The hottest Identity politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Anti-white bigotry is real and a clear and present danger

Disaffected Newsletter • 1838 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Anti-white bigotry exists and needs to be recognized. It's important to acknowledge that not everyone experiences the same treatment based on their race.
  2. Many white people feel a sense of fear or shame about discussing their experiences. This reluctance could lead to negative consequences if not addressed.
  3. There's a call to action for white individuals to express their concerns and experiences more openly. It’s vital for everyone to feel safe and heard, regardless of their background.

Epistemic Privilege

Fake Noûs • 277 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Identity politics
  1. The idea of 'epistemic privilege' says we should accept testimony from marginalized people about their oppression because they have special access to their own experiences, but treating this as a categorical or novel rule is questionable.
  2. Epistemic judgments are being framed as moral and political judgments, so doubting certain testimonies gets labeled an injustice and turned into a marker of factional loyalty rather than a neutral inquiry.
  3. Politicizing who to believe encourages partisan conformity and biased thinking, which undermines honest truth-seeking and makes solving social problems harder while enabling signaling by ideologues.

Trump 2.0: A Survival Guide for Democrats

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2541 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling more than ever, with only a third of Americans viewing it positively. This is the lowest approval rating the party has seen since 1992.
  2. Recent leadership changes in the DNC seem out of touch with the voters, as the new chair candidates focused on discussions around identity politics rather than addressing the party's failures.
  3. Young voters, especially Gen Z, feel unheard by the Democrats. Key issues like school safety, climate change, and economic pressures need to be prioritized if the party wants to connect with them.

Difficulties with Fanon

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1298 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Identity politics
  1. Fanon's ideas challenge us to think about violence differently. While some celebrate violence for self-realization, it's important to question the implications this has on society.
  2. Fanon expands Marxism beyond Europe, highlighting social issues in post-colonial contexts. His approach forced people to rethink modernization and the cultural complexities within different societies.
  3. Independence changed the narrative for many African countries, allowing them to create their own history. This agency is crucial, even if challenges like inequality and poor governance remain.

What Was A Millennial?

Castalia • 539 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Millennials challenged traditional ideas of adulthood, believing that fulfillment doesn't require following old initiation rites like military service or parenthood. They made this idea more mainstream, especially through the concept of metrosexuality.
  2. As millennials focused on self-care and personal fulfillment, they experienced challenges in workplaces that valued traditional hierarchies. This shift also led to lower birth rates, as many sought meaning outside of family structures.
  3. The rise of androgyny and gender fluidity was prominent in both millennials and Gen Z, suggesting a future with fewer gender boundaries. However, older generations often felt this led to a loss of clear roles and responsibilities.
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Civil War in Sudan

An Africanist Perspective • 1009 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Identity politics
  1. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are gaining momentum in Sudan's civil war, indicating a shift in power from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This may lead to increased violence and further fragmentation within the country.
  2. Sudan's long history of identity politics and development policies centered around the riverain core have contributed to the current civil war. The failure to incorporate marginalized groups has led to years of instability and conflict.
  3. The internationalization of the conflict in Sudan involves foreign actors supporting different factions, which complicates efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution. A negotiated settlement that involves power-sharing between military factions and civilian leadership could be the best way forward.

2024: the year we 'un-kind' ourselves.

A B’Old Woman • 859 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. This year, some people want to stop being kind just because it's expected. They feel like kindness should be personal and not forced.
  2. There's concern that being kind to everyone could actually hurt certain groups, especially women, by allowing men who identify as women into their spaces.
  3. The idea of kindness is seen as being used to manipulate people, making them do things that may not be fair or right for everyone involved.

Feminists: tell me what you believe?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1278 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Feminism means different things to different people. It's important for individuals to share their personal definitions and beliefs about feminism.
  2. Supporting equal rights for women doesn't necessarily mean someone identifies as a feminist. Some believe those rights can be supported without using the term 'feminism.'
  3. There's a chance that arguments over feminism arise from misunderstandings of the term. People might think they disagree when their definitions are just different.

"It's just so very, very small"

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 982 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. The article discusses the dismissal of concerns about transgender issues by emphasizing the insignificance of certain anatomical aspects.
  2. There is a critique of progressive attitudes that avoid addressing serious issues by downplaying their significance.
  3. The text highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's beliefs and decisions, even if they may seem small or insignificant at first glance.

