The hottest Identity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Lots of People Don't Know What a Woman Is

Bentham's Newsletter • 432 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. A woman is not just someone who identifies as a woman - the definition has flaws and circularity.
  2. Defining a woman as an adult human female leads to issues and does not match common understanding.
  3. A woman can be defined by a set of feminine traits, which is practical, inclusive, and well-supported by many philosophers.

I've succumbed to a midlife piercing

The Shift With Sam Baker • 419 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Identity
  1. The author talks about getting a midlife piercing and how it's not related to a crisis but a personal choice, mentioning the preference for the act of piercing over the jewelry itself.
  2. They also touch on their interest in tattoos and how body art has shifted from being frowned upon to a common form of self-expression among younger generations.
  3. The post explores how attitudes towards body modifications, like tattoos and piercings, have evolved over time, reflecting changing societal norms and personal identities.

The Insidious Lie That We Can’t Understand Each Other

After Babel • 2074 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🚌 Education Identity
  1. Identity trap ideologies suggest we can't understand each other, but it's important to challenge this notion.
  2. Standpoint theory emphasizes empathizing with oppressed groups, but it may not effectively guide political action.
  3. To argue against the identity trap, take concerns seriously, show why the ideology may fail, and propose a more noble path forward.
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Japan's "untouchables"

The Global Jigsaw • 238 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌐 International Identity
  1. Japan has a marginalized group called Burakumin, similar to India's untouchables, with a history of discrimination and social exclusion.
  2. Japanese belief in racial purity and homogeneity is rooted in historical constructs and national identity myths.
  3. Despite efforts to eliminate discrimination, Burakumin still face societal stigma and prejudice in Japan, impacting aspects like marriage and social status.

A Merry Little Chrismukkah

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Identity
  1. For the first time in many years, Hanukkah and Christmas are overlapping, creating a unique celebration called 'Chrismukkah.' This blending shows a connection between Jewish and Christian communities this year.
  2. People from different backgrounds gathered to share their faith and values, highlighting the importance of family and community. The spirit of togetherness felt stronger during challenging times.
  3. The current environment has changed how many view their identities, especially for those who were once in the majority. There's a new awareness of what it feels like to be part of a minority group.

The Deep Slumber of A Decided Opinion

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 393 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Wokeism focuses inward on personal truths rather than outward on universal truths or solutions.
  2. Sloppy scholarship and narrow perspectives in woke movements hinder understanding and progress on social justice.
  3. The inherited prosperity and privilege in America contribute to susceptibility to simplistic persuasion and emotional appeals.

Don't mess with the Zohran

Philosophy bear • 214 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity
  1. A person named Zohran is being accused of misrepresenting his race to get into Columbia University. He marked himself as 'Black or African American' on his application because he grew up in Africa.
  2. While he made a questionable choice about his race, there isn't strong evidence that he intentionally lied. Many people pick options they think will help them, especially in competitive situations like college admissions.
  3. The issue has been made more complicated because the information about his application was leaked in a shady way. This raises questions about whether it's right to judge someone based on information that isn't ethically obtained.

Math is not art

The Strategy Toolkit • 26 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. You often need to leave your familiar life and roles to really discover who you are, because you can’t fully see yourself from inside your own island.
  2. Having a craft, job, or practical skill can sustain you but it doesn’t replace the deeper search for identity and meaning.
  3. Moments and changing perspectives can reveal unexpected beauty and mystery, so paying attention to how time and place shift perception helps you understand the world and yourself.

No Status, No Mask

Less Foolish • 373 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Challenging the status quo can lead to personal growth and a sense of liberation.
  2. Questioning societal norms, like wearing masks, can lead to personal empowerment.
  3. Living with integrity is more valuable than seeking validation from others based on status.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 219 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
⚔ Fiction Identity
  1. The protagonist in the story discovers newfound superhuman abilities allowing him to defy normal human limitations.
  2. The narrative delves into the stark contrast between the privileged and the less fortunate, highlighting themes of power, freedom, and inequality.
  3. The character faces escalating conflicts and confrontations, leading to a pivotal moment where he realizes his potential impact on the world and his desire for connection.

junk food for the soul

bad cattitude • 177 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Social media acts like a quick fix to escape pain, but it often leads to deeper problems rather than solving them. People become addicted to the temporary relief it provides.
  2. The digital world creates a false sense of community, making people reliant on online validation which can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety in real life.
  3. Social media can be very unhealthy because it promotes extreme behavior and divides people into angry groups. It's important to be aware of how it can shape our thoughts and relationships.

