The hottest Cultural Commentary Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

People Play Games Without Knowing It

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 965 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social Dynamics Human behavior Game Theory Psychology Cultural Commentary
  1. People often engage in social dynamics and strategies without realizing it. This can affect how they interact with others.
  2. Competition can lead to people playing games for rewards, but sometimes they keep playing long after it's beneficial to them.
  3. Understanding these hidden games can help people navigate social situations more effectively.

I went to a UFC fight and a Trump rally broke out

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 570 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Public Opinion Cultural Commentary Political Satire Media influence
  1. Attending UFC events can be a wild mix of sports and pop culture, as seen with celebrities and political figures mingling in the crowd. It shows how these events can attract diverse but passionate fans.
  2. The atmosphere at these events often feels like a rally, where many attendees resonate with the performers more than the actual fights. There's a sense of nostalgia among them for a different way of life they want to reclaim.
  3. People seem more interested in the spectacle and camaraderie than the technical aspects of the fights. Fans boo fighters who don’t engage just like they would at a political event, emphasizing their desire for excitement and connection.

Common Sense and Sensibility

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 30 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Publishing Cultural Commentary Creative Writing
  1. A new magazine called 'The Metropolitan Review' has launched, focusing on diverse voices and unique perspectives in literature and criticism.
  2. The goal is to embrace individual writers' styles without enforcing a strict house style, allowing for more creative freedom and expression.
  3. The rise of platforms like Substack shows that there’s a growing wave of fresh, independent writing that can challenge traditional media and engage readers.

Agents, Awards, Taylor Swift, The Day Job, and This Very Thing You Are Reading

Notes from a Small Press • 26 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Awards Cultural Commentary
  1. It’s important for writers to understand the role of agents in the publishing industry. Agents can help negotiate deals and represent a writer's best interests.
  2. Awards can play a big role in a writer's visibility and career. Winning an award can open doors and attract new readers.
  3. It's okay to have other jobs while pursuing writing. Many successful authors started out with a day job before making it big.

Clownfish Carnival

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Media Analysis Social Issues Psychology Cultural Commentary
  1. Some states are changing how we label criminals, calling them 'justice-impacted individuals' instead. This shift might confuse the moral understanding of victims and criminals.
  2. A new NBC documentary called 'Queer Planet' is being discussed, which features people talking about gender and sex. A psychoanalyst will explore what this means for our society.
  3. There's concern about the younger generation lacking proper upbringing or 'home training.' People wonder how this will affect society in the future.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Why Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Nirvana are overrated

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎶 Music Music history Music Criticism Artist analysis Cultural Commentary Live performance
  1. Some popular musicians like Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Nirvana might not be as great as people think. It's okay to have different opinions about music.
  2. Drummers have a unique way of creating many sounds with just a few basic elements, similar to how Taco Bell mixes its ingredients.
  3. The experience of listening to music has changed over time, especially with DJs taking a more prominent role in performances. Now, people often watch the DJ instead of just dancing with each other.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2025-01-06 Mo

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Economic Policy Social Issues Public Opinion Cultural Commentary
  1. Educational approaches should blend economic theories with historical context. This helps students grasp how past events shape current economic systems.
  2. To tackle gender disparities in birth rates, changing perceptions about motherhood and fatherhood is essential. Men need to support women more in their roles both at work and home.
  3. Inflation isn't solely linked to government spending; the Federal Reserve plays a significant role in managing it. Digital and global economic shifts complicate how we analyze these financial factors.

The Meme Fossil Record

Kneeling Bus • 381 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Internet Social media Cultural Commentary
  1. Memes can live on longer than expected, like Hawk Tuah, which has become a part of our culture even as social media changes. People may not forget them easily, showing how our online history keeps coming back.
  2. The blending of natural and manmade elements, like plastiglomerate, reflects how our digital content also mixes elements from the past and present. This process creates a new kind of cultural landscape shaped by everything that has come before.
  3. As we interact more with AI and technology, we might feel like we're stuck in a loop of consuming the same content repeatedly. This could impact how we express ourselves and might lead to a feeling of overload from the internet.

Status Anxiety and Social Class

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1856 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Status Belief systems Class dynamics Education Cultural Commentary
  1. Luxury beliefs are ideas that make rich people feel good but hurt poorer people. For example, some wealthy folks support defunding the police, but the poor are the ones who suffer when crime rates rise.
  2. Elite schools now look for essays about overcoming hardship instead of using standardized tests, which can unfairly favor rich applicants who know how to present their stories well.
  3. There’s a tension in how colleges want to see both ambition and victimhood. Some students might exaggerate their struggles to fit in, which can dilute the experiences of those who truly face hardship.

