The hottest Criticism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

When Bad People Make Good Art

The Honest Broker • 18551 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Criticism Entertainment Media
  1. It's tough to enjoy art when you know the artist has done bad things. People often wonder if listening to music or watching movies means they support those bad actions.
  2. There's a lot of gray area in cancel culture. Sometimes it's hard to decide if we should stop enjoying a particular artist because of their past, and it can feel overwhelming to investigate all the claims.
  3. The impact of one artist on a larger group, like a band or a film crew, complicates the issue further. Should everyone be punished if one person does something wrong?

Year in review, 2024

The Common Reader • 2764 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Criticism Media Publishing
  1. Subscriber numbers more than doubled from 7,440 to 16,068 in a year, showing strong growth. Thanks to everyone for reading!
  2. The book 'Second Act' received positive reviews from well-known publications, highlighting its appeal to late bloomers seeking success.
  3. Popular topics on The Common Reader included essays on literary criticism and cultural commentary, reflecting a mix of interests among readers.

Friendly And Hostile Analogies For Taste

Astral Codex Ten • 19615 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Taste Fashion Aesthetics Criticism
  1. Taste in art can feel very subjective, with many believing that what they like is good while critics might argue otherwise. It's confusing when different groups don't agree on what is 'good' art.
  2. Just like there are fashion rules that people follow, there are also rules for taste that might seem arbitrary. Sometimes, these rules change quickly, and what's considered 'good' or 'bad' can shift over time.
  3. People often feel a strong reaction to art or style they dislike, similar to how some think bad grammar is wrong. This suggests that our sense of taste might be more about learned reactions than fixed truths.

The Innocent And The Beautiful Have No Enemy But Time

Astral Codex Ten • 12526 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Fiction Philosophy Criticism
  1. Time is the only true enemy of those who are innocent and beautiful. It can take away love and youth.
  2. Embracing simplicity and purity brings happiness, even if it seems fragile. Pure intentions often face challenges.
  3. Beauty and innocence should be cherished, as they stand out in a complex world. They may be vulnerable, but they are worth protecting.

2024 in Review

Freddie deBoer • 4331 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Media Youth Trends Society Criticism
  1. The 'brat' meme seemed to be more popular with older generations, and it might not really reflect what younger people actually enjoy or connect with.
  2. Many people in media feel pressured to stay relevant and youthful, leading them to embrace trends like 'brat' to seem more in touch.
  3. There's a growing disconnect where older writers might misinterpret the interests of younger audiences, wanting to feel young themselves through cultural phenomena.
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A Matter of Taste

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1792 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Aesthetics Taste Criticism Philosophy
  1. Taste can be compared to grammar, meaning that there are rules and structures to follow within different contexts. You can appreciate different kinds of taste, similar to how you can master varied languages or styles.
  2. Sometimes, taste seems like a competition to stay trendy or relevant. There are instances where people's taste can be influenced by social status or group preferences, rather than genuine appreciation.
  3. It's important to appreciate both high-quality and low-quality things. Having taste doesn't mean you should dismiss simpler pleasures; learning to enjoy a range of experiences can be enriching.

Christmas, science, context, suicide, E.B. White, Bear, Piranesi, James, reading, epigraphs?, Murdoch, selfish, X, smells, Potter, gpt philosophy, PhD, rating Austen, American fantasy?, Art job

The Common Reader • 992 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Criticism Poetry Literary theory
  1. Ben Jonson played a role in shaping the modern concept of Father Christmas, but it's unclear if he truly invented the character. He helped create the idea of a cheerful, fatherly figure for the holiday season.
  2. Critics argue that the scientific study of literature can't fully capture its value, suggesting that some truths about reading can't be easily tested. This raises questions about the reliability of many academic studies in this field.
  3. The review of 'Context Collapse' highlights its complex writing style and the author's impressive range of knowledge. While the book might feel like a mix of random facts, it aims to convey deeper insights through its collage-like structure.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 277 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Criticism
  1. The week features a selection of interesting articles to read. It's a great way to catch up on new ideas and perspectives.
  2. There's an option for a 7-day free trial to access more content. This lets people explore more without any initial cost.
  3. You can easily share the top reads with friends. Sharing is a good way to discuss things you find valuable or thought-provoking.

Maxims Vol.3

Heir to the Thought • 99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Prose Criticism Philosophy
  1. Mistakes are part of learning, but aim to make ones that you can learn from more than once. It's about improving rather than being perfect.
  2. True journalism supports freedom, but vanity can make journalists act against it. Being genuine can help you find a path to liberty.
  3. Grace is important in life. It's a powerful quality that everyone should try to create and share with others regularly.

