The hottest Cultural Change Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

From a former liberal lunatic

Disaffected Newsletter • 4296 implied HN points • 19 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Beliefs Cultural Change Psychology Identity politics Political polarization
  1. People can become deeply attached to their beliefs because of strong emotions rather than logic. Emotional experiences often shape our views more than facts do.
  2. A major life crisis can sometimes lead to a change in thinking. It might take hitting 'rock bottom' for someone to reevaluate and shift their perspectives.
  3. Understanding that some people's moral compass is deeply misaligned can help you see why they hold certain beliefs. They might genuinely think they are doing the right thing.

How China Is Like the 19th Century U.S.

Construction Physics • 38624 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💾 History Economic Growth Urbanization Manufacturing Cultural Change Social Dynamics
  1. Both China and the U.S. experienced rapid economic growth during their respective Gilded Ages. This growth transformed them into major manufacturing powers with urbanization and infrastructure development.
  2. As both countries industrialized, they saw a significant shift from farming to manufacturing jobs. This change created vast new opportunities for individuals and fostered a culture of ambition and entrepreneurship.
  3. In both nations, a wave of corruption and scams emerged alongside economic growth, leading to significant social and legal reforms aimed at improving conditions and regulating businesses.

America, the beautiful

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 3020 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Cultural Change Social Issues Optimism
  1. America has many problems, but it remains a place full of opportunities and hope. Many people still believe in the American Dream and work hard to achieve it.
  2. Even in tough situations, people show resilience and optimism. Stories of individuals striving for better lives highlight the strength of the human spirit.
  3. Despite its challenges, the US provides a sense of community and the chance for people to remake their lives. This idea of transformation is a key part of what makes America special.

We all know Levenshulme’s gentrification story. How true is it?

The Mill • 648 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gentrification Neighborhoods Community Local history Cultural Change
  1. Levenshulme has seen a significant increase in house prices over the past decade, but the population has also grown by 40%, suggesting a more complex narrative than simple gentrification.
  2. The neighborhood of Levenshulme has a history of welcoming new arrivals, from white English people in the 1950s to working-class Irish, Pakistani communities, and later, middle-class residents.
  3. Local residents highlight changes in aesthetics and safety in Levenshulme, with mentions of new businesses like cafes contributing to a 'nicer' look, but also concerns about increasing crime and violence.
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Human culture in the age of machines

The Counterfactual • 79 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Language Technology Media Cultural Change Society
  1. Language can change based on what we read and hear, including the influence of AI like ChatGPT. If more people use certain words from LLMs, those words might become more popular in everyday conversation.
  2. Technology, especially intelligent machines, can shape our culture by creating new ideas and behaviors. This includes changing the way we communicate and even how we think.
  3. The impact of machines on culture could lead to two different futures: one where everything becomes more similar (homogenization), and another where many unique cultures and languages emerge (diversification). Both possibilities pose interesting challenges for our future.

Declining Into Progress

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 315 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Historical Fiction Character development Cultural Change
  1. In the novel 'The Leopard,' the protagonist experiences a turbulent time of change from aristocratic to more egalitarian society.
  2. People often perceive their time as one of societal degradation, but change is inevitable for progress.
  3. The author of 'The Leopard' mirrors the protagonist's sense of foreseeing change, highlighting the transition from old aristocratic norms to the new.

On the Death of Cinema.

Through the Looking Glass • 99 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Film Art Society Media Consumption Cultural Change
  1. Cinema is evolving as an art form, facing challenges with the rise of streaming services and the dilution of visual culture to 'content'.
  2. Auteurs like Martin Scorsese and Susan Sontag criticize the current state of cinema, pointing out the shift from art to transactional 'content'.
  3. The blurring line between cinema and visual content, technological advancements, and changing viewing habits are impacting how we consume and appreciate movies, sparking a need to rediscover the joy and art of cinema.

Culture is now changing smartphones

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Innovation Social Impact Cultural Change Internet Access
  1. Revolutionary technology influences culture initially, but culture eventually shapes the technology back. This phenomenon is evident with smartphones.
  2. Smartphones have evolved to become symbols of social status, impacting social norms and behaviors. They signal different messages based on design features.
  3. Culture has transformed smartphones from mere entertainment or social tools to essential everyday utilities. They are now considered integral to daily life and government may regulate them as they did with public phone access.

Vocabulary, granularity, & terministic screens | LSW#46

The Leading Sapiens Weekly • 1 HN point • 08 Mar 24
🚌 Education Language Neuroscience Cultural Change Learning Techniques Interpretation
  1. Understanding problems as conditions of the game can help navigate workplace challenges more effectively.
  2. Immersion in challenges rather than resistance can enhance performance and freedom in various domains.
  3. Having a rich vocabulary and nuanced understanding can lead to better predictions and responses, benefiting overall effectiveness.