The hottest Identity politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

I'm lovin' it!

Disaffected Newsletter • 979 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. The writer finds value in Substack Notes and is skeptical about the emotional reactions seen on social media.
  2. There is frustration with some people demanding moderation against 'hate speech' on Substack.
  3. The writer believes that Substack allows for freer expression without the strict controls found on platforms like Twitter.

Liberals Warned Me About MAGA’s Racism. I Didn’t Believe Them—Until Now.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 709 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. The author reflects on their past disbelief regarding claims of racism in MAGA, admitting they were initially skeptical of these warnings.
  2. An experience during high school made the author realize the implications of political shifts on racial tension and identity.
  3. Seeing recent hateful comments about India and its people has opened the author's eyes to the real racism that exists, highlighting a disturbing trend in public discourse.

Look: You HAVE to Ask Josh Shapiro if He’s Ever Feasted on Palestinian Flesh

I Might Be Wrong • 20 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. The Harris campaign asked Josh Shapiro intrusive questions about his ties to Israel and whether he might be an agent for a foreign government.
  2. The piece argues that intense vetting of a candidate’s ethnic or religious loyalties is normal and necessary, and says Democrats have done similar scrutiny of other politicians.
  3. The writer portrays Shapiro’s nuanced views on Israel as risky and defends extreme or provocative questioning as routine due diligence, using satirical exaggeration to make the point.

Who is allowed to practice identity politics?

Can We Still Govern? • 805 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Kamala Harris did not campaign on identity politics, even though many critics claim she did. Her campaign focused more on economic issues and policies rather than solely on identity-related topics.
  2. Donald Trump did use identity politics in his campaign by targeting specific groups negatively. He often painted immigrants and other marginalized groups as threats, which resonated with certain voter bases.
  3. The media tends to label identity politics as only a left-wing issue, ignoring how right-wing politics also play on group identities, especially among white Christian nationalists.

Race, Sex, and the Limits of Definition

Journal of Free Black Thought • 17 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. The Supreme Court is being pushed to define "sex" for Title IX sports, which forces courts to decide what counts as male or female and how that should be enforced.
  2. There is a core legal tension between upholding sex‑segregated athletics generally and allowing as‑applied challenges when a state's fairness justification might not apply to a specific athlete.
  3. Every possible path—an explicit biological definition, minimalist guidance, state variation, or individualized review—comes with heavy administrative and equality tradeoffs, so the law may not be able to provide a clean, final answer about identity categories.
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Analytical Marxism in the 1990s

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 219 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Identity politics
  1. Analytical Marxism in the 1990s is a topic that explores the book 'Reconstructing Marxism' by Wright, Levine & Sober from 1992.
  2. There is a need to think beyond the authors' perspective to move away from left identitarianism and reconstruct class politics.
  3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of delving deeper into the complexities of these concepts for a more nuanced understanding.

Notes On the Great Vibe Shift

The Ruffian • 510 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. There has been a noticeable shift in company policies, with many businesses moving away from diversity and inclusion initiatives since Trump's second win. This suggests that leaders now feel free to express their true beliefs.
  2. Unlike in previous elections, Trump's return has not sparked widespread outrage or resistance, showing a possible acceptance from even his opponents. People are more willing to see him as a leader they can work with.
  3. This change in culture not only affects American workplaces but also extends internationally, with global leaders now more eager to engage with Trump than oppose him. It marks a return to more traditional values in politics and business.

December 27, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. The administration promoted explicit Christian nationalist messaging from top agencies, undermining the constitutional separation of church and state and privileging one faith in public life.
  2. The president ordered military strikes framed as avenging attacks on Christians in Nigeria, showing a faith-based, politically targeted approach to foreign policy that appealed to his evangelical base.
  3. Government power was used for partisan and exclusionary ends—through anti-immigrant propaganda, threats against religious minorities, and a politicized pardon process tied to personal and financial interests—indicating a broader authoritarian and corrosive pattern.

the real lessons find a way

bad cattitude • 224 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Many believe that topics like racism and inequality have become more prominent in schools, causing division rather than unity. Some argue this creates a cycle of blame without solving the actual problems.
  2. The impact of the COVID pandemic opened parents' eyes to what their children were learning in schools. This has sparked increased scrutiny and questions about education content.
  3. Young people today have faced challenging times, which has made them more resilient. Many believe these experiences are preparing them to succeed in the future compared to previous generations.

