The hottest Identity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Racebending—What It Is and Why It Should End

Journal of Free Black Thought • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Racebending changes the original race or ethnicity of characters, and it's important to recognize that every ethnicity is valuable. We should respect these identities.
  2. It matters that we see ourselves in media. Changing a character's race often ignores the cultural significance of who they are and can hurt how stories are told.
  3. Instead of racebending, we should strive for real diversity by telling authentic stories that honor different cultures and giving everyone a chance to share their narratives.

The Strange Minstrelsy of Dylan Mulvaney

The Weekly Dish • 200 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  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.

How to Find Your Voice

Neckar’s Notes • 105 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🚌 Education Identity
  1. When writing, be true to your unique voice to create engaging, magical content that resonates with readers.
  2. Identity crisis in writing can stem from trying to mimic others instead of embracing one's own style.
  3. To find your voice as a writer, avoid labeling yourself and simply write a lot, experimenting with different topics, forms, and influences.

Western masculinity as Chinese foot binding

Sex and the State • 41 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Masculinity can feel like a form of emotional restriction, making it hard for men to share their feelings. This creates loneliness and can lead to harmful behaviors.
  2. Young boys often face societal pressure to act 'masculine,' which forces them to choose between being lonely or risking vulnerability. This leaves them in a tough spot.
  3. Just like foot binding, masculinity can hurt men in ways that aren't immediately obvious. It can prevent them from understanding and expressing their own pain.
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The Liberal Arts Are Dying Because Liberalism is Dying

What Is Called Thinking? • 189 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Negative capability, the ability to entertain doubt and uncertainty, is a virtue crucial for understanding and self-improvement.
  2. Liberal arts decline is linked to the unfashionability of liberalism, impacting the promotion of open-mindedness and critical thinking.
  3. True thinking and poetizing require clandestine nurturing, not easily measured by traditional standards, acknowledging the elusive nature of cultivating deeper intellectual virtues.

The intimate commodity of the commercial artist.

On Looking • 99 implied HN points • 29 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Identity
  1. In a capitalist system, style becomes a way for individuals to shape their identity through the consumption of stylized goods.
  2. As a commercial artist, the balance between originality and predictability is crucial in capitalizing on style.
  3. The concept of 'style' in art blurs the lines between personal expression, market demands, and artistic authenticity.

Human Identity in the Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Human identity, personally and collectively, is constantly evolving, and digital technologies play a significant role in this evolution.
  2. Our sense of identity is complex, influenced by various factors like where we come from, socioeconomic conditions, traditions, language, and beliefs.
  3. Communications technologies, particularly social media, are shaping personal and societal identities by enabling the sharing of ideas at a global scale and amplifying social movements.

What Is a PAWG(Blog)?

Many Such Cases • 219 implied HN points • 02 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. The term 'PAWG' refers to a specific body type that is attractive to many, especially in porn. It's about being confident in your body and owning the label.
  2. This newsletter will explore culture through the lens of what it means to be a PAWG. It will discuss famous PAWGs and also share personal reflections.
  3. Identifying as a PAWG can be seen as both fun and a reclamation of a term often used in a sexual context. It’s not just about the body type but also a state of mind.

Thanksgiving (27/30)

psychotechnology • 3 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. There is a clear resistance to adopting American holiday customs or learning their origins, as a way to avoid further cultural influence.
  2. Participating in local traditions can feel meaningful and symbolic—becoming a British citizen led to enjoying small rituals like Christmas crackers even while still feeling partly foreign.
  3. Personal connection matters more than formal holidays: reconnecting with an old friend and shared simple moments (like drinking beers) are valued above traditional celebrations, and there's a preference for unconventional holidays like Bicycle Day.

Chemsex, femcels, Harrington's Mengele.

Default Wisdom • 192 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. The concept of Femcel Canon explores the lack of media representation for 'ugly women.'
  2. The author discusses spaces for individuals who are considered unattractive or abject.
  3. The post seems to delve into topics related to chemsex, femcels, and Harrington's Mengele.

Kolmogorov Complexity Lays Bare the Soul

Sigil • 19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Kolmogorov complexity measures how efficiently data can be compressed.
  2. Fractals may look complex but can have low Kolmogorov complexity due to simple rules.
  3. A hypothetical Kolmogorov string could contain all essence of a person's being.

A response to Michael Huemer on why progressives like Islam

The Good blog • 39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity
  1. Many progressives oppose Islamophobia because they see it as a form of prejudice against outsiders in society. They believe it's important for all groups, including Muslims, to be treated fairly and equally.
  2. Critics might argue against certain religious practices, but the goal should be to allow diverse beliefs without discrimination. The focus should be on ensuring everyone can participate in society without facing exclusion based on their religion.
  3. Religious views can be strongly held and difficult to change, much like race or sexuality. In a liberal society, people should be allowed to hold their beliefs, as long as they respect the rules of public life.

