The hottest Criticism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

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.

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.

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.

A Luminous, Brave, and Unputdownable Article about Blurbs

Counter Craft • 470 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing Books Writing Authors Criticism
  1. Blurbs, or quotes of praise on book covers, are often seen as necessary but can be annoying to writers and readers alike. They take up a lot of time and often sound overly exaggerated.
  2. While blurbs can be helpful in promoting books, especially for authors who are just starting out, there's a growing conversation about their relevance. Some believe they may not be needed at all as readers can judge books on their own.
  3. To make blurbing better, suggestions include limiting the number of blurbs per book, avoiding requests for manuscripts that haven't sold yet, and stopping requests from already successful authors, letting newer voices shine instead.

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.
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"Virginia Doesn't Care"

Range Widely • 1847 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
📚 Literature Authorship Criticism Research Diaries Books
  1. Virginia Woolf persevered through criticism and self-doubt to publish multiple books.
  2. Virginia Woolf's ability to care deeply about her core project made criticism seem less significant.
  3. Drawing inspiration from Virginia Woolf, one can channel inner strength to overcome challenges in pursuing important projects.

Choosing Consideration, Not Consumption

The Biblioracle Recommends • 1179 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Criticism Authors Fiction Reading
  1. Arts criticism is becoming less important in our day-to-day lives due to algorithms taking over the role of critics.
  2. Criticism plays a role beyond just recommending what to buy; it offers unique perspectives and interpretations.
  3. Subscription platforms like Substack may offer hope for supporting sustainable work, but there are challenges in finding space and audience for new writers.

A Note on Literacy from Brother Martin XoPo

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 345 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reading Writing Publishing Culture Criticism
  1. Literacy is changing in our fast-paced world. It's important to keep up with how people read and share information.
  2. New publications, like The Metropolitan Review, are trying to bring fresh ideas to the boring literary scene. They aim to shake things up and inspire new conversations.
  3. Engaging with technology and machine evolution is crucial for the future of reading. We need to blend the old ways with new innovations to thrive.

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.

Stop Using Fiction to Push Politics

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Narrative Criticism Modernism
  1. When writing stories, it's important to focus on storytelling first. Characters and plots should come alive naturally without feeling forced.
  2. Hemingway's approach shows that exploring deep themes works best when they arise from character experiences, rather than pushing a political agenda.
  3. Readers lose interest if the story feels too political or preachy. Good stories engage emotions and allow ideas to unfold organically.

The Muddy Schadenfreude of Burning Man

In the Flash • 1958 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Events Art Opinion Criticism Entertainment
  1. There is a collective backlash against Burning Man due to global warming leading to muddy conditions, criticized by journalists and intellectuals.
  2. Burning Man is not just about drugs and orgies; it also features art installations, interactive experiences, and a sense of wonder.
  3. Despite criticisms, Burning Man offers an escape from daily life, a space for freedom, creativity, and a reset from societal norms.

Kanye, Deranged Penguin

The Carousel • 8 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Mental health Criticism Social Issues
  1. Kanye West challenges people’s views on mental illness. Some believe his behavior is a result of mental health issues, while others think he uses it to provoke reactions.
  2. The loudest critics of Kanye often struggle with his different approach to expressing himself. His actions can make people uncomfortable, leading to a conflict between their beliefs and reactions.
  3. Some people see artists like Kanye as outsiders who break the rules of society. This outsider perspective can lead to creative and unexpected ideas, even if it seems strange to others.

Poor Things and Past Lives

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Arts Society Criticism
  1. The movie 'Poor Things' explores female sexuality in a bold and open way. It shows the journey of a woman named Bella as she navigates her desires and experiences self-discovery through various relationships.
  2. In contrast, 'Past Lives' is seen as a less engaging film. It presents a story about characters who struggle to make meaningful connections, feeling lost in their choices and societal expectations.
  3. Both films address the complexities of relationships, but 'Poor Things' does so with more depth, highlighting the challenges women face in their journey, while 'Past Lives' feels flat and fails to invoke much emotion.

Bookish words,& their surprising stories

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 May 25
📚 Literature Writing Books Reading Language Criticism
  1. Reading around a subject can deepen your understanding, even if it doesn’t directly relate to what you're studying. For example, exploring historical or literary contexts can provide valuable insights.
  2. The book 'Bookish Words' explains the origins and meanings of certain words and phrases that we often use. It makes learning about words fun and interesting.
  3. 'Bookish Words' is short and easy to dip into whenever you want to know more about language. It can also be a neat reference for impressing friends with your word knowledge.

