The hottest Cultural influence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Underrated ways to change the world

Experimental History • 67383 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Change Community Building Cultural influence Altruism
  1. You don't have to be super rich or super selfless to help the world. Sometimes just being brave and encouraging others can make a big difference.
  2. Building a community and working together is essential. You can accomplish more and create positive change when you have friends by your side.
  3. Getting the right information to the right person is key. Think of yourself as a switchboard, connecting people and ideas to help everyone succeed.

How MAGA Won the ‘Sensitive Young Man’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3097 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Trumpism Voter Demographics Cultural influence Political History
  1. Trump's appeal to younger male voters goes beyond politics; it's about connecting on a human level. Many young men feel that Trump represents their experiences and views.
  2. Even though Trump doesn't have a clear ideological stance, his rise sparked new energy in right-wing intellectual circles. This has encouraged a younger generation to engage with politics in a way they hadn't before.
  3. For many young people today, Trump is a symbol of a political identity they've only known, rather than just a fleeting disruptor in politics. He represents a shift in how they view themselves in relation to political movements.

To Hell With Good Intentions, Silicon Valley Edition

The Convivial Society • 2805 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Society Innovation Cultural influence
  1. Good intentions in technology can sometimes lead to unintended harm. It's important for developers to consider how their innovations affect people's lives.
  2. We should listen to the needs of the communities we want to help, instead of imposing our own ideas of what's best for them. Understanding their perspectives is key to making a real difference.
  3. Technologies should empower people and enhance their abilities rather than create new forms of dependency. We need to focus on how tech can genuinely improve lives.

Japanese Legends and Their Favorite Animation

Animation Obsessive • 15158 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Cultural influence
  1. Japanese animation, or anime, has heavily influenced global animation styles, including character design and storytelling. Many famous animators around the world draw inspiration from this unique art form.
  2. Japanese animators have a wide range of favorite works that include not just Disney movies but also lesser-known international films. Their choices reveal a deep appreciation for diverse animation styles and storytelling.
  3. The impact of specific films, like 'The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep,' shaped the perspectives of Japanese animators. Such films were pivotal in inspiring them and pushing the boundaries of their own work.

The Terrible Loneliness of Genius

Wrong Side of History • 427 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Art history Artists Mental health Cultural influence
  1. Vincent van Gogh struggled with loneliness and mental health issues throughout his life. His passion for art often clashed with his personal struggles, causing him to feel isolated.
  2. Despite facing rejection and lack of recognition during his lifetime, Van Gogh created around 200 artworks while living in Arles. This period was productive but also led to his mental breakdown.
  3. Today, Van Gogh is celebrated as a brilliant artist with a significant legacy. His brother Theo's widow worked hard to promote Van Gogh's art after his death, helping to secure his place in art history.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Aperitivo Americano ⛱️

Snaxshot • 479 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🍲 Food & Drink Beverages Cocktails Culinary Trends Cultural influence
  1. Aperitivo culture is growing globally, especially in the US, as people seek to enjoy drinks in a more relaxed and social setting. It's about light, mixed drinks like the Aperol Spritz that encourage moderation rather than binge drinking.
  2. Non-alcoholic aperitifs are becoming popular too, with brands like Ghia leading the way. This gives people options to enjoy the experience of aperitivo without alcohol.
  3. The rise of 'spritz' drinks is transforming how cocktails are perceived, making them sound more appealing and sophisticated, even encouraging people to put a twist on traditional beverages.

Will China squander its moment in the sun?

Noahpinion • 21647 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics China Government Control Economic Growth Innovation Cultural influence
  1. China is at the peak of its relative power and effectiveness, with impressive economic and scientific achievements surpassing other major world powers at this moment.
  2. There are concerns about a slowdown in China's growth due to economic challenges and lack of focus on what the people truly want, resulting in a potential squandering of the nation's potential.
  3. China's system seems to inhibit breakthrough innovation, limit artistic and cultural influence internationally, and restrict freedom and autonomy of its people, perhaps hindering the nation's overall greatness.

