The hottest Criticism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Northanger Abbey and the critics

The Common Reader • 1736 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Jane Austen's novels, especially Northanger Abbey, are admired for their ability to depict ordinary people and their lives in interesting ways. Readers often see familiar characters that reflect their own experiences.
  2. Critics from the past recognized Austen's talent for keen observation and humor, appreciating her portrayal of society without resorting to harsh satire. They felt her writing was relatable and insightful.
  3. Northanger Abbey was initially seen as simply about a young girl's story, but over time, it has gained recognition for its deeper themes and was eventually regarded as one of Austen's best works.

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 Criticism
  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.

2024 in Review

Freddie deBoer • 4331 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

‘Eddington’ Remembers When We All Lost Our Minds

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1377 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. People reacted strongly during the pandemic, often leading to conflicts over issues like mask-wearing. Even in places with mild restrictions, tensions were high between different groups.
  2. In different parts of the country, the reactions to the pandemic varied greatly, with some expressing extreme views and others feeling frustrated by the response. It shows how divided opinions can lead to chaotic situations.
  3. The events of the past five years highlighted how quickly people can lose their composure and how societal pressures can bring out intense emotions. The cultural responses were different across regions, reflecting broader political divides.
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Will people enjoy AI art?

The Common Reader • 1382 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Criticism
  1. AI art could become popular if it keeps getting better. People have enjoyed machine-made art before, so there's a chance they’ll like it now.
  2. Art has changed with technology many times before. Just like past mechanical art, AI art might also find a place in people's hearts.
  3. People might value AI art for different reasons, like connecting with emotions or memories. If it becomes unique to each person, it can still feel special.

Nothing is Ever Lamar Jackson's Fault

Freddie deBoer • 3558 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Criticism
  1. Lamar Jackson is a great quarterback but often gets excused for his poor performances in important games. Many in the media seem to overlook his mistakes while criticizing other quarterbacks more harshly.
  2. Some people defend Jackson by pointing to others' mistakes in games, but they ignore that a quarterback's turnovers are significant in losing. It's not fair to just blame teammates when the QB makes big errors.
  3. Using playoff wins to judge quarterbacks is tricky. If Jackson played like others, he would face more criticism. Fairness in criticism should apply to all players, regardless of their race or past achievements.

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

Glenn Loury • 3551 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criticism
  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.

Here are the Substacks You Should Read

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Comedy Distant is a sharp, darkly funny satire newsletter that skewers improv and workplace culture with wicked wit, filling a rare comedy niche on Substack.
  2. big reader bad grades mixes memoir and literary reportage in a distinctive numbered format, offering poignant and often funny reflections from life as a grocery-store clerk and a singular novelist’s perspective.
  3. Cross Current delivers deep, wide-ranging cultural and political essays that weave history, media, and ideas together, pushing readers beyond simple left‑versus‑right debates and rewarding slow, thoughtful reading.

What We've Lost in Music Criticism

Freddie deBoer • 8787 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎶 Music Criticism
  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.

"Virginia Doesn't Care"

Range Widely • 1847 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  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 Criticism
  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.

Year in review, 2024

The Common Reader • 2799 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  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.

On the Ontology of Poems

Orbis Tertius • 71 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Poetry is better defined by its power to evoke meanings beyond the literal words, not just by meter or line breaks, so strict formal definitions are often inadequate.
  2. Context and how a work is labeled strongly shape how we read it, but calling anything a poem simply because someone treats it that way can make the word lose useful meaning.
  3. The idea of poetry is a human-made concept and can be flexible, yet it’s still valuable to keep some distinctions—prose can be equally noble and shouldn’t be automatically subsumed by broad claims about poetry.

What Movie Are We In?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The country is portrayed as a dystopian spectacle where powerful elites are consolidating control and everyday life keeps going despite a deeper, worsening political decay.
  2. Media and tech consolidation is turning major outlets toward state-friendly propaganda, and there's a growing push to weaponize AI for surveillance and warfare.
  3. The Epstein saga and the removal of investigative files suggest deep corruption and possible cover-ups that protect the powerful and silence victims.

