The hottest Feminism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

What Would a Suffragist Do? Lessons for Social Change from Our Feminist Foremothers

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🚌 Education Feminism
  1. The 19th Amendment marked a significant advancement in women's rights in the US, championed by suffragists like Susan B. Anthony who fought tirelessly despite not living to see the victory.
  2. Lessons from feminist foremothers emphasize the importance of lifelong commitment to the cause of justice, regardless of age, and the need to honor those who paved the way for expanded rights.
  3. Challenges by suffragists like Sojourner Truth and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper against dehumanizing norms and cultural ideologies demonstrate the vital role of critical consciousness in driving social change.

Why is it so easy to hate women?

Men Yell at Me • 315 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. People often jump at the chance to criticize women in the public eye, sometimes without understanding the full story. This shows a pattern where women are easily targeted and attacked.
  2. In the case of Blake Lively, many turned against her based on manipulated narratives that distorted her character. This highlights how quickly public opinion can sway against women.
  3. Not all women have the same resources to defend themselves against these attacks, which makes it harder for some to fight back when they are wrongly criticized.

Anne Bradstreet: An American Rorschach Test

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Feminism
  1. Anne Bradstreet, the first published American poet, challenges ideological assumptions through her work, requiring readers to reevaluate their preconceptions.
  2. Bradstreet's poems like 'The Author to Her Book' and 'Prologue' showcase her rhetorical mastery and ability to disarm while conveying powerful messages.
  3. In 'The Flesh and the Spirit,' Bradstreet explores internal conflicts and spiritual themes, providing a blend of personal introspection and theological exploration.

What is Patriarchy?

The Great Gender Divergence • 196 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. In patriarchal societies, prestigious positions are dominated by men, reinforcing beliefs of male competence and authority.
  2. Material and cultural dimensions of patriarchy are mutually reinforcing.
  3. Patriarchal backlash can occur when gender norms are challenged.

Lee Lakeman and The Whoredom of the Left

The Chris Hedges Report • 317 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. Lee Lakeman believes prostitution is a form of economic slavery, reflecting the failures of capitalism. Many women and girls engage in it not by choice, but out of desperation.
  2. The fight against prostitution is also a battle against dehumanizing neoliberal capitalism. Lakeman emphasizes that true activism should focus on protecting vulnerable individuals rather than accepting the status quo.
  3. There is a deep division within the left regarding issues of women's rights and exploitation. Lakeman argues that without acknowledging these issues, the left becomes ineffective in truly supporting all marginalized groups.
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You Will Comply and You'll be Happy

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 138 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Annual compliance training can be tedious but necessary to adhere to workplace rules and ideologies
  2. New compliance modules focusing on topics like sexual harassment may have controversial or biased content
  3. Increased push for women and underrepresented groups in leadership roles in corporations may be linked to workplace dynamics and the evolving corporate agenda

Does The Female Gaze Exist?

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 176 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The concept of the female gaze is not a scholarly term and lacks rigorous evaluation.
  2. The male gaze in cinema is rooted in psychoanalytic theory and apparatus theory, privileging the masculine perspective.
  3. Black feminist scholars like bell hooks critique the lack of intersectionality and representation in traditional feminist film theory.

Reverse Dominance Coalitions

The Great Gender Divergence • 176 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Inequalities persist when normalized and celebrated, culture changes when people speak out together for equality.
  2. Reverse Dominance Coalitions reject patriarchy, promote equality, and challenge cultural norms.
  3. RDCs foster critical reflection, encourage resistance, build solidarity, and shift social expectations toward gender equality.

bell hooks’ Labors of Love: Taking Action, Thinking Critically

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🚌 Education Feminism
  1. Thinking critically is as important as physical action, according to bell hooks, as it leads to understanding and learning how life works.
  2. bell hooks challenges the societal norms that discourage critical thinking, arguing that it is a vital capacity for truth, authenticity, and autonomy.
  3. bell hooks emphasizes that critical thinking fosters self-knowledge, agency, and survival, going beyond being a mere academic expectation.

Feminists Too Often End Up In the Rear Seat

Dilan’s Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. In left-wing coalitions, feminist concerns are often sidelined by other priorities.
  2. Historically, feminist arguments have been dismissed or forgotten within the Left when in conflict with other groups.
  3. Despite longstanding support, feminists are frequently taken for granted and their interests are not given serious consideration.