The Mainstream Western Worldview Pretends The Global South Does Not Exist

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1913 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Global South Foreign Policy Cultural influence International relations
  1. The mainstream Western view often ignores the Global South. It's like pretending billions of people don't exist and only focusing on issues that matter to the US and Europe.
  2. In politics and culture, we tend to think only about ourselves. We rarely consider how our comforts come from the struggles of people in other parts of the world.
  3. For a healthier and fairer world, we need to recognize and include everyone in our conversations and decisions. Ignoring others keeps us in a bad relationship with them.

Did novels stop mattering in the 2010s?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7343 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Impact Novels Cultural influence Publication
  1. Cultural impact of novels is more than just sales figures; it's about influencing discourse and defining eras.
  2. Recent literary novels may have lacked the same level of cultural impact as those from previous decades like the 2010s.
  3. Novels like 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney were noted for their importance in millennial writing, but their cultural impact may have been less significant compared to previous literary giants.

OSD 308: Instagram matters more than gun laws do

Open Source Defense • 80 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Social media Legislation Public Policy Cultural influence
  1. Social media has a huge impact on discussing gun rights. If people can freely talk about guns online, they can challenge and change laws more effectively.
  2. Current rules on social media limit conversations about guns, which can make laws tougher to fight against. Better communication online can help spread good ideas and innovations about gun rights.
  3. Gun laws are important, but the culture around guns and the ability to talk about them online is even more powerful. A strong gun culture can prevent restrictive laws from being made in the first place.

Chinese Shoegaze: An Introduction

ChinaTalk • 400 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎶 Music Cultural influence Podcasts
  1. Chinese shoegaze is a unique music genre that's getting more popular, with bands like NarrowLaneAngel and Forsaken Autumn showcasing their talents. It's exciting to see new acts emerge and contribute to this sound.
  2. A podcast episode explores Chinese shoegaze and features various bands, highlighting different tracks. Listeners can enjoy a deep dive into this music scene while discovering fresh and vibrant sounds.
  3. The genre has roots in different cities across China, with each band bringing its own flavor to the shoegaze style. This diversity adds richness and variety to the music, making it a fascinating scene to explore.

James Taylor: The Creator Series #1

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 08 Jun 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Performance Music Industry Artist spotlight Cultural influence
  1. James Taylor believes songwriting is more of a mysterious process that comes from within. He says that sometimes, it feels like he's just the first person to hear the songs that were already there.
  2. Performing in front of small audiences helped him grow as a musician. He values those early experiences because they allowed him to test his skills and connect with audiences.
  3. For James, music is not just a job, but a way to connect with a community. He feels that playing music creates a shared emotional experience with the audience, which can be very powerful.

The New New Class?

Gideon's Substack • 97 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political Leadership Meritocracy Cultural influence
  1. There's been a shift in the people who hold real power in society, moving from landowners to those with skills and education, known as the meritocratic class. Now, we might be seeing the rise of a new group focused on gaining attention.
  2. Right-wing populism seems to rise from a reaction against the meritocratic upper class, attracting those who feel alienated by the success of educated elites. This new group connects more with traditional values and has different pathways to success.
  3. The way we compete for attention today has changed how success is defined, especially with social media's influence. The idea of being an 'influencer' could shape a new class, where winning attention plays a crucial role in gaining power and status.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🎶 Music Music theory Music history Genres Cultural influence
  1. Songs can have hidden meanings that you might not notice when you're younger. Even if the lyrics sound clean, they might carry deeper, unexpected themes.
  2. Harmonies in music can create strong emotional reactions. Perfect musical intervals can bring joy and even make people feel overcome with emotion.
  3. Music connects us to memories and experiences, like family moments or simple past joys. It can remind us of good times that may seem lost now.

...Teach a Man to Revolt

Anarchonomicon • 334 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Constitutional Law Civil Liberties Cultural influence
  1. An unalterable core text is crucial for a declaration of rights, much like the enduring nature of the Islamic faith.
  2. Enumerated rights should be cherished as noble titles, making individuals feel superior and proud of their freedoms.
  3. Enforcement of rights through ad hoc vigilante violence is a powerful cultural force that can outlast even the fall of governments.

Can we measure soft power?

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Soft Power Geopolitics Cultural influence International relations Economic Impact
  1. Soft power is about a country's influence through culture and lifestyle, not just military or economic strength. Researchers created a soft power index to measure this influence in various countries.
  2. South Korea topped the soft power rankings, surprising many since it’s not always viewed as a global leader. Countries like Germany and China also ranked higher than the US, which many might not expect.
  3. The study suggests that soft power can affect financial markets and exchange rates. Countries with strong cultural influence and global reach might see less fluctuation in their currency values.