Colbert and the slow death of dissent

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 855 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Colbert's performance on _The Colbert Report_ was truly exceptional and demanding, showcasing his skills as a solo performer. He was known for his sharp wit and ability to improvise brilliantly in front of the audience.
  2. His memorable appearance at the White House Correspondents Dinner, where he directly mocked the president, is still talked about today and highlights his fearless approach to comedy.
  3. Colbert's transition to CBS raised questions about whether it was driven by financial reasons or a desire for political correctness, especially since his comedy often criticized powerful figures and institutions.

Stop Using Fiction to Push Politics

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  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.

Context Collapse is a very bad poem.

The Common Reader • 2657 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  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.

Boswell as Lydia Davis?

The Common Reader • 921 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Goldsmith wanted to impress everyone at the table but kept getting interrupted, which made him feel frustrated. It's relatable to feel that way in a group setting.
  2. The writing captures strong emotions and social dynamics, making it feel more like a story than just a recounting of events. This shows how powerful storytelling can be in non-fiction.
  3. A small moment from history can offer deep insights into people's feelings and behaviors. It’s interesting how this can resemble the style of modern writers like Lydia Davis.

The Muddy Schadenfreude of Burning Man

In the Flash • 1958 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  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.

Be Nice....Or Else!!!!

Mental Hellth • 1395 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Compulsory niceness can stifle criticism and meaningful discussion.
  2. Being kind is important, but it's also essential to question and critique when needed.
  3. Philanthropy and charitable acts can sometimes mask systemic issues and lack public accountability.

Tyler Cowen: Does AI Make Us Stupid?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 774 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Criticism
  1. Using AI tools like ChatGPT can make some tasks easier but may reduce our ability to think deeply. It's similar to how relying on GPS makes people less familiar with routes.
  2. A new research paper suggests that using AI could lower our cognitive effort for tasks, leading to concerns about long-term thinking skills.
  3. Despite the fears about AI making us 'stupid,' the writer believes we're not in a worse situation than before—just be aware of how we use these tools.

Nick Wright and the Shameless Clown Industry

Freddie deBoer • 4857 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Criticism
  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 Matter of Taste

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1792 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  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.

Poor Things and Past Lives

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Busted: Substack Plagiarism and The Matthew Effect

OK Doomer • 506 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Plagiarism can lead to unfair advantages, allowing some to succeed without real effort. It's sad to see those who cheat go unpunished, while others work hard and struggle.
  2. Real writing takes a lot of effort and dedication, often under tough circumstances. It's frustrating when someone reaps the rewards without putting in the work.
  3. Mindfulness and personal growth should include facing tough issues in the world. Ignoring real problems while promoting self-improvement is misleading and can feel inauthentic.

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

the process • 805 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. It's important to be proud of your work and accomplishments.
  2. Cultural perspectives on pride can vary, influencing how people perceive it.
  3. Being proud of your writing is essential to navigate the challenges and setbacks in a writing career.

Problematic

kamilkazani • 628 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  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.

Is Your Worldbuilding Up To Code?

Counter Craft • 530 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Worldbuilding can be done in many different ways, and it's not just about strict rules. Writers should feel free to explore and be creative instead of sticking to one method.
  2. Focusing too much on worldbuilding can cause writers to spend so much time planning that they forget to actually write their stories.
  3. There's a rich history of different storytelling styles that offer unique ways to create worlds, such as surrealism and magical realism, which don't fit into the rigid rules of typical worldbuilding.

Culture of Criticism

thestoa • 471 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Criticism
  1. Creating publicly online may lead to facing criticism, insults, and negative judgments.
  2. Having protocols to handle online criticism is important for emotional well-being and response strategies.
  3. Engaging with constructive criticism and developing a taxonomy of judgmental feedback can aid in intellectual and moral growth.

They do build statues of critics

rachaelmeager • 376 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  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.

“I am the century’s decay”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 432 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Julia Ostrowski is a new poet whose work reflects on the challenges of being a contemporary poet, especially while dealing with personal relationships and societal issues.
  2. Her poems touch on deep feelings and themes of decay, love, and history, showing a connection to the past while addressing current struggles.
  3. The discussion around 'contemporary poetry' suggests that it's often misunderstood and that poetry is a way of expressing rich meanings rather than just simple emotions.