of manhood in 'The Great Gatsby': Gatsby - a disruptor, Nick - an observer, and Tom - a potent but detestable figure.
  2. The character of Tom Buchanan reflects a type of masculinity that has been both condemned and underestimated, termed today as 'toxic masculinity.'
  3. Fitzgerald delves into the complexities of hegemonic masculinity, highlighting the power dynamics and societal norms that shape male behavior and relationships.

JIMMY CARTER’S MIXED LEGACY

Seymour Hersh • 37 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents History Political Legacy American Society Conflict
  1. Jimmy Carter was seen as a peace-seeker after his presidency, but during his time in office, he often acted like a hawk. He had a complex approach to foreign policy, trying to balance peace with military actions.
  2. Carter's legacy includes efforts to support human rights, which he championed more as an ex-president. His post-presidency work focused on humanitarian efforts around the world.
  3. His time in office faced many challenges, like the Iran hostage crisis, which affected how people viewed him. Carter's presidency was marked by both significant achievements and controversies.
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American "Uber-Capitalism" Is Soul Crushing

Changing The Channel • 757 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism American Society
  1. American capitalism today is criticized by Bernie Sanders as 'uber capitalism' for its lack of decency and morality.
  2. Sanders emphasizes the necessity of economic security for true freedom, highlighting the importance of social safety nets.
  3. Sanders draws inspiration from FDR and sees Scandinavia as a model for the kind of economic system he supports.

The Four British Folkways Still Shaping America

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Sociocultural American Society Cultural analysis
  1. David Hackett Fischer's 'Albion's Seed' explores America's foundational cultural heritage and its impact on society today
  2. The book traces the influence of four British folkways on different regions of America, shaping its politics, economy, and culture
  3. Fischer's work demonstrates how these folkways have endured over centuries, influencing even the ethnic origins of American Presidents

American Nightmares

Scholar's Stage Updates • 4 HN points • 28 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics American Society Technological Impact Public Policy Global Competition
  1. Tocqueville and Wang Huning both observed American self-confidence but attributed it to different sources - Tocqueville to individual and collective action, Wang to faith in science and technology.
  2. Tocqueville expressed concerns about the potentially isolating effects of American individualism and equality, while Wang Huning worried about the societal fragmentation caused by technological advancement.
  3. Wang Huning's analysis suggests that modern American society is largely managed by technology and disregards traditional democratic values, leading to potential alienation and loss of human agency.

On Christian Nationalism and the "Religious Right"

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christian nationalism American Society Cultural Discourse
  1. Christian nationalism is a complex and multifaceted ideology that is prominently featured in contemporary discussions, but its specific meaning and implications can vary widely.
  2. The strong focus on Christian nationalism has sparked increased scholarly and media interest, particularly since the 2016 election, with a surge of publications and discussions about the topic.
  3. Despite being often associated with white evangelical Christians, Christian nationalism is a prevalent perspective among Americans of various religious backgrounds and political affiliations, challenging assumptions about its exclusivity.