Vanity fair.

Soaring Twenties • 201 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. People often expect you to define yourself in one way, but it's okay to like different things or change your mind. We can all have complex identities.
  2. Feminism isn't about fitting into a specific image or following strict rules; it is about wanting equality and being able to express ourselves freely without judgment.
  3. Gossip and assumptions about others can be harmful, and it's important to focus on being understanding and accepting of people's choices instead of labeling them.

on one-sidedness

bookbear express • 187 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Some books tell stories about women who love men who don't love them back, which can feel pretty sad. Society often views this kind of love as something weak or pitiful.
  2. People usually try to match the energy that others give them in relationships. If someone doesn't seem interested, many believe it's best to move on, but staying in love can feel like a problem you need to fix.
  3. Limerence, or intense infatuation, can have meaning and might push you to change something in your life. But sometimes, it feels frustrating and pointless, leaving you unsure of what to do next.

"You are just bitter"

Men Yell at Me • 555 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Bitterness is often used to dismiss messages of pain or betrayal, shifting focus from blame-worthy behavior to the person expressing the pain.
  2. Bitterness, like anger, is a morally neutral emotion, and how it is used can determine its impact - as a cudgel to brush off ideas or as a force for uniting people.
  3. Swallowing bitterness can give clarity and power, enabling one to keep writing and speaking out against injustice.

"Irritatingly Embodied"

Reactionary Feminist • 14 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. A new art salon in Cambridge aims to support artists and promote beauty in a fragmented world. They hold art auctions where everyone who bids gets a reward.
  2. In Japan, women are being trafficked into prostitution after running up debts in host clubs. These clubs lure vulnerable women into spending large sums of money for companionship, leading to a cycle of exploitation.
  3. Motherhood can be really tough, and it's normal to feel mixed emotions about it. One mother shared her difficult journey, highlighting that feelings of regret can change over time as she adjusted to her new role.

Episode 104: This is Absurd!

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. A Pfizer consultant was caught saying the company is changing the Covid virus for profit, which raises serious ethical questions.
  2. There's a noticeable link between being a white liberal woman and experiencing mental health issues, which has sparked important discussions.
  3. People in America are censoring themselves more than ever in conversations, and this new norm needs to be recognized as a problem.

What is a Mother?

The Abbey of Misrule • 483 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Feminism
  1. Ireland's constitution of 1937 marked a significant shift towards independence, neutrality, and revival of Irish culture and language.
  2. The evolution of Ireland from a traditional Catholic society to a more progressive, globalized state has led to significant changes in laws and societal values.
  3. Proposed changes to the Irish constitution highlight a shift towards progressive ideals, with a focus on removing traditional gender roles and promoting individual rights over familial structures.

Mad Wives

Men Yell at Me • 234 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. In marriage, roles can be confusing. Sometimes women give a lot, and men take, leading to questions about consent and complicity.
  2. Anger can be a powerful force for change, but it's important to think about who it serves. If it only helps ourselves, it may not be truly revolutionary.
  3. Villains and victims often exist in shades of gray. The same person can embody both roles, making it hard to draw clear lines in relationships.

Writing the personal as political

Men Yell at Me • 181 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
📚 Literature Feminism
  1. Writing about personal experiences can expose and critique bigger political issues. It's about connecting your life to the systems that affect everyone.
  2. It's important to remember that the 'political' includes various topics like racism, healthcare, and immigration, not just party politics. Your story can shine a light on these issues.
  3. Sharing our stories helps create understanding and change. Your words can make a difference by including all voices and challenging oppressive systems.

Building a woman from scratch

Men Yell at Me • 490 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The Pygmalion myth, where a man creates an ideal woman to replace real ones, is a common theme in stories and movies.
  2. Society often portrays women as needing to fit a certain perfect image, leading to pressure to meet unrealistic standards.
  3. Despite societal pressures and expectations, women are pushing back, embracing their messy, rebellious, and authentic selves.