2025 is the year of the ex-husband's revenge

Men Yell at Me • 710 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political Divides Social movements Cultural Commentary
  1. Women are finding freedom and happiness after divorce, pushing back against traditional expectations. Despite struggles, there's growth and resilience among them.
  2. There is a growing divide in political views between divorced men and women, which reflects deeper societal anxieties. This divide is influencing political landscapes and responses to women's progress.
  3. It's important not to see women's independence as the cause of male anger. Instead, we should focus on supporting women's freedom without feeling the need to appease men's grievances.

LGB vs TQIAXYZ+

bad cattitude • 296 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Social Issues Political Debate Cultural Commentary
  1. Many people feel that the conversation around gender identity has become overly political, impacting how it is discussed in schools and public spaces. They believe that not everyone agrees with this approach and see it as a forced ideology.
  2. There is a concern that the push for acceptance has alienated some within the LGBTQ community, particularly those who identify as LGB, and that they feel their voices are being overshadowed by discussions of gender identity.
  3. The emphasis should be on character and personal choices rather than identity alone, and there is a call for individuals to focus on living happy lives without being tied down by labels.

Nevédomosti №2

The Lifeboat • 172 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Literary Analysis Cultural Commentary
  1. The author has a new book called 'Deleted Scenes from the Bestselling Utopian Novel' that's doing well on Reedsy Discovery. They encourage readers to upvote it for better visibility.
  2. They recently participated in a zine fair in London where their book was stocked in a bookshop, expanding its physical reach to readers.
  3. The author discovered a new favorite writer, Valeria Narbikova, whose work deeply resonates with them. They feel a strong urge to share Narbikova's work with others after her recent passing.

Does child abuse cause homosexuality?

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 05 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Mental health Education Public Discourse Cultural Commentary
  1. The discussion explores the link between child abuse and homosexuality. It suggests that there might be connections worth investigating.
  2. Joseph Sciambra, who speaks from personal experience, highlights existing research on this topic. He emphasizes that there's literature supporting his views.
  3. The talk also touches on the behaviors seen in protests and violence at American colleges, linking those to psychological dynamics.

Walking Vientiane (Laos)

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 595 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing City exploration Cultural Commentary Adventure Travel Urban life
  1. Vientiane has a super hot sun that makes everything feel sticky and slow. People tend to stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.
  2. The city is small and spread out, making it less crowded during the day, but it comes alive again in the evening when the temperatures drop.
  3. While Vientiane can feel busy and bustling at times, it often shows signs of poverty and squalor, especially when the sun is shining.

"Do These People F*ck?"

Many Such Cases • 2877 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Social Events Intimacy Relationships Cultural Commentary
  1. There's a lot of talk about a 'sex recession' where people are feeling less connected sexually. It's hard to measure, but we can sense it in our social lives and gatherings.
  2. People can have sex but still feel a disconnect in their sexual culture. Personal stories show that intimacy and sexual attraction can clash, leading to confusion about what they really want.
  3. Attending events like parties can reflect our sexual energy and culture. Conversations about these topics can help us navigate our sexual lives better.

Chinese Hip Hop Annual Roundup

ChinaTalk • 296 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎶 Music Hip-hop Cultural Commentary Artist Profiles
  1. Chinese hip-hop is evolving with many talented artists emerging. The scene has a mix of both mainstream stars and underground talent.
  2. Streaming platforms like NetEase Music play a crucial role in introducing listeners to a variety of Chinese rap, especially from underground artists who may not be on bigger platforms like Spotify.
  3. Lyrical content in Chinese hip-hop can cover serious topics, including social issues and personal struggles, but artists must be careful due to censorship in China.

One essay could change the future

The Novelleist • 1118 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Media Critique Cultural Commentary
  1. Writers have the power to inspire new ideas and change the future. Their words can make us think differently and encourage action.
  2. There is a need for more positive and solution-focused writing. Many writers currently focus on problems, but ideas that show what's working can help us imagine better futures.
  3. Supporting independent writers is important for a healthier media landscape. By funding those who create constructive content, we can promote better discussions and potentially create a brighter future.

Box #5

What Is Called Thinking? • 13 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Dialogue AI Ethics Cultural Commentary Learning
  1. We should teach AI to teach us, so that they can learn from us too. This way, the line between their teaching and our learning will blur.
  2. Logic is important, but it’s also just the beginning. There’s a deeper layer of understanding, like metaphysics, that enriches our knowledge.
  3. Engaging in thoughtful dialogue is better than just talking alone. Healthy arguments can lead to growth, but it’s not always easy to find good conversations.

