The hottest Feminism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Problem Isn't Polyamory. It's Lindy West.

Default Wisdom • 847 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Constant self-deprecation and jokes about being a mess can undercut real observations, leaving sharp insights feeling abandoned instead of fully developed.
  2. Believing you are unworthy can make you accept relationships you don’t actually want, because you assume no one else would choose you.
  3. A strain of millennial "choice" feminism turned personal pain and messy behavior into a performative aesthetic, treating self-destructive acts as authenticity or marketable confession rather than things to be healed.

Rebel Girls

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1190 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Young girls today face new challenges that weren't present in the past, like social media pressures and unrealistic beauty standards. These factors can harm their self-esteem and mental health.
  2. There's a growing concern about the lack of safe spaces for girls and women to express themselves freely. Many fear speaking out due to potential backlash or judgment.
  3. It's important for girls to learn to love their bodies and build confidence. Staying active, making real-life connections, and enjoying their freedom can help them navigate their identities and lives better.

two new YouTube video essays!

Switch Hitter • 438 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. New YouTube videos explore parasocial relationships and gender issues. They look closely at how fans' behavior can mimic harassment.
  2. One video challenges the idea that trans people reinforce gender stereotypes. It argues that this view is based on flawed logic and double standards.
  3. There are plans for more video essays in the future, covering various topics. The creator is still committed to writing while expanding to video content.

The War of the Sexes

Disaffected Newsletter • 2837 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. Many straight men feel they cannot be honest with women or even their male friends due to fear of being labeled as sexist. They often feel frustrated with how they're treated in conversations about gender issues.
  2. There's a feeling among some men that modern women have gained advantages in society without being held to the same standards as men. This perceived imbalance creates tension and contributes to men's reluctance to engage with women.
  3. The relationship dynamics between men and women can be unhealthy, with each side sometimes provoking the other negatively. It's important to understand and address these issues for better understanding between the genders.

Why the Term 'Porn Star' Should Go

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 218 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The term 'porn star' is misleading because most performers aren't actually stars, just regular actors in adult films.
  2. Using euphemisms like 'porn star' can distort the truth and make serious topics less clear, which isn't helpful.
  3. The glamorization of pornography through phrases like 'porn star' raises questions about how we view and talk about these actors in society.
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The Real Reason White Women Attract So Much Hate

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. It argues that white women are a focal point of widespread hostility and seeks to explain the underlying reasons for that resentment.
  2. The full analysis is locked behind a subscription paywall, so the detailed argument is presented as exclusive, paid content.
  3. The presentation uses images and visible engagement markers, suggesting it’s designed to spark debate and attract attention from a wider audience.

The Great Feminist Exhaustion

Culture Study • 13542 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Many people feel tired and confused about feminism today because its meaning seems to have changed a lot. It used to be about supporting women's rights, but now it often feels more about individual success.
  2. Younger generations are recognizing the struggles faced by their parents and are looking for different paths. They want to avoid the mistakes of focusing too much on traditional roles or the endless hustle for success.
  3. Some women today are turning to traditional roles as a response to feeling overwhelmed by modern life. They find comfort in simpler lifestyles, even if it means giving up some of the freedoms fought for by previous generations.

Meet The Lipsdick: A Dick-Shaped Lipstick

The Unpublishable • 12421 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Feminism
  1. A lipstick shaped like a penis was launched, sparking discussions about beauty standards and feminism in the industry.
  2. The product's marketing as empowering and innovative is being questioned, as it may perpetuate stereotypes and lack depth.
  3. The controversy highlights issues with media coverage of such products, raising concerns about critical thinking and substance in journalism.

Miranda July's Lucrative Fantasies

Freddie deBoer • 14077 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Fantasies about life can often lead to disappointments. It's important to stay realistic about what to expect in a new place or lifestyle, rather than getting lost in idealized visions.
  2. The idea of 'having it all' is unrealistic for anyone, not just women. Life comes with limitations, and people need to be aware of the challenges involved in balancing career and family.
  3. Romantic ideals, like long-term relationships, provide genuine support and connection in life. Pursuing endless novelty may not lead to the happiness people expect, as the excitement can fade quickly.