Shorter Writing is Not Better Writing: An Argumentative Treatise

Freddie deBoer • 8694 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Criticism Essays Narrative Style
  1. Short writing isn't always better writing. Sometimes, longer pieces can explain complex ideas better than short ones.
  2. The push for brevity in writing often leads to dull and similar-sounding work. Good writing should capture unique voices and ideas without fear of being too lengthy.
  3. Many writers feel pressured to write short because of trends, not because it's the best way to express their thoughts. Confidence in one's own style is important.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 1/1/2025

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 211 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books Authors Criticism Ideas Theory
  1. Books that challenge the norm can change how we think. Authors who present radical ideas might be dismissed but can spark new creativity.
  2. Parents often believe their choices greatly affect their children's outcomes, but many outcomes are influenced more by genetics and chance than parenting styles.
  3. Science evolves as new discoveries are made. Historical theories can be amazing, but modern techniques allow us to understand life in greater detail than ever before.

Context Collapse is a very bad poem.

The Common Reader • 2657 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Criticism Modernism Literary theory Historical context
  1. The poem _Context Collapse_ lacks real poetic qualities, reading more like flat prose than verse. It doesn't have rhythm or flow, making it hard to see it as true poetry.
  2. Many lines in the poem are filled with clichés and tired phrases, which stifle creativity. The use of overly familiar language takes away from any potential wit or originality.
  3. The poem seems to take itself too seriously despite claiming to be a 'mock-academic' work. It ends up being more of a pastiche than a clever commentary.

Cooper Flagg Should Sue The Guardian For Premeditated Offense Archaeology

Singal-Minded • 761 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Media Criticism Culture Athletes
  1. Cooper Flagg is a talented basketball player heading to the NBA draft, which is notable since American-born white players are rare at that level. This makes him a subject of unique interest.
  2. The article about him tries to link his potential impact on basketball to another player, Caitlin Clark, but fails to explain why he is considered 'discourse-breaking'.
  3. The writer seems to be digging for offense in the article where there may not be much, raising questions about the need to politicize college basketball through Flagg's story.

Poetry as contemplation

Silentium • 299 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Fiction Non-fiction Criticism
  1. Poetry can be a way to find peace and quiet in a noisy world. It encourages us to slow down and reflect on our thoughts.
  2. Engaging with poetry allows for deeper contemplation and understanding of our feelings. It can help us connect with ourselves in a meaningful way.
  3. Taking time for poetry can improve our mental well-being. It offers a gentle escape and can be a source of comfort and inspiration.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 297 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Criticism Reviews
  1. You can find a list of popular articles to read each week. It's a great way to discover new topics and ideas.
  2. There’s an option to subscribe for a free trial to access more articles. This allows you to see if you like the content before committing.
  3. The site has a focus on specific interests, making it easier to find related information you care about. It's like having a personalized reading list.

Unstylish style in Vanity Fair.

The Common Reader • 956 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📚 Literature Prose Writing Style Criticism Authors
  1. There is a difference between 'style' and 'stylish'. Style is about how someone expresses themselves, while stylish means following trends or being fashionable.
  2. William Shakespeare, for example, has a diverse range of styles but isn't necessarily considered stylish because he doesn't conform to any one fashionable way of writing.
  3. Modern writers are often seen as stylish because they write in a polished manner, but not all styles, even if they are complex or intricate, are considered stylish.

The Biography Bots are Back

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 615 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📚 Literature Biographies AI writing Publishing Criticism
  1. Authors often check their names online to manage their reputation and prevent other products from hijacking their name. It's important for them to stay aware, especially around book release dates.
  2. AI-created biographies often contain inaccuracies and may read like generic content. Many times, they lack the personal touch and detail that a real biography should have.
  3. Despite the rise of AI, there's still a significant difference in quality between AI and human-written works. Original and creative writers can still stand out and have value that AI can't replicate.

Curator

Castalia • 1758 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Publishing Art Criticism Society
  1. Literary writing should introduce new ideas, provide honest experiences, or unleash creativity. Unfortunately, much of what's out there feels repetitive and lacks depth.
  2. There's a growing disconnect between writers and publishers, as publishers often prioritize profits over the integrity of literary work. This leads to a system that might not serve those truly passionate about literature.
  3. The publishing industry is shifting, and some men feel left out of the conversation. It's essential to remember that literature should be about artistic expression, not just political representation.

The Troll School of Literature

Castalia • 2238 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
📚 Literature Criticism Publishing Fiction Reviews Cultural Commentary
  1. Some writers gain fame not for their talent, but for the buzz around them. This can help their books sell, even if the writing isn't good.
  2. Reviews can sometimes fail to criticize bad books, making it harder for readers to know what's worthwhile. Honest reviews are important to point out what really matters.
  3. The idea of just getting attention, regardless of quality, can overshadow real literary talent. It’s easy for readers to get caught up in the hype instead of seeking out good literature.