Changing Seasons

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Megyn Kelly spoke out against the use of gender pronouns, suggesting they contribute to a harmful lie that affects women and children.
  2. A Vermont school district was ordered to pay a family $125,000 after punishing them for misgendering a student who made their daughter uncomfortable.
  3. Elon Musk publicly supported banning gender surgeries for children after a conflict with some Twitter employees about a related film promotion.

Saturday Commentary and Review #191

Fisted by Foucault • 148 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. There's a belief among some Marxists that capitalism will soon collapse due to its problems. They talk confidently about this, even when history shows capitalism has kept going strong.
  2. When discussing identity in America, some people think only those with deep family roots in the country are 'real Americans'. This view can create divisions and ignores the diverse history of immigration in the U.S.
  3. The idea of 'degrowth' is gaining traction among some thinkers who believe we should stop focusing on constant economic growth to save the planet. However, many people argue that growth can help reduce poverty and improve lives.

The Gonzo Syndrome

Disaffected Newsletter • 719 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Many pedestrians act like they own the road, stepping into traffic without care. This behavior creates a feeling that they are challenging drivers, similar to Gonzo's reckless taxi-hailing.
  2. Some people ignore social norms and expect others to accommodate them. They seem to purposefully disregard basic courtesies and often act like their actions don't even matter.
  3. Adopting a confident stance can change the dynamic in these encounters. Instead of yielding, standing firm may surprise those who seek to intimidate and assert dominance.

The evil of identity politics

CIEO • 176 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Identity politics can overshadow compassion and humanity in institutions.
  2. In cases like Rochdale, race can sometimes trump sex in determining privilege and oppression.
  3. Identity politics can lead to inhumane consequences and a lack of critical thinking about who deserves empathy.

Whose Lost Decade?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 21 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. The claim that white millennial men were primarily shut out by “wokeness” is overstated; shrinking humanities and media jobs, elite overproduction, credential inflation, and aging leadership explain much of their diminished opportunities.
  2. Both woke and anti-woke politics have often functioned as elite status games or marketing moves, which distracted energy from concrete material problems and led to elite capture of progressive language.
  3. Real change requires material fixes and collective coordination — more good jobs, reforms to stale hierarchies, and deliberate efforts to shift harmful gender norms — not just fights over elite hiring or word games.

Numb in India, part 4: Dharma police

Numb at the Lodge • 538 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. The caste system in India is more complex than many people realize. It's not just about the four main groups but involves thousands of smaller castes that influence people's lives and jobs.
  2. Many Westerners misunderstand the caste system, thinking it's a rigid hierarchy. In reality, it's more like a flexible system influenced by individual roles and functions within society.
  3. Purity plays a big role in relationships between castes. People avoid contact with lower castes to maintain their own purity, which results in complex social rules and rituals.

Kemi Badenoch’s Fight for the UK—and the West

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 459 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Kemi Badenoch made history as the first black woman to lead the UK's Conservative Party, showcasing her unique background and experiences.
  2. Growing up in Nigeria during tough economic times helped shape her views on wealth, community, and the importance of hard work to maintain society's values.
  3. Badenoch's journey to conservatism was influenced by her early jobs and educational experiences, fueling her desire to promote ambition and potential in others.

New Normal

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Many people feel like they're living in a controlled and unnatural environment, similar to the film 'The Stepford Wives.' It's unsettling to interact with others who seem robotic and detached.
  2. Experiences in public spaces have changed significantly, making everyday interactions more uncomfortable than they used to be. People often follow strict rules that create a sense of isolation.
  3. There’s a growing divide in the U.S., with some areas feeling more 'normal' while others seem to embrace a strange new reality. Many are sensing a loss of genuine human connection.

The demonization of Dearborn, Michigan

Conspirador Norteño • 16 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Dearborn is repeatedly targeted with Islamophobic and anti-immigrant attacks online because it has a large Muslim and Middle Eastern population.
  2. These attacks come in waves tied to major events that often have nothing to do with Dearborn, and different groups and platforms (like X and Bluesky) have taken part at different times.
  3. Much of the rhetoric is misleading or false and is used for political scapegoating, showing that bigotry and misinformation cross ideological lines.

