The hottest Commentary Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Why does every Jacobin comment section look like this?

Philosophy bear • 343 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Social Critique Ideological analysis Cultural Studies Commentary
  1. People in Jacobin's comment section often seem unhappy. It's interesting to wonder why so many voices lean toward negativity.
  2. There seems to be a unique attitude among commenters across different ideologies, especially on the left. This may hold clues about the wider leftist community.
  3. Understanding the reasons behind this grumpy attitude could be key to helping socialism move forward without obstacles.

Change the Narrative

Personality Disorder • 79 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Baseball Media Analysis Commentary Narrative
  1. People are using the word 'narrative' too much, instead of just saying 'story'. Using the simpler term makes communication clearer.
  2. When someone talks about a 'narrative', they often mean how people are talking about a situation rather than just stating facts. This can make the conversation less genuine.
  3. Focusing on the actual event or story, rather than the narrative around it, can help us see things more clearly and appreciate the real impact of what happens.

Why Do We Coddle Gen Z Boys But Think Gen Z Girls Are Annoying?

Default Wisdom • 451 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Gender Generation Sociology Commentary
  1. Gen Z boys are often seen as victims in media while Gen Z girls face negative stereotypes. The media tends to paint young women in a narrow and often unflattering way, ignoring their real issues.
  2. There is a rise in young women who critique their own generation, but they often cater to older audiences, which can twist their perspectives. This creates a disconnect between their true experiences and how they are perceived.
  3. The conversation about Gen Z boys can sometimes overshadow the concerns of young women, leaving them without a strong voice in the discussion. It’s important to elevate female perspectives and ensure they are heard.

A Slightly Altered Course

Story Club with George Saunders • 590 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Storytelling Authors Commentary
  1. It's important to keep political discussions separate from certain spaces. This helps maintain a positive and civil environment.
  2. Understanding different perspectives is crucial, especially when it comes to politics. People may see things differently, and being curious about those views can help us grow.
  3. Moving forward, the focus will be on storytelling and literature, while political topics will be discussed in other venues. This way, the creative space remains enjoyable for everyone.
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kitten corner: memeing the news potato

bad cattitude • 148 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
😂 Humor Memes Satire Commentary Media Culture
  1. Understanding the 'Streisand Effect' is important for journalists. It shows how trying to hide information can actually draw more attention to it.
  2. Media should be smarter about how they handle sensitive topics to avoid creating memes. If they aren't careful, they make things worse for themselves.
  3. Using humor and memes can be an effective way to comment on the news. It's a fun way to engage with serious issues that gets people talking.

a message of hope | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Commentary Reviews Creative Writing
  1. Reading can offer hope and inspiration. It's important to explore and find new perspectives through literature.
  2. Helping others, like poets and writers, can create a supportive community. Everyone can contribute to lifting each other up.
  3. A free trial can give you a taste of great content. It's a good way to see if you'd like to continue reading more.

Procrastination bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1218 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
😂 Humor Satire Commentary Personal essays Cultural critique Social Commentary
  1. Procrastination can lead to random thoughts and observations, often making it hard to focus. It's okay to let your mind wander sometimes, even if it feels unproductive.
  2. Frustration with social media is common, especially with annoying accounts. It's important to take control of your online experience by blocking or ignoring negative distractions.
  3. Humor can be found in everyday annoyances, like pointless things we buy or use. It’s good to laugh at silly things, like complicated salt grinders.

Is the Vibe Shift Bad for House of Strauss?

House of Strauss • 37 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Opinions Trends Sports Commentary
  1. The current changes in media and culture, referred to as the 'Vibe Shift,' might hurt some businesses in the short term. However, staying focused on important ideas is more crucial than immediate profits.
  2. Some content creators are worried that opinions they shared before might not be as impactful now. It's important to think about how the audience's reception might change.
  3. Criticism of major sports media has shifted, but some believe there are still important, undisclosed issues that deserve attention. Recognizing the change in discussions around sports can help maintain a unique perspective.

Welcome to Oceania

Disaffected Newsletter • 819 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Entertainment Current Events Commentary Humor
  1. Apple released a strange commercial featuring an angry Mother Nature character who confronts corporate leaders, which some people found awkward and uncomfortable.
  2. President Biden struggled during a speech in Vietnam and made funny but confusing remarks that raised concerns about his readiness to lead.
  3. In Canada, some classic books are being removed from schools for inclusivity reasons, leading to strong reactions, including a heated argument at a school board meeting.

Disaffected, Episode 150: December 16, 2023

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment Media Culture Commentary Humor
  1. The latest Christmas video from Dr. Jill Biden has a bizarre and quirky theme, featuring strange visuals and dance routines. It aims to be entertaining, but many find it perplexing.
  2. A story is shared about a problematic community theater diva whose actions caused chaos in her community. In the end, her behavior caught up with her, leading to negative consequences.
  3. The episode also humorously critiques various cultural topics, including stereotypes and products, showcasing a playful tone throughout the discussion.

Happy 4th of July

Science Forever • 258 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🔬 Science News Research Commentary
  1. News, Research, and Commentary are key areas in the Science journals, each with its unique approach.
  2. Editors for News are independent to maintain reporting integrity, while subject experts handle Research papers.
  3. In Commentary, individual authors share their opinions, distinct from editorial decisions on research papers.

Current list of posts from Maurice Nicoll, Commentary, Vol. 1

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Commentary Reading club Self-Observation Conscience
  1. The post shares a list of current posts from Maurice Nicoll's Commentary, Vol. 1 on journalgurdjieffstudies.substack.com, with a focus on self-observation and inner work
  2. There are multiple entries discussing various aspects like additional means of self-observation, work on oneself, the concept of conscience in the work, and thoughts on self-remembering
  3. Each post contains a brief description and a link to read the full story, providing readers with a comprehensive exploration of Nicoll's writings and insights

Piers Morgan vs. John Mearsheimer

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📰 News Interview Conflict Commentary
  1. John Mearsheimer appeared on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored' for an interview discussing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the Julian Assange case.
  2. The interview covered various subjects beyond the wars, showing a range of topics addressed.
  3. Piers Morgan and John Mearsheimer engaged in a significant and detailed conversation on current events and international issues.

Will our children even understand this ad?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 10
🎾 Sports Soccer Commentary Strategy Culture
  1. Soccer commentators are refreshingly honest and openly discuss players' performance, unlike many American sports announcers. It's nice to hear them call the game like fans would, without worrying about offending anyone.
  2. American sports have issues like stopping the game for fouls, which leads to whining. In soccer and rugby, players need to keep moving, so there's less time to complain and more focus on playing.
  3. Kick strategy in soccer puzzles some people. Goalkeepers often kick far down the field, which sometimes leads to losing possession, but it can put the team in a better attacking position if done right.

Madness, ctd.

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 11
🎾 Sports Basketball Tournaments Broadcasting Commentary Television
  1. The author is frustrated with the way sports broadcasts name locations during tournaments. It seems like the naming has become absurd and unnecessary.
  2. There is a prediction that the following year's tournament won't have the same confusing naming style.
  3. The tone suggests a lighthearted but critical view on how sports media can sometimes overcomplicate simple things.