It matters who does science

Science Forever • 358 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🔬 Science Identity
  1. Scientific research is a collaborative and iterative process involving diverse perspectives, not just individual 'Eureka' moments.
  2. Acknowledging the human element in science, including errors, helps build public trust and improve the scientific process.
  3. Diverse backgrounds and identities among scientists lead to more robust research outcomes, faster consensus building, and fairer implications for all.

Your Story or Mine?

NOW IS GOOD • 353 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. High school relationships are a mix of joy and challenges.
  2. It's important to reassess what we are looking for in love.
  3. We should start writing our own story, not someone else's.

Stepping Into the Light

Caravanserai with Samantha Childress • 353 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Identity
  1. The author reflects on moving to Egypt and experiencing Ramadan for the first time.
  2. The author's initial glamorous expectations of living in Cairo clash with the reality of daily life.
  3. Through an art class, the author finds a sense of belonging and purpose in a new place.

It wasn't always sunny in Wrexham

Fathom • 353 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. The town of Wrexham has a history of struggles but also a strong sense of community pride and resilience.
  2. Wrexham has faced challenges from neighboring capitals and individuals looking to exploit rather than support the town.
  3. The recent attention brought by new investors has shed light on the town, its community, and its Welsh heritage, offering hope and pride.

Jocasta's Silence 2

coldhealing • 353 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Oedipal narrative conflicts involve rejection of parental influence and adolescent identity assertion.
  2. In storytelling, conflicts with mothers focus on emotional understanding, while conflicts with fathers revolve around parental authority and judgment.
  3. Narratives like 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' explore complex mother-daughter dynamics and the generational struggle for understanding.

A Visit to the Goon Cave

Many Such Cases • 939 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Gooning is a practice where people engage in prolonged masturbation sessions to pornography, often for several hours. It focuses on reaching a trance-like state while edging, enhancing the experience of pleasure.
  2. Many gooners create personal spaces called 'goon caves' filled with pornographic materials and multiple screens to fully immerse themselves in the act. These setups reflect a commitment to their pursuit of pleasure.
  3. Some individuals involved in gooning see it as an addiction and even celebrate the negative aspects of their behavior. This fascination can lead to isolation and a lack of meaningful social connections, raising concerns about the impact of pornography on relationships and society.

The subtle art of not giving a f*ck

A Bit Gamey • 13 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. You already care about too many things; the solution is subtraction—choose a few priorities and ignore the rest so your actions have real impact.
  2. Recognize you're not uniquely entitled to success; accepting ordinariness lets you stop complaining and commit to the hard work that matters.
  3. Take responsibility for your responses, set boundaries by saying no, admit when you don't know, and use the reality of death to sharpen what you care about.

The Disruptive Potential of On-chain Reputations

DeFi Education • 619 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🔮 Crypto Identity
  1. On-chain reputation helps build trust by tracking the behavior and reliability of users in a blockchain network. This way, people can make informed decisions when interacting or transacting.
  2. On-chain identity is a unique digital representation of a person or entity, different from traditional IDs. It allows for privacy while providing a way to establish trustworthiness within decentralized systems.
  3. Using on-chain reputation might allow individuals from underbanked communities to access financial services, which they often struggle to obtain through traditional methods. It promotes inclusion in the financial system.

Feliz Noche Buena!

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 27 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. New Mexico’s history isn’t a straight line but a long, layered blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences—what people call mestizaje.
  2. Albuquerque and the Rio Grande are cultural crossroads where ancient migration routes, the Camino Real, and many peoples and trades have intersected for centuries.
  3. Local traditions like noche buena, tamales, and luminarias show religious and cultural syncretism and celebrate community, pride, and the joy of living in a blended culture.