McGill University: Where appealing for quiet is now a race crime.

Heterodox STEM • 683 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. McGill University is facing criticism for its approach to maintaining quiet during events. A request for reduced noise was labeled as exclusionary rather than a simple courtesy.
  2. The response to this request reflects a deeper debate about respectful behavior on campuses and how it ties into larger issues of race and colonialism.
  3. Some argue that universities are overly politicized and that common norms, like asking for quiet, are wrongly interpreted as acts of oppression.

Obsessed with virtue signalling

antoniomelonio • 106 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. People substitute gestures for real change, performing moral purity with slogans and selfies instead of building long-term power or policy.
  2. Protests, charity, and public outrage are often curated performances—consumable, brand-safe acts that release guilt but avoid risk, organization, or structural disruption.
  3. The result is political sterility: righteous signaling and binary demonizing destroy leverage, neutralize dissent, and prevent meaningful reforms.

Is Taxidermy—Yes, Taxidermy—Europe’s Warning Signal?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 704 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Identity politics
  1. Europe is facing a big demographic issue because of low birth rates and people leaving for better opportunities. This problem could hurt the economy and societal stability.
  2. The craft of taxidermy in Italy is struggling to survive, with only a few aspiring taxidermists compared to the past. This reflects the larger struggles many traditional professions are experiencing.
  3. Rural communities in Europe are feeling the effects of this crisis the most. They're worried about losing their cultures and ways of life as demographic changes continue.

I Am A True Progressive

Society & Standpoint • 1375 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Gender roles have evolved over time due to movements like feminism, allowing for more freedom of expression.
  2. Critical race theory reduces individuals to stereotypes based on race, contradicting the idea of individuality.
  3. Today's progressives seem to be moving away from valuing principles like due process and free speech.

Equity Meme, Dominance Disputes, Voter Preferences

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 965 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Alpha male chimpanzees can become too aggressive, leading lower-ranking males to team up against them. In extreme cases, they might even kill the dominant male.
  2. In the last century, men have grown much taller and stronger than women, possibly because women prefer taller, more muscular men.
  3. Voter preferences have changed, with white voters remaining stable in their choices while nonwhite voters have increasingly leaned towards the Republican party.

In Australia, political parties that oppose Zionism also oppose anti-semitism

Philosophy bear • 78 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Identity politics
  1. In Australian politics, parties whose supporters are more pro‑Israel tend to show higher indicators of antisemitic attitudes, while parties that favor Palestine (notably the Greens and Labor) show lower indicators.
  2. This pattern shows up across multiple survey measures — questions about Jews and money, Holocaust‑related statements, and support for banning Nazi symbols all reveal similar party differences.
  3. The link between pro‑Zionism and antisemitism has historical precedent and scholarly recognition, so the relationship between support for Israel and antisemitic sentiments can be complex and counterintuitive.

New Morning in America 2.0

donaldjeffries • 1257 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. The neighborhood is peaceful and idyllic, with mainly White residents and well-maintained lawns.
  2. The author feels out of place in public spaces like the post office and grocery store due to changes in demographics and service quality.
  3. The suburbs are seen as a haven by the author, offering a balance of city amenities and country charm.

Josh and Leslie Elliott on "The Radical Center"

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Leslie Elliott was training to be a psychotherapist but got cancelled for her views on therapy that didn't align with woke beliefs.
  2. The discussion will be about the concept of the 'Radical Center', which suggests finding common ground amidst extreme viewpoints.
  3. People interested in the topic can watch the premiere online at the specified time to learn more about these ideas.

Somalis gonna Somali

Unreported Truths • 93 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Somali social life is strongly organized around clans and kinship, with practices like cousin marriage and collective family loyalty shaping behavior.
  2. Large-scale resettlement of people from tribal societies can allow clan networks to re-form in diaspora, which may hinder civic integration and, in some cases, enable coordinated wrongdoing like the Minnesota fraud cases.
  3. Immigration policy should be cautious about admitting whole tribal groups en masse without safeguards, because doing so can preserve fragmented allegiances and make assimilation to rule-of-law institutions more difficult.

Don't play 'Tower of Babel'

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Many people who have changed their political views still deal with old emotional triggers. These triggers affect how they think and react to various situations.
  2. Using the same terms and language from old beliefs can undermine one's current views. It's important to recognize that language carries meaning and implications.
  3. Some new terms, like 'the unhoused' or 'sex work,' might seem harmless but can actually reinforce old beliefs and ideas. It's worth questioning the language we choose to use.