Coriolanus, literary theory, bad fiction, literary utility, Grimms, shelves, Public humanities, dead novels, fictional therapy, Where is our Milton of the space age?, Austen's sisters, AI art

The Common Reader • 992 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Literary theory Fiction Classics Criticism
  1. Coriolanus explores how personal feelings and actions can influence society and politics. It's a reminder that we all share responsibility for the outcomes in our communities.
  2. Literary theory can be complex and off-putting, but it's important to differentiate between good criticism and jargon-heavy theory. Not all literary discussions need to be dense or confusing.
  3. New Historicism focuses heavily on the historical context of literature, which may lead to interpretations that ignore the text itself. It's important to balance historical insights with a direct reading of the literature.

REPOST: I Will Remove All My Content From Spotify if They Continue to Platform "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎶 Music Artists Content Platforms Censorship Criticism
  1. The author expresses strong dislike for Paul McCartney's song 'Wonderful Christmastime', claiming it's a terrible piece of music. They feel it negatively impacts their enjoyment of the holiday season.
  2. They argue that by continuing to include this song, Spotify is being complicit in promoting bad music. The author believes a choice must be made between their content and the song.
  3. Despite loving The Beatles, the author finds it disappointing that McCartney created such a song. They hope to disassociate themselves from 'Wonderful Christmastime' out of personal conviction.

Cases of Phobokenosis

The Lifeboat • 172 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Criticism Surrealism Psychological Dark humor
  1. Fear and fearlessness seem very different, but they are connected. Fearlessness can come from realizing that being afraid doesn’t help us in the end.
  2. In modern society, fear is often overlooked or normalized. The way we interact with fear can change how we live our lives.
  3. The concept of social criticism has lost its power. Today, it often feels like just entertainment rather than a meaningful discussion about important issues.

Channeling Gore Vidal in a James Bond Book

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 35 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Criticism Books Authors
  1. The book 'Forever and a Day' has exciting scenes that build tension and keep the reader engaged, including moments where the characters share their backstories.
  2. The story provides a unique perspective on World War II, suggesting a critical view of American involvement and its consequences.
  3. The author, Anthony Horowitz, weaves in political commentary, showing how fictional characters can reflect real-world issues and beliefs.

Weighing in on Casey Newton's "AI is fake and sucks" debate

The Future, Now and Then • 237 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Skepticism Innovation Criticism Tech Ethics
  1. AI is real, but there's a lot of hype around it. It's important to be skeptical and not just believe everything that's promised.
  2. Critics of AI might have valid concerns even if they sometimes say things that sound extreme. Their worries come from seeing the tech's limitations and potential dangers.
  3. When tech leaders make big promises about AI, we should be cautious. Just because some progress has been made doesn't mean all their predictions will come true.

The Invisible Force Blocking Your Creativity

Changing The Channel • 6039 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity Self-doubt Criticism Mental health
  1. Resistance is an invisible force that aims to prevent us from pursuing our deepest desires and goals.
  2. Procrastination is a common manifestation of Resistance and serves as an easy way to rationalize avoiding our work.
  3. Critics and naysayers, including those close to us, may stem from their own fears and insecurities, projecting them onto our creative endeavors.

What We've Lost in Music Criticism

Freddie deBoer • 8787 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎶 Music Criticism Pop Rock Diversity
  1. Indie rock no longer exists in 2024, with no cool clubs or scene left to produce new albums, showing a cultural shift away from 'indie' music.
  2. The embrace of poptimism in music criticism led to a shift towards conformity and popular music elevation, changing the role of the critic from highlighting underappreciated music to reassuring popular tastes.
  3. Music criticism has lost its diversity and focus on challenging artistic expressions due to the dominance of poptimism, impacting the vibrancy and depth of music discussions.

What are you all reading?

Men Yell at Me • 207 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Journalism Discussion Criticism
  1. Mainstream media like CNN and The New York Times are becoming echo chambers, making it harder to find diverse viewpoints. It's important to seek out different sources for a fuller understanding of the news.
  2. Despite challenges in the media industry, good journalism still exists. However, many stories that can positively impact the world are less likely to be published by traditional outlets.
  3. It's valuable to share and explore new media that excites you. Finding and supporting independent journalists and stories can help create a better media landscape.

"Were I a writer, and dead..."