Enchantment is resistance

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 4792 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Enchantment can be a form of resistance, challenging the myths that contribute to ongoing issues and inspiring new ways of being.
  2. Writers and storytellers play a crucial role in resistance by offering stories that help people imagine and desire a better world.
  3. Resistance to everyday evils can involve living differently day by day, making small changes that collectively create a positive impact.

Feminism's Gains Come with Sacrifices

Journal of Free Black Thought • 8 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Achieving gender equality has required personal sacrifices like losing preferential treatment, and those small inconveniences are part of the price for broader gains for women as a group.
  2. Some self-identified feminists are turning to postfeminism or anti-feminism because they resent individual costs (like splitting bills or sharing responsibilities), but that stance ignores the collective benefits of equity.
  3. Real strength and independence are built through hardship and accepting equal duties in work, relationships, and civic life; selective or conditional equity weakens the movement.

Justin Trudeau's Painful Last Faceplant

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 15168 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. Justin Trudeau is trying to discuss women's rights and progress but faces challenges due to political tensions with the U.S.
  2. The situation is tense because Donald Trump has threatened Canada with tariffs, affecting their trade relationship.
  3. The ongoing conflict between Trudeau and Trump has become a spectacle, drawing public attention and commentary.

Truth Leaks Out

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. Dementia can show hidden sides of a person's personality, like how Joe Biden's ego comes through in interviews after debates.
  2. Some argue that feminism ignores basic human instincts, claiming feelings like maternal instinct are just a result of societal pressure.
  3. Covert narcissism is trickier to spot than the usual, loud types. It's important to learn how to notice it before it causes harm.

"If a white person said that"

Disaffected Newsletter • 2557 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. Some people say harsh things about white people that wouldn't be acceptable if said about others. This creates a double standard in society.
  2. Many white people agree with negative views about themselves, thinking it will make them seem better to others.
  3. The idea that white people hold all the power in society is outdated, and it's important to address current attitudes that accept harmful statements against them.

Why won’t the media use the word misogyny?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 10569 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Misogyny is often at the heart of smear campaigns against women, but the media rarely calls it out. This avoids addressing the real hatred that fuels these attacks.
  2. Women face intense backlash when they speak out about abuse or challenge powerful figures. Their reputations are often targeted in coordinated efforts to discredit them.
  3. Unlike women, men usually do not face the same level of vilification in the media. This unequal treatment shows that misogyny is a significant factor in how public opinion is shaped.

Why Does Korea Have an Under-Endowed Men's Movement?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3364 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. In Korea, there's a movement linked to men's insecurities about their size, and it often leads to wild conspiracy theories. Many believe that certain ads and media are making fun of men with small penises.
  2. Korean antifeminism is unique because it mixes anger with a desire for equality, often leading men to express grievances that are typically seen as weak in other cultures. They openly identify as victims in a way that's not common in the West.
  3. The cultural attitude in Korea contributes to strong feelings of paranoia among both men and women around gender issues. This creates a divide where both sides feel threatened, even if the actual power dynamics are less extreme than they perceive.

READING: Judith Shklar as Proto-Feminist in the 1950s

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 123 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
💾 History Feminism
  1. In elite academic settings, informal social policing—like faculty wives' sewing circles and gossip—pressures women to prioritize husbands and children and enforces hierarchies through malice and envy.
  2. Some progressive mentors and male allies promoted fairness and merit, which opened professional doors, but visible success still invited invasive gossip and resentment.
  3. Personal choices, spousal influence, and institutional opportunities combined to steer women into academic careers while they tried to balance family and intellectual ambitions.

The Auckland Women’s Centre NZ knows how to beat the patriarchy – shame it’s completely bonkers.

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. There's a debate about including trans women in women's spaces and sports. Some believe it's necessary for ending patriarchy, while others think it threatens women's rights.
  2. The Auckland Women’s Centre promotes trans rights, arguing that supporting all gender identities helps fight against discrimination. They see trans rights as part of women's rights.
  3. There are concerns about the effects of transphobia, claiming it distracts from real issues facing women and undermines everyone who doesn't fit traditional gender roles.

