The hottest Gender Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Does the Black guy always die first?

Teniade Topics • 78 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. The trope of the black character dying first in horror movies is complex and rooted in stereotypes.
  2. Black men in horror films often play sacrificial roles to highlight the threat posed by monsters or killers.
  3. Black women in horror movies are usually portrayed as intuitive sidekicks, often with knowledge of the occult or supernatural.

The Gen Z-fication of the Femme Fatale

The Digital Native • 78 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Femme fatales have been powerful and controversial characters throughout history, representing strong women with control over their lives.
  2. Hollywood redefined the femme fatale as a symbol of power, autonomy, and charm, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for bold female characters in media.
  3. Gen Z is rebranding femme fatales as 'dark feminine,' appreciating characters like Maddy from Euphoria who show a mix of boldness, charisma, and vulnerability.

01/31/24 - FAQ Questions Time!

Moly’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. The amount of spending money for a 9th grader in China can vary based on individual circumstances.
  2. Young individuals in China are presented with opportunities to work abroad for higher pay, but it comes with challenges and personal considerations.
  3. Living conditions in Chinese universities, like collective dorms, are seen as compromises and can lead to hardships for students.

You Say You Want A Revolution?

Public • 397 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender
  1. The revolution and political change are interconnected in today's era.
  2. There are concerns and debates around the origins of COVID-19 and potential censorship of information.
  3. Musicians like Carlos Santana and Alice Cooper are sparking conversations about gender and identity.

Unveiling Gendered Islamophobia

Pen>Sword • 179 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Gender
  1. The emergent laws policing Muslim women are rooted in imperial discourses, treating Muslim women's bodies as a way to advance colonialism and the 'War on Terror.'
  2. There is a gendered dialectic in Islamophobia that positions Muslim women as victims and men as ominous terrorists, driving a narrative that influences perceptions and actions.
  3. The discourse surrounding the rescue of Muslim women versus the lack of rescue for Muslim men reveals the strategic tropes associated with Muslim bodies exclusively along gendered lines.
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Links to Consider, 1/19

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender
  1. Wokeness and victimhood culture are not just influenced by laws, but also by disparities in outcomes.
  2. Core gender beliefs have historically influenced societies and changes in those beliefs affected women's opportunities.
  3. Government benefit policies can inadvertently discourage work and incentivize receiving benefits, creating a cycle of dependency.

Sympathy for the Devils

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Terfs, or trans-exclusionary radical feminists, are a controversial group largely existing online and in digital spaces.
  2. The evolution of LGBTQ+ movements has caused divisions, particularly among lesbians, about the definition and inclusivity of the term 'lesbian.'
  3. Culture wars often revolve around defining social realities, such as sexuality, and establishing acceptable boundaries for personal identities.

The problem with "choice feminism"

Sex and the State • 35 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Choice feminism focuses on individual empowerment but often ignores deeper systemic issues like sexism. It helps some women, but it doesn't address the root problems.
  2. Radical feminists criticize choice feminism for its lack of focus on community and systemic change. They believe real solutions come from tackling the underlying inequalities, not just individual strategies.
  3. The current system benefits those in power, and choice feminism can inadvertently support the status quo. Real change requires collaboration and understanding of the broader social context.

Desiring to be desired

Holly Elmore • 58 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. The author desired the male gaze to be idealized like she idealized men.
  2. From a young age, the author was drawn to crush drama and admired boys in a fantasy of being chosen.
  3. The chase of unrequited love was addictive for the author, even after clear rejection.

Walking While Woman

Ladyparts • 219 implied HN points • 12 May 22
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Walking can be a way to clear the mind and shake off stress.
  2. Pregnancy and motherhood can have long-lasting physical impacts on a woman's body.
  3. Attacks on reproductive rights are rooted in misogyny and control over women's bodies.

The Surreal Solidarity of Women's Deodorant

Brands Mean a Lot • 220 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Women's friendships are often face to face and thrive on intimacy and emotional connection.
  2. Surrealism in media can create fantastical worlds through incongruous narratives and ideas.
  3. The ad portrayed a strong sense of solidarity between women, showcasing vulnerability and trust in friendship.

How to get more male teachers

Of Boys and Men • 95 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🚌 Education Gender
  1. There is a significant drop in the number of male teachers, especially in secondary schools, where their share has fallen from 48% to 36%. This means fewer male role models in middle and high schools.
  2. Many men enter teaching later in life, often switching from other careers. About 25% of male teachers come from different professions, indicating a need for easier pathways into education.
  3. Men are more likely to leave teaching for other careers or further education compared to women. This suggests that improving job satisfaction and financial benefits could help retain more male teachers in the field.