Problematic

kamilkazani • 628 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Language Communication Society Criticism Analysis
  1. Using the word 'problematic' in speech can be a powerful status signaling tool.
  2. The word 'problematic' is versatile, conveying nuance, sophistication, and a passive-aggressive tone.
  3. Avoid adding specific details when calling something 'problematic' to prevent an easy escape route for the accused.

They do build statues of critics

rachaelmeager • 376 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Criticism Film Literature Media
  1. Critics play an important role in helping us understand art better. They can explain themes, context, and why certain works resonate or fail.
  2. It's okay to dislike a popular artist or piece of art. Sharing these feelings can help others who feel the same way find connection and validation.
  3. Art criticism isn't just negative; it's an essential part of our culture. It helps guide audiences in their experiences and understanding of art.

It’s Oscar Night!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1507 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Reviews Criticism Romance Drama
  1. The Oscars ceremony might not be highly anticipated, but the lineup of movies competing for Best Picture is impressive.
  2. The movie 'American Fiction' provides a satirical take on identity politics in the context of a black writer's success with writing cliched storylines.
  3. In 'Oppenheimer,' director Christopher Nolan uses a unique structure to showcase the creation of the atomic bomb and the interplay of fusion and fission processes.

I want more people to read books. I also want to be able to call a bad book a bad book

Christopher’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books Criticism Reading Genres Cultural Discourse
  1. More people should read books to appreciate different styles and genres. Reading can open up new ideas and experiences for everyone.
  2. It's okay to have different opinions about books, even if some people love them. Being able to say a book is bad doesn't mean you're elitist; it's just preference.
  3. Friendly debates about books help create a healthy discussion around literature. Everyone should feel free to express their views and enjoy talking about their favorites.

Big Media Wish Kennedy Oblivion and Death

husseini • 864 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Campaigns Speech Criticism Vaccines
  1. Kennedy highlighted not wanting the Democratic party to represent fear, pharma, war, and censorship.
  2. Mainstream media portrayed Kennedy's speech negatively and focused on specific topics like vaccines instead of the broader issues he addressed.
  3. Despite the media coverage, Kennedy's speech raised important topics like the collusion of state and business, war, racism, and our relationship with nature.

Media malpractice by The Washington Post and ABC News

The Signorile Report • 1019 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📰 News Media Polling Journalism Criticism Election
  1. The Washington Post and ABC News published a flawed poll showing Trump leading Biden by 10 points, which was widely criticized and eventually disappeared from the Post homepage.
  2. Media organizations have a responsibility to provide accurate and reliable information, especially when conducting polls in a climate of misinformation and conspiracy theories.
  3. The methodology flaws in the poll, such as an unusual mix of respondents and misaligned results compared to other polls, highlighted the media malpractice in presenting and defending problematic data.

a lifelong partnership | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Criticism Prose
  1. Long-term relationships often carry a sense of stability and permanence. It's nice to grow old together and reflect on life's journey.
  2. As couples age, they start to ponder deeper questions about their lives. They might think more about what really matters to them.
  3. Even after many years, love can feel fresh and impactful. The bond formed can leave lasting impressions, like a swan gliding gracefully on water.

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.

Did Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais really sink to new depths?

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1568 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Social media Activism Criticism
  1. Critics say Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais' new specials are punching down, not insightful or funny.
  2. The target of their jokes may not be the marginalized groups they seem to mock, but those who display moral superiority online.
  3. Social media outrage often simplifies complex issues, but there can be funny jokes about anyone as long as they're thoughtful and original.

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.

Barbie and Killers of the Flower Moon

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film Aesthetics Feminism History Criticism
  1. The movie 'Barbie' is all about world-building and creativity. It mixes different genres and offers a fun view on feminism, showing that it's not just about power, but also understanding emotions and relationships.
  2. In contrast, 'Killers of the Flower Moon' focuses on the dark side of American history. It tells a sad story about greed and racism, showcasing how these forces affected the Osage people and their lives.
  3. Both films represent different styles of storytelling. 'Barbie' uses imagination and humor, while 'Killers of the Flower Moon' highlights serious historical themes, inviting viewers to think deeply about America’s past.