A Sex Strike isn't Going to Work

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 7576 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Cultural appropriation happens when one group takes aspects of another group's culture without understanding its significance. American women joining the South Korean 4B movement might be seen as doing this, as they are adopting a struggle that is not theirs.
  2. A collective sex strike faces many challenges. It requires everyone to agree and act together, which is hard since individuals might choose to break the strike and miss out on the potential benefits without facing consequences.
  3. Looking at history, past movements didn't always work out as planned. Striking for change isn't as simple as withholding something, especially in a democracy where individual freedoms and choices are valued.

Vignette: the borderline mother and son

Disaffected Newsletter • 919 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. A borderline mother can deeply affect her son, creating a toxic environment filled with shame and fear. It's hard to watch because it feels so real and painful.
  2. The relationship can become a cycle of manipulation and emotional abuse, where the mother enjoys causing distress. It’s like a dark game that leads to outbursts of rage.
  3. Children raised in this environment often feel like nothing truly belongs to them, as their mother disregards their feelings and possessions. This can lead to lasting emotional scars.

A Mate Selection Theory of Feminization

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4145 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Women often struggle to find a balance between having a high-quality partner and ensuring loyalty. Some prefer to chase after attractive partners, while others focus on stability with someone they can trust.
  2. As societal views on monogamy change, men may adapt by showing more sensitivity and supportive behavior towards women. This can involve acting against traditional masculine stereotypes to prove their loyalty.
  3. The shift in norms around relationships has created two distinct cultural groups: one that embraces traditional masculinity and conservatism, and another that leans towards feminist and liberal values. This has changed how people view gender roles and relationships today.

if he wanted to, would he really?

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 1867 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Men's behavior in relationships is not always as simple as 'If he wanted to, he would.'
  2. Slogans like 'If he wanted to, he would' may have underlying anti-feminist implications and oversimplify modern dating dynamics.
  3. In today's dating scene, understanding and compassion for both genders can help avoid misunderstandings and improve relationships.

Have Man-Hating Feminists Gone Too Far?

The Discourse Lounge • 5052 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. Some people believe modern feminism blames men for societal problems, which may affect how certain men vote. There seems to be a divide where many men support anti-feminist views, while women tend to support feminist-leaning candidates.
  2. A personal experience in a feminist class revealed that the course didn't promote hate towards men but rather focused on broader social issues like economics and inclusivity. The class provided a more nuanced understanding of feminism that counters online stereotypes.
  3. The negative perceptions of feminism among some young men often come from online content rather than actual feminist theory. Engaging directly with feminist education can help dispel myths and offer a better understanding of gender issues.

Feminism run amok

ideassleepfuriously • 1434 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Feminism may ignore natural attractions and preferences, leading to dissatisfaction in relationships.
  2. Feminism can push individuals away from their natural inclinations, affecting their fulfillment in life.
  3. Feminism's disregard for reproductive biology can contribute to societal issues like declining marriages and tensions between sexes.

Why We Can't Stand Up

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Women in comedy often struggle to take up space and feel confident on stage. They sometimes feel they need to apologize or shrink themselves, which can hold them back.
  2. It's important for women to embrace their voices and power. By doing this, they can inspire others and feel more connected to their true selves.
  3. Creating safe spaces for female performers leads to more honest and relatable entertainment. It's crucial for women to support each other in the industry and share their stories without fear.

Taylor Swift and the Good Girl Trap

Culture Study • 10387 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Taylor Swift's fame and success put her in a delicate position where even her smallest actions are heavily scrutinized.
  2. Winning constantly can lead to over-saturation and make it hard for people to root for you, turning every move into a topic of critique.
  3. Celebrity culture reflects greater societal issues, such as discourses on girlhood and the struggles faced by privileged white women in progressive spaces.

Two Years of Writing Emails

Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith • 2535 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Virginia Sole-Smith started Burnt Toast newsletter two years ago after leaving freelance writing for corporate media.
  2. Paid subscriptions from the community made it possible to sustain Burnt Toast, support marginalized voices, and fund various projects.
  3. The newsletter created a safe space for discussing body liberation, anti-fat bias, and building a supportive community.