The Common Listener

Dada Drummer Almanach • 120 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎶 Music Music journalism Artist analysis Cultural Commentary Music history
  1. Music recommendations can be a fun way to explore new sounds. They don't have to follow a strict 'best of' list; just enjoy what you like.
  2. Listening to music should be for your own enjoyment, not just what critics or charts say is popular. Everyone has different tastes.
  3. You can connect music to your personal experiences and moments in life, like what you were cooking or doing at the time.

Aww yeah. . .Disaffected Episode 165

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Criticism Social Issues Cultural Commentary Current Events Humor
  1. The term 'conspiracy theory' is often used today to silence dissenting opinions and fears about safety in the world. It's a way for people to dismiss uncomfortable ideas.
  2. The tragic story of Dagny 'Nex' Benedict highlights the impact of family trauma and abuse on mental health, rather than solely blaming external factors like societal policies.
  3. Current events include controversies over gender policies in places like gyms, a teacher being fired for a rap video, and student concerns about health issues, showcasing various societal tensions.

A bookshop dumps a cookbook sold as a fundraiser to feed people, because the book’s author isn’t woke.

A B’Old Woman • 779 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Cultural Commentary Media Critique Local community
  1. A cookbook was removed from a bookshop because its author held beliefs that some people disagree with. This decision caused disappointment and frustration.
  2. The author, Jane Morgan, created the cookbook to raise money for people affected by a cyclone, showing community spirit and support.
  3. The situation highlights the challenges when personal beliefs clash with business decisions. It raises questions about how businesses should handle differing opinions.

What’s the matter?

Austin Kleon • 2058 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Creative Process Artistic expression Cultural Commentary Art Education
  1. Asking 'What’s the matter?' helps us understand what's bothering us and can lead to artistic ideas. It's a question that sparks creativity.
  2. The discomfort or irritation we feel can be the starting point for new work. Those feelings can inspire us to create something meaningful.
  3. We can also think about 'matter' in terms of the physical materials we use, like paint or paper. Getting hands-on might help when we're unsure of what to create.

A beautiful gilded cage

Men Yell at Me • 738 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Figures Media Critique Cultural Commentary Gender Politics
  1. Melania Trump's autobiography seems to focus on her life as a victim of the media and not her husband's actions. She avoids discussing serious issues connected to his presidency.
  2. Her book portrays a life of privilege while ignoring the realities that come with it. Melania seems content to stay in her 'gilded cage,' benefiting from her situation.
  3. The idea that Melania and other white women voters are just victims of their circumstances is too simplistic. Many choose to support Trump because it aligns with their own interests.

The Crusade against America

Thinking about... • 487 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Gender Issues Military Policy Cultural Commentary
  1. Misogyny and gender ideology can be harmful within military and political contexts. They can lead to conflicts that distract from real security issues.
  2. History shows that women have always played roles in warfare. Denying this reality is based on outdated beliefs that do not align with present-day military needs.
  3. There is a danger in empowering individuals who have a narrow view of society. Such leaders can create chaos and undermine the principles of democracy.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 04 May 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Author analysis Cultural Commentary Historical context
  1. Yanis Varoufakis argues that capitalism is fading and being replaced by a new system called 'technofeudalism,' where tech companies control online spaces and extract rent from users.
  2. Henry Wallace was a progressive political figure in the US, who came close to the presidency but was overshadowed by Truman. His ideals could have led America in a different direction after World War II.
  3. The analysis of Wallace's potential presidency raises questions about whether the US could have taken a more progressive path in its foreign and domestic policies.

Disaffected 11/5/2023

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Action Public Safety Social Issues Cultural Commentary
  1. There is a rising anti-Jewish sentiment in the West, yet government initiatives are focused on combating anti-Islamophobia instead.
  2. It's important to distinguish between feeling unsafe and actually being unsafe. Standing up for oneself is often better than seeking help from authority figures.
  3. The conversation touches on various cultural topics, including AI misgendering and other societal issues, leading to a broader discussion.

Mommie Issues

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Audio Shows Personal Stories Cultural Commentary Mental health Public Discourse
  1. Domestic abuse has become openly common in society. It's not just a personal issue, but affects our politics and culture too.
  2. The show 'Disaffected' started to explore these serious themes in a personal way. Talking about individual experiences helps highlight larger societal problems.
  3. Childhood experiences, especially under difficult or abusive circumstances, can shape one's understanding of public issues today. These personal stories can help illustrate what’s wrong in the world now.