Curator

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. There's a big debate about trans issues and choices, especially about children and medical decisions like puberty blockers. Some people stress the importance of granting freedoms, while others worry about the consequences of those choices on young lives.
  2. The idea of polyamory suggests that relationships can be built on open communication and shared experiences instead of traditional monogamous norms. While some people admire this approach, others see it as complicated and challenging to manage.
  3. Psychedelics have become popular for their potential benefits, but there's a growing concern about unrealistic expectations and their safe use. People are starting to question whether these substances can really bring about lasting change in society.

Postmodernism and the Failure of Moral Triage

Peter Boghossian • 1061 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Identity politics
  1. The problem with peer review in academia is highlighted by the replication crisis in fields like psychology and biological sciences.
  2. Rejecting the ideas of science can lead to dangerous notions like limiting access to truth based on immutable characteristics.
  3. The shift towards woke ideology in education and social psychology has contributed significantly to the propagation of postmodernist ideas.

First draft of a maxim

Disaffected Newsletter • 939 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. It's important to clarify definitions before discussing disagreements. Often, people think they're disagreeing when they are just using different meanings for the same words.
  2. The author challenges the common views on 'isms' like homophobia and racism. They argue that not all criticisms labeled as these are actually rooted in hate or irrational fear.
  3. Many claims of 'ism' are seen as tools to silence opposing viewpoints, rather than genuine expressions of prejudice. The author believes these claims are often untrue or exaggerated.

A Crusading Clerisy

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 963 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Marxism is not a religion, but post-Enlightenment progressivism ('Wokery') can be considered as one.
  2. The growth of the human-and-cultural capital class, along with technological evolution, has led to a shift towards jobs less grounded in physical reality, especially in entertainment, media, and education.
  3. Post-Enlightenment Progressivism (

Homework and Slop

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 22 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Liberal democracy is in deep trouble: growing state violence, elite deference to strongmen, and declining civic trust show the system is weakening.
  2. Identity politics and a culture of authenticity have shifted politics from individual rights toward group-based, tribal thinking, and technology plus weakened education standards encourage shallow, surface-level thought that amplifies those problems.
  3. Markets, democracy, and civic society are deeply interconnected, and treating markets as if they stand above democratic control has increased inequality and hollowed out civic life; rebuilding liberalism means re-linking economic policy, social rights, and civic institutions.

NPR hasn't gotten more liberal. It's become more capital-D Democratic

White Hot Harlots • 239 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. NPR has shifted towards being more aligned with the Democratic party rather than being more traditionally liberal in its coverage.
  2. Commercial networks may avoid certain topics due to financial interests, whereas NPR's funding model allows it to cover a wider range of issues without worrying about ratings.
  3. The dynamics and messaging within the Democratic party have changed, leading to NPR reflecting this shift by emphasizing identity issues and being less critical of establishment Democrats.

Exchange with Amy Wax on Immigration

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1341 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. High-skilled immigrants can provide huge benefits to the economy, like famous innovators who lead successful companies. Losing out on these talents could seriously harm American progress.
  2. Many immigrants are integrating well into American culture, and younger generations generally feel connected to diverse communities. There's a common misconception that immigrants don’t assimilate.
  3. Debats about immigration should focus on the potential of individuals rather than broad groups. High-skilled workers can bring positive changes, so it's a mistake to view them all negatively.

This is Cluster B on Substack

Disaffected Newsletter • 1578 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Some people use their past trauma to gain sympathy and make accusations against others. This can sometimes be manipulative, as they may not show the whole story.
  2. There's a group of people who want strict moderation of online speech, but platforms like Substack don’t follow those same rules as Twitter does.
  3. When some individuals who are used to getting their way face pushback for the first time, it can be surprising and almost entertaining for others to witness.

Black Republicans and Big Man Syndrome

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1536 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Some black Republicans are seen as performing for the audience, trying to challenge leftist views. Their backgrounds and statements can lead to controversy.
  2. Republicans may actively seek out black leaders to show they aren't racist, even if those candidates have questionable traits.
  3. The term 'Big Man Syndrome' describes leaders who gain power through charisma and personal control, rather than official positions. This idea comes from studying how some societies operate around influential figures.