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 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.

The void

Close-reading the reruns with Phoebe Maltz Bovy • 235 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  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.

Pride on the Rocks

Heterodox STEM • 128 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Pride events have changed a lot over the years, leading to confusion and mixed feelings within the LGBTQ+ community. Many feel that the original purpose of celebrating gay rights has been lost among various new movements.
  2. There is a growing concern about how young people are introduced to complex topics like gender identity. Some believe these discussions may distract from real issues facing the gay community.
  3. Pride's popularity seems to be declining, with fewer corporate sponsors and financial difficulties. Many think it should refocus on honoring past achievements rather than expanding into new agendas.

Looksmaxxing

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 7 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. A growing looks‑focused movement pushes extreme body modifications, steroids, drugs, and expensive surgeries as ways to maximize attractiveness and social power.
  2. This obsession with appearance fuels a dominance mentality and has overlapped with online subcultures that normalize shock value, racism, and antisemitism.
  3. Youth politics are increasingly defined by a woke vs anti‑woke split where group identity and looks often trump individual character and ideas, worsening polarization and the risk of extreme outcomes.

a Based and Brave reply to Chris Rufo

Karlstack • 390 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Some people believe there's a serious issue in American politics, especially regarding foreign influence and how it conflicts with the country's interests.
  2. There's a conversation about how identity politics can shape responses to conflicts, but this can ignore the real suffering of people on the ground.
  3. Criticism of certain narratives can lead to consequences for individuals, showing a tension between free speech and the protection of specific communities.

the democratic joe rogan

bad cattitude • 357 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. The left is struggling with a lack of humor, thought diversity, and genuine connection, making it hard to attract new supporters. It often resorts to strict ideological tests that push people away.
  2. Many former left-leaning individuals feel alienated as the party has become more extreme, pushing them to seek alternatives. This shift has created frustration and led to a sense of disconnection with the mainstream.
  3. There is a desire for authenticity and genuine conversation in politics. People are tired of fake interactions and want leaders who can ask tough questions and speak honestly, rather than sticking to scripted, safe narratives.

Sorry, it's not just difference, it is danger

Men Yell at Me • 340 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Political differences can lead to real dangers, not just simple disagreements. It's important to recognize the serious implications these differences can have on people's lives.
  2. Women often face the greatest danger at home, where they are most likely to be attacked or assaulted. Laws that restrict women's rights only add to this danger.
  3. Telling marginalized groups that their lives and rights are less important is harmful. It is crucial to acknowledge and fight against these dangers rather than downplay them.

Fresh, hot take you're gonna love/hate

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Gay men sometimes idolize strong female figures in a way similar to how straight men idolize their mothers. This shows a connection between their appreciation and their relationships.
  2. The concept emphasizes that relationships with women can be very complex for gay men, involving admiration and emotional ties.
  3. It suggests that the public personas of certain female stars can influence the identities and experiences of gay men, shaping their social narratives.

leaving in a huff

bad cattitude • 327 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Some people are leaving social media platforms because they can't handle disagreements about their ideas. Instead of debating, they prefer to retreat to spaces where only their views are accepted.
  2. When someone sees their beliefs challenged, it can feel like a personal attack. This can lead to a strong reaction, making them defensive and unwilling to explore other viewpoints.
  3. The focus on consensus can lead to a false sense of security. People may feel more comfortable in like-minded groups, but this limits healthy discussions and the chance to grow through different opinions.

LGB vs TQIAXYZ+

bad cattitude • 296 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Many people feel that the conversation around gender identity has become overly political, impacting how it is discussed in schools and public spaces. They believe that not everyone agrees with this approach and see it as a forced ideology.
  2. There is a concern that the push for acceptance has alienated some within the LGBTQ community, particularly those who identify as LGB, and that they feel their voices are being overshadowed by discussions of gender identity.
  3. The emphasis should be on character and personal choices rather than identity alone, and there is a call for individuals to focus on living happy lives without being tied down by labels.

Freedom in an Age of Identity Politics

CIEO • 176 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Real freedom requires individual agency and recognition of our common humanity.
  2. Identity politics groups people based on characteristics, leading to a focus on what divides rather than unites.
  3. Freedom is more than lifestyle choices; it's grounded in our commitment to others and solidarity with humanity.