Five’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
📚 Literature Criticism Theory Biography
  1. The idea of the 'death of the author' suggests that the author's intentions shouldn't dictate how we understand their work. Instead, we should focus on the text itself and what it communicates.
  2. Experiencing literary theory can be overwhelming and exciting, especially for students. It often opens the door to new questions and perspectives that challenge previous understanding.
  3. Roland Barthes encourages readers to think about the little details in life. Even small aspects, like a mark on someone's shoe, can carry deeper meanings and connections.

Election Links

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Economics Policy Criticism
  1. Elections are needed for people to give up power, but they often lead to fear and anger, making them tough to navigate. It can feel like a necessary evil.
  2. Mainstream economists are worried that neither candidate is addressing serious economic issues, like the future of Social Security and Medicare. It's frustrating when major problems aren't talked about honestly.
  3. Critics say some proposals, like expanding Medicare or helping first-time homebuyers, could actually lead to higher costs for everyone. Policies might sound good but can have unexpected negative effects in the long run.

Nick Wright and the Shameless Clown Industry

Freddie deBoer • 4857 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Media Athletes Criticism Fans Industry
  1. Sports media can sometimes be toxic with aimless shouting and pointless provocations.
  2. Nick Wright exemplifies how sports media can corrupt individuals, where his persona often overshadows his potential thoughtful side.
  3. Wright's obsessive criticism and cruelty towards athletes, like Josh Allen and Nikola Jokic, stems from personal biases and a lack of accountability in the sports media industry.

Revisiting Renata

Vague Blue • 958 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Criticism Journalism Ethics Politics
  1. Renata Adler's writing focuses on critical acuity and a strong ethical use of language
  2. Renata Adler's work emphasizes the importance of maintaining distinctions and avoiding polarization in discussions of violence and ethics
  3. Adler's nonfiction stands out for its searing righteousness, honesty, and fearless exploration of truth amidst a backdrop of cultural and political complexities

The Tyranny of 'Just'

The J. Burden Show • 2376 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Heroism Discussion Criticism History Philosophy
  1. The phrase 'just' is used to diminish aspirations and heroes, promoting a sense of mediocrity and weakening the idea of heroism in modern society.
  2. Current narratives often focus on highlighting the flaws of historical figures and heroes to degrade their legacy and virtues, rather than showcasing them as examples to be admired and followed.
  3. The concept of 'just' contributes to a culture that belittles heroic actions, leading to a society that discourages bravery and valor, instead fostering a mentality of cynicism and self-deprecation.

Daily Show Creator Freaks Out Over Gutfeld Ratings, But Says Audience is 'Gross' Anyway.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 3026 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Comedy Criticism Celebrity
  1. The Daily Show creator expressed strong negative feelings towards Greg Gutfeld's ratings and his audience.
  2. The creator's remarks were filled with profanity and elitism, criticizing Gutfeld's humor and his viewers.
  3. Despite criticizing others, the creator's own dietary habits were revealed to include indulgence in unhealthy foods.

Trust the Critic?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Criticism Publishing Fiction Cultural Commentary
  1. There is less honest criticism of books because many critics are now freelancers and also writers. This makes them less likely to be negative about new books that could affect their own careers.
  2. Critics used to challenge well-known authors more freely and offer varied opinions, but now they often just give praise without saying what's really bad about a book. This makes it hard for readers to know which novels are really worth their time.
  3. New platforms like Substack are giving space to honest voices in criticism. This shift could bring back more genuine discussions about literature instead of the bland, safe reviews we often see now.

What Florida Is (and Isn't) Teaching Students about Slavery

Glenn Loury • 3551 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Slavery Criticism History Racism
  1. The Florida Board of Education's guidelines for teaching African American history include lessons on the Underground Railroad, slave rebellions, and the harsh realities of chattel slavery.
  2. The controversy on the Florida curriculum involves a debate between emphasizing victimization or acknowledging the agency of enslaved individuals.
  3. Some researchers argue that recognizing the agency of enslaved blacks does not downplay the inhumane aspects of slavery and can provide a more nuanced understanding of their experiences.

The Difference Between Republicans And Democrats

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1788 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Parties Policies Imperialism Leadership Criticism
  1. The difference between Republicans and Democrats lies in how they are perceived when supporting or backing certain actions - Republicans are seen as evil with evil reasons, while Democrats are viewed as having noble humanitarian reasons in spite of their actions.
  2. Republicans and Democrats differ in the ways they support certain agendas - Republicans use right-wing language to argue, while Democrats use left-wing language, even as they support wars, militarism, capitalism, and oppression.
  3. Republicans and Democrats vary in their approach towards global conflicts and issues - Republicans tend towards wars with China, while Democrats lean towards conflicts with Russia; they also differ in the perceptions of civilian casualties during their administrations.