Women Control Sex. Now What?

Many Such Cases • 1159 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Roles Feminism Social Dynamics Cultural Commentary
  1. Women have a significant influence over when heterosexual sex happens. This power isn't new and many women are aware of it.
  2. The current decline in sexual activity isn't solely a problem caused by gender dynamics. It reflects a larger cultural issue that both men and women are navigating.
  3. Instead of blaming women for controlling sex, men should focus on improving themselves. Complaining about the situation won't change it; being a more appealing partner will.

Living in a Cluster B world

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health Cognitive Distortions Cultural Commentary Social Issues
  1. The modern mental health industry often encourages harmful behaviors rather than helping people heal. This shift affects how society views mental health issues.
  2. There is a concern about the influence of Cluster B personality traits in culture, which may lead to a disregard for accountability and emotional manipulation.
  3. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing cognitive distortions and advocating for more effective therapeutic approaches.

Matt Walsh Speaks For Me

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Social Issues Public Discourse Media influence Cultural Commentary
  1. People find strong support in voices like Matt Walsh's. His message resonates deeply with those who feel disconnected from mainstream views.
  2. Many believe that there are significant moral issues that need attention, and they appreciate outspoken advocates for their beliefs.
  3. Readers are encouraged to engage further by subscribing to platforms that share similar views, indicating a desire for community and support.

Steve Martin's "Holiday Wish" Monologue is Perfect Comedy Writing

I Might Be Wrong • 23 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
😂 Humor Cultural Commentary
  1. Steve Martin's monologue is a great example of comedy because it uses clever writing without relying on props or impressions. It's just him talking, and that's what makes it timeless.
  2. The structure of the monologue follows a clear pattern: it sets up a funny idea, builds on it, and then escalates to an unexpected and absurd conclusion. This keeps the audience engaged and laughing.
  3. Good comedy writing is efficient; it gets to the funny part quickly, develops it well, and finishes strong without extra fluff. Martin excels at this in his performance.

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.

Understanding the Jewish x Italian Handshake

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 412 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎭️ Culture Cultural Commentary Film Identity History Social Issues
  1. The Jewish x Italian Handshake is not a formal agreement but a natural evolution in casting over time.
  2. The concept allows for actors of one heritage to convincingly play characters of another heritage.
  3. Closeness between Jewish and Italian communities in America has influenced cultural exchanges, such as in casting choices.

Box #3

What Is Called Thinking? • 24 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📚 Literature Philosophy Poetry Academic writing Cultural Commentary
  1. Many students at top colleges struggle to read whole books, which raises questions about education standards. This seems surprising since getting into these schools is harder than ever.
  2. Happiness often comes from focusing on relationships instead of chasing it directly. Helping others and being there for them can lead to your own happiness.
  3. Understanding complex topics, like philosophy or ethics, requires deep thinking over many years. The journey can be challenging, but it offers a chance to make insightful contributions.

On journalism's dishonesty and moral rot

Unreported Truths • 99 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Social Issues Criminal Justice Political Commentary Cultural Commentary
  1. Some media outlets may not clearly condemn violent actions, leading to mixed messages about serious crime. For example, a writer seemed unsure if a murdered executive deserved sympathy.
  2. The way people are described in news articles can reflect biases and affect public perception. Terms like 'subway dancer' and 'ex-marine' can shape how stories are understood.
  3. There's a growing skepticism toward mainstream media, with more people turning to social media for different perspectives. This shift is making traditional news sources seem less relevant.

The New York Times is lowkey anti-gender

Sex and the State • 32 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Media Criticism Cultural Commentary Political Discourse
  1. The New York Times published an essay arguing against traditional masculinity, suggesting positive masculinity doesn't fix deeper issues faced by boys. It points out that boys feel immense pressure to act a certain way.
  2. The essay claims we need to rethink and possibly eliminate the concept of masculinity altogether to address the real problems men and boys face.
  3. Some conservative media criticized the essay as part of a supposed 'war on masculinity,' but the author found value in it despite suggesting a slight change.

"Just Tell Me What To Do"

Living Fossils • 26 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Decision-making Cultural Commentary Mental health
  1. Many people today feel overwhelmed by choices and just want someone to guide them. This need comes from the stress of having to make so many decisions in life.
  2. Science provides clear and accurate answers but often lacks comforting explanations for big life questions. This can leave people feeling lost and spiritually empty.
  3. We’re seeing a shift in how society shares values and norms, leading to individualism. This makes it hard for people to know the right choices, causing them to seek external guidance.