REPOST: "Baby It's Cold Outside" is Good, So Bite Me and Happy Holidays

I Might Be Wrong • 4 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. The song’s lyrics reflect an aggressive, pressuring gender dynamic that is legitimately problematic and out of date.
  2. Despite its flaws, the song is a musical time capsule with catchy melodies and many classic renditions, so people can still enjoy its historical and artistic value.
  3. Decisions about canceling cultural works should be nuanced: condemn harmful aspects but weigh them against quality and context rather than discarding everything with flaws.

The case for male spaces

Of Boys and Men • 202 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Male friendships require intentional effort and time commitment to grow and combat loneliness
  2. There is a need for more male spaces and organizations to support boys and men's social development
  3. The shift towards co-ed organizations may have unintended consequences on male relational skills and mental health

Race, Gender and IQ

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🔬 Science Gender
  1. Publicly discussing racial and gender differences in IQ can lead to accusations of prejudice, as seen in the cases of James Watson and Lawrence Summers.
  2. Evidence suggests that the genetic IQ of Africans is comparable to that of whites, challenging previous assumptions of lower intelligence.
  3. Nurture may play a smaller role than nature in influencing outcomes, as seen in a study of Korean-American children placed for adoption.

The World is Wrong, Volume 4: At Home With Amy Sedaris

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. At Home with Amy Sedaris is a woman-created, woman-led alt-comedy that prioritizes quirky, sketch-driven humor over actual homemaking tips and leans into a deliberately retro '50s aesthetic.
  2. Despite solid reviews and awards, the show never developed a big cult following or mainstream impact—likely because it aired on low-profile TruTV, was hit by the cable-content collapse, and felt more Gen X/older-millennial than what younger tastemakers preferred.
  3. The series still helped raise the profile of performers like Cole Escola, and it could be rediscovered or revived on streaming now that studio catalogs are being reshuffled.

Rattle Bag

The Ruffian • 178 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Gender
  1. The play Macbeth explores themes of toxic masculinity, manhood, and violence, showcasing the complexities of showcasing strength and expressing emotions.
  2. Macbeth delves into the concept of legitimate violence versus illegitimate violence, examining the distinctions and societal perspectives on celebrating different forms of killings.
  3. Shakespeare uses Macbeth to analyze the transition from feudalism to a centralized state, questioning the monopoly of legitimate violence held by modern states.

Everything and Nothing

Men Yell at Me • 246 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Barbie can be both a toy of creation and destruction for girls
  2. There are different creation myths and interpretations for Barbie, similar to those in Genesis
  3. The Barbie movie reflects on societal expectations of women and the complexities of feminism

Boy Friends: What's Wrong with Insisting Luca Has to Be Gay

Humanities in Revolt • 119 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Arguing that Luca and Alberto’s relationship can only be understood as gay can reinforce damaging patriarchal conceptions of boyhood masculinity.
  2. The presumption that men of all sexual orientations are incapable of non-sexual bonding reinforces a dehumanizing patriarchal stereotype.
  3. It is important to recognize and embrace the diversity of masculinities and femininities, rather than adhering to narrow and essentializing gender norms.

Humanizing Boys: How Disney's Luca Shows Us Another Masculinity is Possible

Humanities in Revolt • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. The movie Luca challenges conventional male socialization by celebrating male emotional connection and offering a different vision of masculinity.
  2. Luca showcases a friendship that involves meaningful conversations, emotional expression, and support, which contrasts with traditional aggressive and violent masculinity.
  3. Societal norms and stereotypes constrain boys' identity development by enforcing narrow definitions of masculinity, limiting their exploration of all facets of humanity.

Men Are Lonely. But Women Are Being Attacked.

Men Yell at Me • 313 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Men are experiencing loneliness and social isolation at alarming rates.
  2. Women are facing challenges such as attacks, sexual violence, and a stagnant wage gap.
  3. The solution to these issues should not put more burden on women but rather normalize diverse outlets for intimacy and friendships among men.

Women + the entertainment industry

The Digital Native • 39 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Women in entertainment industry have played influential roles throughout history, from propaganda tools to shaping fashion trends and societal norms.
  2. Models have evolved over the decades, from pin-up girls to supermodels to Gen Z models, each contributing to changing body ideals, fashion, and industry standards.
  3. The digital era, especially social media, has given models more control over their narratives, allowing them to connect with audiences, advocate for causes, and shape trends in a more personal way.