Barstool Sports: A Conservative Think Tank

JoeWrote • 98 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Modern conservatism seems confusing because its supporters often mix traditional values with ideas that don’t always align, like supporting abortion rights while promoting traditional gender roles.
  2. People like Dave Portnoy express a feeling of being attacked or blamed by society, which may not reflect reality but shows how many conservatives perceive cultural shifts.
  3. There’s a tendency among conservative figures to blame social issues on things like college culture and feminism, rather than addressing the real sources of problems they discuss.

Nazi Elves and Cockney Orcs: The Rings of Power, Class and Royalty

The Bigger Picture • 1817 implied HN points • 21 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. We're continuously wrestling with growing wealth inequality in the current era, visible through discussions around society's power dynamics.
  2. Class plays a fundamental role in the cultural polarization, often overshadowed by conversations on identity politics.
  3. Our societal unrest stems from economic realities influencing power dynamics, creating a divide between different classes and leading to cultural tensions.

Kill the Chicken to Scare the Monkey

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 928 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Identity politics can be used to create fear and control within groups. This can lead to people feeling pressured to conform to certain beliefs.
  2. Groups often engage in public shaming or 'struggle sessions' to enforce conformity. This method makes individuals afraid to speak out or be different.
  3. Understanding these tactics can help individuals navigate social pressures better. Knowing how fear works in group dynamics can be empowering.

The "womanface" farce

Disaffected Newsletter • 1159 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Feminists view 'womanface' as a serious issue, but it's argued that it's more about personal feelings and competition than real oppression. Many think that these makeup standards are imposed by women on each other rather than defining womanhood itself.
  2. The comparison of 'womanface' to 'blackface' is questioned. It's suggested that 'blackface' impacts have diminished over the years, and that true racism involves more serious repercussions.
  3. Underlying motivations for complaints about these issues may stem from a shallow sense of competition and personal victimhood rather than genuine concerns about injustice.

Decolonising Edinburgh

Heterodox STEM • 256 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. The University of Edinburgh's report found that its professors and alumni significantly contributed to racial pseudo-sciences that created harmful racial hierarchies. This shows a troubling part of the university's history.
  2. Activists at the university are pushing for changes, like creating new centers and hiring policies to address issues of racism and promote inclusivity. However, some people think these changes may not effectively solve the underlying issues.
  3. There's a lack of engagement from the university community regarding the report, with a very low response rate to surveys. This suggests that many might not agree with or support the proposed changes.

Things that won't work on me

Disaffected Newsletter • 1119 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. False claims made by some feminists about harassment are seen as untrustworthy and deceitful.
  2. There is frustration with demands for detailed explanations about how to address cultural issues, feeling that it's a waste of time.
  3. Suggestions to tone down anger or criticism are rejected, as the focus is on holding others accountable rather than trying to convince them.

Your year-end China-watching test

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Identity politics
  1. Americans are split between two founding stories—1776 (independence and state sovereignty) and 1865 (Civil War, emancipation, and a stronger federal nation)—and that dispute drives a lot of contemporary political identity.
  2. Attempts to build an inclusive national narrative have sometimes sidelined the cultural identity and interests of the majority, producing policies and symbolic changes that many people see as unfair and alienating.
  3. History is a political tool: when alternative views are suppressed and majority grievances are ignored, it can fuel nationalist backlash and deepen social fracture.

Culture Wars Are not For Sissies

Disaffected Newsletter • 1159 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. There is a belief that we are in a serious cultural conflict, not just a disagreement, and the left seems to control most of the media, spreading misinformation.
  2. Laws are being proposed that some believe would allow harmful medical treatments for children, sparking heated debate about child safety and rights.
  3. Some people think that a softer approach to these issues isn't working anymore, and there is a call for more direct and strong action to address the perceived dangers.

The Death of Twitter and Generalized Identity

The Discourse Lounge • 797 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Twitter is losing its importance and is now filled with misleading content and bots. Many users have moved to other platforms that promote better quality discussions.
  2. While Twitter helped popularize many leftist ideas, it also made some views seem more common than they actually were among broader communities. Not all ideas on Twitter reflect the majority opinion.
  3. The way media and politicians used Twitter as a guide for understanding diverse communities can be misleading. Terms like BIPOC gained traction on Twitter but don’t always resonate with how people identify in real life.