Neo-White Supremacy and the Assumption of Black/Brown Inferiority

Journal of Free Black Thought • 70 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Neo-white supremacy often masks itself as a form of 'antiracism,' but it still holds onto the idea that Black and Brown people are inferior. This means that those who claim to help might actually be keeping the same oppressive structures in place.
  2. Many people who identify as 'white saviors' still impose their views on Black and Brown individuals, treating them as projects rather than equals. This creates a false narrative of support while undermining their true voices and experiences.
  3. Real anti-racism should reject the concept of the white savior. We should be treated as equals, not as people in need of saving, and it's crucial to recognize and question any benevolence that still carries underlying biases.

In latest effort to deny reality, leftist German word police announce that a standard colloquialism for 'ethnic German' is racist, exclusionary and antidemocratic

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 224 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. In Germany, there's a group that decides every year on a word they find unacceptable, calling it the 'Unword of the Year.' This word is often seen as politically incorrect.
  2. The latest 'Unword' chosen is 'biodeutsch,' which means ethnic German. This term is now said to be racist, even though it was originally used to highlight distinctions in identity.
  3. 'Unwords' aim to create awareness about harmful language, but critics argue it actually limits free speech and the ability to discuss cultural identities openly.

Leftist Men Are Pussies

Default Wisdom • 244 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Many people learn about political ideas online, with platforms like Tumblr shaping modern identity politics more than traditional classrooms. This shift influenced how journalists and young adults view these topics.
  2. The conversation around political beliefs can shift quickly, especially when people explore new ideas. It's easy to get caught up in finding identity through opposing viewpoints, whether on the left or the right.
  3. Understanding differing opinions can be enlightening, even if you don't agree with them. Engaging with various perspectives helps refine your own beliefs, but it can also be uncomfortable or lead to deep personal questions.

Identity Politics Come From the Center, Not the Left.

JoeWrote • 252 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics
  1. Identity politics often focuses on symbols rather than real change. It's when politicians talk a lot about supporting a group but don't actually put policies in place to help them.
  2. Centrist politicians sometimes use identity politics to appear progressive while avoiding meaningful actions. They try to win votes by using friendly language without making real changes.
  3. Instead of blaming the left for identity politics, many centrist Democrats use it as a strategy to beat more progressive candidates. They need to focus on real issues that matter to people instead of just symbolic gestures.

Statement from a founder of the modern gay liberation movement, Fred Sargeant

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. Fred Sargeant played a key role in the modern gay liberation movement. He helped push for more rights and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
  2. His statement highlights the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by the community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for equal rights.
  3. Sargeant's perspective is valuable for understanding the history and evolution of LGBTQ+ activism. Learning from pioneers can inspire and guide future movements.

"Settlers"-style discourse will never benefit Palestinians

White Hot Harlots • 39 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Identity politics
  1. Identity politics often simplify issues into 'good' and 'bad' based on markers, hindering a holistic understanding of history and social dynamics
  2. The 'Settlers' discourse polarizes people into morally 'good' and 'bad' categories based on historical identities, restricting nuanced perspectives
  3. Reacting to racial disparities by promoting extreme identity-based hierarchies can oversimplify complex historical conflicts and hinder progress towards a more equitable society

Rising political activism in prestige scientific journals and magazines

James W. Phillips' Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🔬 Science Identity politics
  1. Prominent scientific journals and magazines have become significantly more politicized over the years, emphasizing political content over pure science.
  2. There is a noticeable bias towards left-of-center viewpoints in the political articles, with a lack of representation of differing viewpoints.
  3. The increase in political and identity-related content in these scientific publications may have implications for how science is perceived and understood by the public.

cultural invasion with gain of function virus

bad cattitude • 170 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Identity politics
  1. There's a concern that a gain of function virus could spread to populations without immunity, causing chaos, similar to how some American cultural elements might disrupt other countries.
  2. American online influencers could significantly impact cultures where such media is new, possibly leading to a rapid change in youth behavior and social norms.
  3. The rise of social media influencers may act as a powerful cultural tool, comparable to past political movements, and may influence societal structures in unexpected ways.