The hottest Feminism Substack posts right now

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Fear makes men stupid and anti-feminist

Sex and the State • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Feminism Society Relationships Psychology
  1. Fear is a major factor that drives sexism, more than hate. It affects how people see and react to each other.
  2. Some individuals may struggle with feelings of fear towards women, which can coexist with their beliefs in feminism.
  3. Understanding the role of fear in gender dynamics can help address and reduce sexist attitudes in society.

A heartwarming work of staggering performativity

Close-reading the reruns with Phoebe Maltz Bovy • 294 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Relationships Gender Writing Social media
  1. Discussions around tipping behaviors and husband discourse often resurface periodically on social media.
  2. Many women share stories of seemingly perfect relationships with supportive partners to showcase their personal and professional success.
  3. Public narratives of idealized relationships may not always reflect the true complexities and challenges faced by individuals in real life.

Building a woman from scratch

Men Yell at Me • 490 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Feminism Movies Society Creativity
  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.

Why I buy the male victimhood narrative

Sex and the State • 21 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Social Commentary Feminism Masculinity Victimhood
  1. Some people think that men can also be victims in society. This idea challenges how we usually think about gender roles.
  2. Believing in male victimhood can spark discussions about fairness and equality. It shows that men can face issues too, just like women.
  3. Talk about male victimhood can be divisive, but it's important to understand different perspectives. Listening to everyone's experiences creates a better conversation.
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How two vegan men peaked me into being a committed women’s rights ‘bigot’.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Issues Veganism Identity politics
  1. Defending women's spaces can lead to unexpected backlash from friends. It's surprising how quickly opinions can change over important issues.
  2. There’s a personal journey in understanding feminism, which can be triggered by seeing unfairness in women's rights. Reflecting on past struggles can inspire a deeper commitment to activism.
  3. Sometimes, conflicts reveal true friendships and values. Ending toxic friendships can lead to personal growth and stronger connections with like-minded people.

10 books of women's awakenings: nonfiction

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 758 implied HN points • 24 May 22
📚 Literature Feminism Self-discovery Nature Philosophy Women
  1. Reading books that showcase women breaking boundaries and embracing change can inspire personal growth and empowerment.
  2. Exploring nonfiction literature can provide insights into hidden societal norms that suppress women, prompting reflection and action for change.
  3. Books that focus on feminist ecology and the connection between women and nature can foster a deeper understanding of strength and interconnectedness.

We live in a time of anti-feminist backlash

Men Yell at Me • 367 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Equality Activism History Social Issues
  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.

What's Wrong with Moderation?

Humanities in Revolt • 239 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Feminism Equality Ethics Freedom
  1. Social progress often comes from principled conviction rather than compromising between extremes.
  2. Historical movements for justice and social transformation have often required radicalism, advocacy, and personal sacrifice, rather than moderation.
  3. Feminist foremothers teach us that true social change necessitates dissent, defiance of norms, and enduring discomfort to combat oppression and injustice.

The void

Close-reading the reruns with Phoebe Maltz Bovy • 235 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social Commentary Identity politics Feminism Twitter Online Culture
  1. The post discusses a tweet involving a white woman and a shirt slogan in a Pilates class - there's a void at the core of the story.
  2. The narrative explores how social media posts can project feelings onto situations and individuals.
  3. The author questions the meaning behind a shirt slogan stating "Literally nothing I do is for men" and the implications it carries.

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

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🚌 Education History Feminism Social Change Cultural criticism
  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.

Too many of you care too much about sex

Sex and the State • 19 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Gender Social Issues Feminism Political Commentary
  1. Many people focus too much on the topic of sex, which can lead to unnecessary stress. It's important to recognize that there are more aspects to life than just sex.
  2. The discussion around sex often gets tied to societal issues, but it's crucial to separate personal experiences from broader problems. Balancing both can help bring clarity.
  3. There’s a reminder that enjoying life and personal freedoms can be more fulfilling than getting caught up in the debates about sex and gender. Finding joy in everyday life is important.

The right way to be a "woman"

Men Yell at Me • 375 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Marriage 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.

A shockingly ignorant timeline

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism Social Issues Gender Politics Cultural critique
  1. People often ignore important issues, like what is happening in Russia. It's important to stay informed, even if it's uncomfortable.
  2. There’s a rise in anti-feminist ideas, like the 'tradwife' trend, which can be harmful. These views don't really support women's rights.
  3. Understanding these social trends helps us see the bigger picture. It’s crucial to think critically about what we see and believe.

Anne Bradstreet: An American Rorschach Test

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Poetry American Literature Feminism Historical Analysis Personal Reflection
  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 if women were in charge?

The Novelleist • 586 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Society Feminism Media
  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.

You Will Comply and You'll be Happy

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 138 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Workplace Compliance Feminism Masculinity
  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 Film Representation Intersectionality Critique
  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 Gender Equality Patriarchy Social Change Activism 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 Critical Thinking Socialization Authenticity Self-Expression
  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.

Sexists fear women

Sex and the State • 9 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Feminism Societal Trends
  1. Many sexists are driven by fear, not hate. This fear can make people act irrationally and selfishly.
  2. Younger, lower-status men tend to be the most sexist. They often feel threatened by women's advancement.
  3. The most sexist individuals may experience the biggest loss due to feminism, showing that their fear is linked to their own status.

Feminism Against Humanity

The Upheaval • 576 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Society Gender Literature
  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.

Episode 104: This is Absurd!

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Mental health Corporate ethics Censorship 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.

Left-Hand Paths

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Esotericism Religion Morality Gender 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 Books Feminism Author Discussion
  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.

bell hooks: Living by an Ethic of Love

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 25 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social justice Feminism Masculinity
  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 Sexuality Gender Dynamics
  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

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

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 07 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social justice Activism Feminism Spiritual growth
  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 Activism Social justice Intersectionality
  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 Music Pop culture Identity Feminism Art
  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.

Gay men on "Team Terf"

Disaffected Newsletter • 279 implied HN points • 03 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism Social justice Conservative Views Identity politics
  1. Some gay men align with TERF views, but they may not be safe from backlash themselves. Being part of this group does not guarantee protection from criticism or attacks.
  2. The argument suggests that TERFs see men, including gay men, as tools for their own ideology. Men are viewed as accessories rather than equals in this perspective.
  3. Once gay men express views that contradict TERF beliefs, they risk being labeled as misogynists and face social media consequences. Their support can quickly turn to hostility.