Follow the (fake) Data

DeFi Weekly • 314 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto Identity
  1. Industry around airdrop farming heavily relies on fake data for valuation
  2. Airdrop farming involves finding the right airdrops and using specialized tools to optimize rewards
  3. The ecosystem surrounding airdrop farming is prone to manipulation and can mislead retail investors

MAGA, Brain Drain, Not Practicing Law, My First Book, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1194 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity
  1. The author discusses various topics in response to reader questions, such as why he didn't practice law after obtaining a J.D. from a top school and the value of his law school education.
  2. There's an interesting perspective shared on MAGA and the concept of 'Bullying Grandma,' highlighting the author's view on the emotional dynamics within the movement.
  3. The author shares insights on the likelihood of new educational institutions like University of Austin Texas and the Peterson Academy successfully challenging traditional educational systems.

kitten corner: LA story

bad cattitude • 190 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Marketing needs to be thoughtful and reflective of the message you want to send. It's important to consider the image and branding carefully.
  2. When creating movements or campaigns, the visuals used can greatly influence public perception. A strong image can either support or detract from your message.
  3. Even newcomers to marketing can understand that the right imagery plays a crucial role in any campaign, highlighting the need for strategic thinking.

In Defense of Repression

Litverse • 379 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Our cells constantly die and renew, questioning our identity continuity - Are we the same from day to day?
  2. Around 20% of Americans receive mental health treatment, with generational differences in therapy acceptance.
  3. Repression can be seen as a means to connect to a greater meaning beyond the self and as a tool for survival.

What the Hell Is Going On With Donna Briggs?

Default Wisdom • 140 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. There's a viral figure named Donna Briggs who has sparked conversations about identity and transformation on social media. People are curious about her story and the changes she's undergone.
  2. The concept of 'transracialism' is discussed, suggesting that there may be deeper reasons behind why some individuals feel they belong to a different race than the one they were born into.
  3. Personal anecdotes reveal a sense of nostalgia and longing for past experiences and emotions, highlighting how life can change as we grow older.

On Cultivating Genius (Part II)

if not, Paris • 294 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. The discussion on genius is leading to questions about why we are so focused on defining and producing geniuses.
  2. Despite technological advancements, our attention spans may be diminishing, and societal progress is still questionable.
  3. The concepts of progress, genius, and utopia may not always lead to positive outcomes, as history has shown a pattern of prosperity and calamity.

The cupboards of perfection

De Pony Sum • 294 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. The concept of perfect self-improvement cupboards is explored, where individuals step in to be improved in different ways.
  2. Different versions of the cupboards were created to address issues like changing preferences and ensuring consent at each stage of improvement.
  3. Ultimately, a MetaUltimate cupboard was designed, allowing individuals to go through their preferred self-improvement process, raising questions about what the perfect self-improvement process truly is.

DeFi Security: Best Practices + Security Q&A

DeFi Education • 1558 implied HN points • 12 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Identity
  1. Keep your devices secure to protect your digital assets. Always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
  2. Be careful with transactions and double-check before sending money or sharing information. Mistakes can be costly in the DeFi space.
  3. Protect your identity online to avoid scams. Use unique details and strong security practices to stay safe.

Nomen est Omen (repost)

Secretum Secretorum • 353 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. An aptronym is when someone's name fits their job really well, like Usain Bolt being the fastest runner. There are also inaptronyms, where the name is ironically related to the profession.
  2. Nominative determinism is the idea that a person's name might influence their career choices and how others see them. A catchy name can give someone more confidence and help them succeed.
  3. Names have a cultural impact and can reflect community values. Different cultures use names flexibly and humorously, shaping how individuals relate to themselves and others.

God Help Us, Let's Try to Understand the Self-Memory System

Mind & Mythos • 119 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Autobiographical memory is how we remember our personal life experiences, like childhood or important events. It’s not just about facts but also how we feel about those memories.
  2. The Self-Memory System connects our memories to our sense of self. It has three parts: the Episodic Memory System for short-term details, the Long-Term Self for broader life stories, and the Working Self that manages our thoughts and goals.
  3. When we recall memories, we don’t just pull them up exactly as they happened. Instead, we reconstruct them based on our goals and how we see ourselves, which can sometimes change over time.

Living on the Periphery of the Empire

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 508 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Growing up in a culture that is influenced by a larger superpower can create a struggle between maintaining your own identity and adopting the dominant culture. It's important to balance local traditions with global opportunities.
  2. Linguistic and cultural diversity is valuable, as losing a language or culture can diminish the richness of the world. Protecting local languages helps keep unique identities alive that add variety to global culture.
  3. Embracing a global language like English can offer personal advantages, such as broader audiences or opportunities. However, it may also lead to the marginalization of your local culture, which can be a tough choice for individuals.