Left-Hand Paths

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Feminism
  1. Religions and ideologies can be seen as having two paths: the right-hand path, typically exoteric and emphasizing external redemption, and the left-hand path, more anarchist and focusing on listening to oneself.
  2. Esoteric readings of texts offer alternative perspectives, like interpreting biblical passages in a different light to challenge established beliefs and morality.
  3. Engaging in left-handed readings of texts involves maintaining the sacredness of the text while exploring unconventional interpretations that may lead to new insights or narratives.

Catch up with The Shift Bookclub Live with Anna Funder

The Shift With Sam Baker • 119 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The Shift Bookclub discussed topics like misogyny, domestic labor, and erasure of women in history during a live session with author Anna Funder.
  2. Anna Funder highlighted the importance of acknowledging the artists' true selves in relation to 'can you love the art but hate the artist' debate.
  3. The conversation touched upon the significance of recognizing the roles of women in history like Eileen O'Shaughnessy, Orwell's wife.

Caplan's Definition of Feminism

Going Awol • 119 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Feminism
  1. Feminism needs a clear definition to help people identify if they align with its principles.
  2. Common colloquial definitions of feminism are often trivial and fail to differentiate between feminists and non-feminists.
  3. Caplan's proposed definition of feminism is critiqued for not addressing the normative aspect of feminism and facing challenges in determining 'sufficient' prioritization of women's equality.

The Pseudo-Science of Female Submission

Erik Examines • 134 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Feminism
  1. The idea that women are meant to be owned by men is based on old, false beliefs. It's an attempt to make a harmful view seem rational by using misleading arguments.
  2. Freedom and individual rights are usually seen as positive, but some people twist this idea to suggest that women shouldn't have autonomy. This is not based on science or truth, but rather a desire to maintain control.
  3. Claiming that society or the state owns women is a form of manipulation. Laws exist to protect individuals, not to enslave them, and everyone, regardless of gender, benefits from freedom and rights.

We must pay more attention to young men

Of Boys and Men • 459 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. There is a growing political gap between young men and women which needs attention.
  2. Young men are feeling neglected and struggling with various issues like education and mental health.
  3. Conservatives and liberals must address the challenges faced by young men together, rather than creating a divide.

Have women ever considered what keeps men from doing better?

Sex and the State • 70 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. Men often feel pressured to conform to traditional masculinity, which can limit their emotional expression. This fear of being vulnerable can lead to negative behaviors.
  2. Both men and women are affected by strict gender roles that can hinder their growth and well-being. Just like women face consequences for breaking norms, men do too.
  3. Changing how men behave requires creating safer spaces for them to express themselves. Blaming men without understanding the risks they face isn't helpful.

What if women were in charge?

The Novelleist • 586 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. In Barbieland, the default culture is focused on "girlness" and unity rather than competition.
  2. The novel Herland envisions an ideal society without men, emphasizing cooperation over ego-driven competition.
  3. Positive masculinity in the form of characters like Allen in Barbieland shows a blueprint for a rational and cooperative approach towards happiness.

The World's Oldest... Profession?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 47 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Not everyone agrees on the role of sex work and pornography in society. Some people think they empower women, while others believe they exploit and harm them.
  2. There are different views on how to handle sex work legally. Some argue for full legalization with regulations, while others believe it should be completely criminalized.
  3. The impact of porn on society is complex. Some studies say it decreases sexual violence, but there are growing concerns about how it influences behavior and attitudes toward women.

We live in a time of anti-feminist backlash

Men Yell at Me • 367 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. We are currently experiencing an anti-feminist backlash, and this issue has been persistent throughout history.
  2. Feminists face challenges in fighting for equality, with movements like Me Too being depicted negatively by anti-feminist forces.
  3. To combat the backlash, feminists must continue demanding equal rights and creating a world where gender doesn't limit opportunities.

Feminism and Identity in the Transhuman Age

Reactionary Feminist • 14 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Feminism
  1. Feminism today is complex and needs to focus on women's specific needs as individuals in the face of technology. It's about recognizing women as unique beings with different interests, not just fitting them into broad victim categories.
  2. The idea of 'identity' has shifted from a deep, meaningful concept to something more superficial. It's no longer just about who we are at our core but has become tied to how we present ourselves in the digital world.
  3. Technology has drastically changed how we see each other and ourselves, treating humans as resources rather than unique individuals. This perspective encourages a dangerous trend where we try to redesign or 'improve' humanity like we would with machines.