The English writer who colonized young Indian readers

The Global Jigsaw • 138 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Children's literature Cultural influence Childhood Globalization
  1. Enid Blyton's books were popular in India because they were easily available in English during a time when options were limited.
  2. Reading Blyton's stories allowed Indian children to imagine a different world and travel to distant places without leaving their homes.
  3. Younger generations today may not connect with Blyton's tales due to different experiences, preferences, and access to diverse reading materials.

Culture and Law: How Han Succeeded Where Rome Fell.

Moly’s Substack • 117 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
💾 History Cultural influence Philosophy Empires
  1. Han Dynasty and Rome were both powerful superpowers, but Han's culture and identity had stronger lasting power than Rome's.
  2. Han Dynasty integrated Confucianism into its culture and legal code, ensuring cultural continuity and preservation.
  3. China's history and Rome's history took different paths in how they dealt with culture and law, influencing their long-term success and legacy.

Saturday Commentary and Review #132

Fisted by Foucault • 220 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics US Politics European Politics Cultural influence
  1. The 2024 US Presidential Election campaign is crucial, with Trump vs. US Elites as a central battle.
  2. There is a concerning rise in disability claims by college students, impacting education standards.
  3. The shift towards Americanization in UK politics and the EU, and the influence of German band Rammstein, reflect cultural and political changes.

Why Did We Create Artificial Intelligence?

The Digital Anthropologist • 59 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Evolution Existentialism Cultural influence
  1. One possible reason we created Artificial Intelligence could be our fear of being alone as a species, leading us to seek connections with AI and even animals.
  2. Another reason could stem from our existential fear of species extinction, where AI may be seen as a means to counter the mortality of humanity, although projecting human traits onto machines may be flawed.
  3. Understanding the motivations behind creating AI can help us navigate its challenges and potentials, shaping a future where AI complements human existence and connectivity.

I Saw Taylor Swift and Tori Amos in One Week, And I Have Some Thoughts.

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎶 Music Concerts Artists Feminism Songwriting Cultural influence
  1. Attending concerts can have a huge emotional impact, offering a sense of renewal and connection, especially when shared with loved ones. Going to the Taylor Swift concert was a transformative experience for a mother and her daughters.
  2. Music can deeply influence our lives and relationships, helping us feel understood during tough times. The connection between a fan's experience of one artist can be just as meaningful as another's, regardless of mainstream popularity.
  3. Both Taylor Swift and Tori Amos are important artists who have made significant contributions to music in their own ways. It's essential to appreciate and respect different musical journeys and not dismiss what someone else loves.

no. 46: come eat

let them eat cake • 39 implied HN points • 14 Nov 21
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Cuisine Recipes Cultural influence
  1. The author invites readers to enjoy food they have prepared at upcoming events in the Boston area.
  2. Food does not always have to be photogenic to be delicious, challenging the idea that all food needs to look good.
  3. The concept of food having a distinct single origin story is questioned, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of culinary traditions.

Did Jodhabai Change India's History?

FutureIQ • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
💾 History Colonialism Trade Cultural influence
  1. Jodhabai, also known as Mariam-uz-Zamani, was a powerful figure in Indian history, influencing trade and politics during her time. Her role as an international trader helped shape the Mughal Empire's dealings with European powers.
  2. She was mistakenly known as Jodhabai due to a mix-up in historical records. Her real name and origins highlight her significant, yet often unrecognized, contributions to the empire.
  3. Her business savvy and connections ultimately affected the outcomes of British and Portuguese trading efforts in India, giving her a vital role in the balance of power during a critical period in history.

Ruba Al-Sweel: The Map of Hell

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Internet culture Geography Cultural influence
  1. The Map of Hell project is inspired by works by Sandro Botticelli and Caroline Busta, reimagining the internet as a deepening geological structure with different levels of access.
  2. The art project layers retro Khaleeji music and Arabic pop from the early 2000s, connecting it with the broadband internet era and the global culture created through BitTorrent and Youtube tutorials.
  3. The project sets its absurd journey in an oceanic setting, reflecting the dominance of aquatic terms in internet lingo and hinting at vast undersea cables.