Silicon Valley Stoicism

Caleb’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Stoicism is popular in tech, but it's important not to exaggerate its prevalence
  2. Stoicism is embraced in Silicon Valley because it helps people in building companies
  3. Silicon Valley Stoicism can be seen as superficial, but overall has positive effects

The deep state of the patriarchy

Discomfort zone • 39 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Guardianship of women is a significant issue worldwide, where women are not considered adults in the legal sense and require male permission for basic decisions.
  2. Guardianship practices are not limited to specific countries or religions, as it is observed globally.
  3. The remnants of guardianship still exist in Western societies, affecting women's autonomy and equality despite historical movements for change.

So you’re a millennial female autist substacking about your special interest

Sex and the State • 21 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Choosing a clear topic helps you find your audience better. Having a specific niche makes it easier to write and connect with readers.
  2. Getting attention is crucial for your writing to be read. You can either pay for ads or create content that sparks strong emotions to get more people talking.
  3. Experimenting with different strategies helps you learn what works best for your content. Using advertisements can teach you valuable lessons for your organic outreach later.

Do Women Really Have Fewer Partners Than Men?

Pryor Questions • 186 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. The average number of sexual partners for men and women can vary depending on the type of average used, such as mean, median, or mode.
  2. Surveys on sexual partners may be influenced by social biases, leading to discrepancies in reported numbers between genders.
  3. Different studies and surveys show conflicting data on the average number of sexual partners for men and women, indicating the complexity of capturing such personal and varied experiences.

Mind the cinematic gender gap

I have thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. There is a gap in recognizing female artistic achievements in the cinematic world, with examples like Greta Gerwig being overlooked for Best Director nominations despite success in filmmaking.
  2. There is a need for more representation of women in the film industry, both behind the camera as directors and in front of the camera as well-written characters.
  3. Artistic consumption can be more intentional to support and promote women's voices and stories, encouraging a shift towards inclusive creative exploration.

Reclaiming Masculinity Beyond Ideology

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Many American men are in a crisis where anger often hides vulnerability, and fatherlessness and unresolved emotional wounds help fuel political polarization.
  2. We need new models of masculinity that move beyond toughness and control and instead embrace failure, forgiveness, empathy, nurturing, and a search for meaning.
  3. Psychological and cultural critiques show social systems can harm men as well as women, so efforts to reclaim masculinity should be practical and non-ideological.

Appreciating *Casablanca*

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. The film 'Casablanca' presents unrealistic premises that serve as symbolic elements reflecting moral themes, inspiring and edifying viewers.
  2. The movie showcases themes of upward vitality, virtue, and moral growth, particularly in the character arcs of Rick and Laszlo.
  3. The gender dynamics in 'Casablanca' highlight male agency and Americanism, with a focus on male characters embodying higher intelligence and upward vitality, while female characters are often positioned as objects of admiration.

5 Tough Women Who Debunk the Woke Narrative

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Tough, gritty female characters have been present in films for a long time, debunking the notion that women were historically excluded from such roles.
  2. Characters like Laurie Strode, Ellen Ripley, Sarah Conner, Sidney Prescott, and Rose DeWitt Bukater showcase diverse forms of empowered women in cinema.
  3. Believable and multi-dimensional female characters in movies defy stereotypes, showcasing that women can excel in hero roles just like men.

Microaggressions: A Chapter from The Mean Girl Handbook

Unsafe Science • 122 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Microaggressions are everyday verbal or nonverbal behaviors that can communicate negative messages to marginalized groups.
  2. Microaggression training sessions focus on self-reflection and awareness of subtle behaviors in workplace interactions.
  3. Women are more likely to engage in relational aggression, which involves gossiping and social exclusion.

The Strange Minstrelsy of Dylan Mulvaney

The Weekly Dish • 200 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Dylan Mulvaney's rise to fame through a performance of transitioning drew attention and criticism from various groups.
  2. Dylan Mulvaney's portrayal of a 'girl' seemed more like a classic, campy, theatrical act rather than a genuine transgender experience.
  3. The controversy surrounding Dylan Mulvaney's commercial appearance led to brand boycotts and heightened tensions between different political factions.

Denial Illustrated

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 187 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎭️ Culture Gender
  1. Aging gracefully means knowing when to say no to unrealistic standards
  2. There is wondrous beauty in accepting and embracing the passage of time
  3. Trying to turn back the clock ultimately removes the genuine beauty of aging gracefully