Human Nature Is Real

Reactionary Feminist • 43 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The idea of progress can be questioned, as it often relies on a secular view that may not hold true for everyone. Recognizing this can lead to deeper conversations about what feminism really means.
  2. Early feminism had a balance between advocating for women's freedom and the value of care and motherhood. However, the shift towards prioritizing autonomy over these values has created tensions in how motherhood is viewed today.
  3. Transhumanism has influenced modern feminism by linking women's autonomy to technology, which sometimes overshadows the importance of physical and emotional connections. This has sparked debates about human nature and the implications of viewing ourselves as products.

bell hooks: Living by an Ethic of Love

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 25 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Feminism
  1. bell hooks and Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of living by an ethic of love, prioritizing integrity and truth over natural niceties.
  2. hooks believed in the power of a love ethic as the basis of social justice movements and cultural analysis, contrasting young listeners who saw love as naive and weak.
  3. hooks addressed the damaging effects of patriarchal masculinity on men, urging them to embrace feminist masculinity characterized by compassion, sensitivity, and respect towards others.

There's Nothing to Rethink

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. History has shown bizarre alliances between radical feminists and social conservatives against libertine culture and pornography
  2. Challenges in gender politics have led to changes in feminist labels and goals, blurring the lines between Right and Left ideologies
  3. Criticism of modern sexual ethics argues that the emphasis on consent overlooks emotional and psychological impacts, specifically for women

A Heroine's Journey

Polymathic Being • 63 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The Hero's Journey is often seen as a masculine path, focusing on outward achievements and triumphs. In contrast, the Heroine's Journey emphasizes inward healing and the integration of both feminine and masculine qualities.
  2. Encanto is a great example of a Heroine's Journey. The main character, Mirabel, doesn’t defeat enemies but instead helps her family heal their emotional wounds and reconnect with their true selves.
  3. The goal of the Heroine's Journey is about creating community and fostering connections rather than individual conquest. It's about achieving wholeness and emotional authenticity, which are crucial in today's world.

The right way to be a "woman"

Men Yell at Me • 375 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Women are pressured to conform to rigid definitions of womanhood and gender roles.
  2. Societal expectations attempt to confine women to narrow standards for their appearance and behavior.
  3. Expanding the definition of womanhood to be inclusive and diverse provides freedom and challenges limiting beliefs.

Faith, Hope, Love ... and Social Justice?

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 07 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Feminism
  1. Love is crucial for social justice and can drive real change. Bell hooks believed that love is often seen as weak, but it can actually be a powerful and transformative force.
  2. Honest communication is essential in love and cannot exist in systems of domination. Patriarchy creates barriers, causing people to hide their true selves, which harms relationships.
  3. Spirituality can come from various traditions and doesn't have to be tied to organized religion. It's about valuing love and interconnectedness in our lives and communities.

bell hooks’ Labors of Love: Visionary Feminism

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. bell hooks' work emphasized the importance of caring about what you write, showing personal interest, and using respectful objectivity.
  2. She advocated for visionary feminism that targets sexism, exploitation, and oppression, aiming for transformation rather than mere reform.
  3. hooks urged for a deeper focus on economic class alongside race and gender issues, highlighting the interlocking systems of domination and the need to challenge classism.

A Goodbye Love Letter to Madonna Ciccone

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 09 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Madonna has had a huge impact on pop culture, especially for gay men, because of her bold and confident persona. Many admired her for challenging social norms and embracing her sexuality.
  2. Her life experiences, including childhood trauma and complex relationships, have influenced her music and public image. This has led to discussions about her mental health and the struggles that shaped her identity.
  3. As Madonna ages, there is a sense of loss as she moves away from her iconic status. Observers feel she has transformed from a trailblazing artist into someone who seems trapped by her past and struggles with self-identity.

Feminism Against Humanity

The Upheaval • 576 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. A 32-year-old woman's choice to prioritize self-care over her partner's care sparked debate on personal autonomy.
  2. The UN's report emphasized empowering women to make choices about their bodies and futures as a primary focus.
  3. Mary Harrington's book 'Feminism Against Progress' challenges the current state of liberal feminism and explores ways to redirect it.