What I Learned from My Mom - An Essay by Bethany Liu Age 16

Perspectives • 13 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Family matters a lot. Even when busy, a mom can still make time for family dinners and walks, showing how important those moments are.
  2. Procrastination is a big no-no. It's better to tackle tasks right away instead of letting them pile up because it just makes them seem worse.
  3. Being active is key. Instead of just consuming things like media, it's good to create and contribute something positive to the world.

My Expectations for 2025 in One Meme

Tessa Fights Robots • 33 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. You are unique and important. Your individual voice and presence matter in the world.
  2. No matter the chaos around you, stay grounded and true to yourself. Focus on your inner strength and love.
  3. Even if life gets overwhelming, remember you have the power to navigate through it and make a difference.

Happy Birthday !

Activist Futurism • 79 implied HN points • 16 Mar 22
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Adapting to major changes like the pandemic can lead to a redefinition of self and a shift in career focus.
  2. In the world of crypto, profits often come from having exclusive information that others don't possess, leading to a growing information gap.
  3. Increasing information asymmetry in society, seen in areas like Covid research and global conflicts, can make actions of the informed difficult to understand by those lacking knowledge.

Under the Power

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. When faced with a negative state or fear, we can choose to either not identify with it or will ourselves to face it.
  2. Separating from identification with negative emotions allows for inner growth and the possibility of uniting inner forces through willpower.
  3. Observing bodily manifestations of emotions and intentional relaxation can aid in freeing oneself from identifications and negative states.

Who Are You?

Weekly Wisdom • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Reflection on personal identity is complex and goes beyond just a name or profession. It involves deep introspection and questioning.
  2. Through self-inquiry practices like meditative questioning, one can uncover layers of identity and explore the nature of the mind.
  3. Identity is a fluid concept, influenced by societal norms, personal experiences, and the mind's tendency to categorize and label aspects of the self.

What do emoji and typing like SpOnGe bOb squARepAnTs have in common?

Did Someone Say Emoji? • 102 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Identity
  1. Typing has evolved with technology, making it easier to switch between letters, punctuation, and emoji.
  2. Changing emoji skin tone and gender can be time-consuming, but simplifying it can enhance communication and expression.
  3. The use of emoji skin tones varies based on context and individual preferences, reflecting personal identity and expression.

Self-portraits and reflection

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. When you're stuck for ideas, take a walk. Sometimes, the best thoughts come when you give yourself a little time and space.
  2. Take time to define what you love and share it with others. Showing appreciation for someone else's work can go a long way.
  3. Make art often, even if it's just silly or small. It can lift your mood and spark bigger ideas down the line.

Ending the Gender Wars

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Men today are pulling away from deep connections and intimacy, often choosing to interact online instead of face-to-face. This lack of real-life engagement is troubling and calls for a return to meaningful relationships.
  2. There's a growing issue of male identity tied to societal changes, with many men feeling lost and disconnected. This leads to serious mental health struggles and even harmful behaviors, highlighting the need for a better understanding of their challenges.
  3. To foster peace and harmony between genders, we must shift from competition to collaboration in our relationships. This change requires effort from both men and women to redefine how they approach love, intimacy, and emotional connection.

Dovran

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Dovran grew up in a rural area of Turkmenistan where his family lived off the land, drinking water from a well and raising various animals for food.
  2. Despite his simple and rural upbringing, Dovran dreams of living in the US and his family is moving there after winning the green card lottery.
  3. Dovran's journey to the US includes attending a community college and eventually transferring to Brandeis, where he found a job at Amazon and supports his family.

College student for a day

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Pretending to be a college student brought back old insecurities, like feeling scared to look others in the eye. It reminded me of how we often carry fears from our past.
  2. Building connections through simple conversations is a valuable skill. It can be harder to have an easy chat than to express excitement.
  3. Looking people in the eye can create a deeper connection. It's a way of showing you care and want to understand them better.

Transgenderism: The Voice of Modern Decadence

Based Meditations • 19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Some groups distort scientific research to push ideological agendas, affecting societal views and decisions.
  2. Encouraging children to make life-altering decisions without proper guidance and support can have negative consequences.
  3. True progress involves personal excellence, spiritual wellness, and standing up for beliefs, rather than blindly following societal trends.

Gender and Language

Mag’s Monthly • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Gender is a social construct that has evolved over time.
  2. The roles of masculinity and femininity in society have historical roots.
  3. Leadership involves understanding changing social dynamics and adapting to new norms.

On Platforms: Idle Musings

Carefree Sketches • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Prejudices, like living organisms, have a life cycle - from sharp beginnings to slower, transformed stages.
  2. Platforms can shape and influence the development of new ideas, steering them towards a prescribed path.
  3. The requirements and regulations imposed by platforms can lead to conformity and hinder true self-discovery and individual growth.

The Matrix That Eats People

Tessa Fights Robots • 69 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Our society is depicted as a man-eating machine, preying on people's energy and diverting focus to artificial spirits.
  2. Young people's energy often gets consumed by societal norms and expectations, leading them away from meaningful pursuits.
  3. We are interconnected beings existing in multiple dimensions, influenced by various energy fields around us, guiding us to reflect on our true selves and purpose in a complex world.

When the Old Consensus Falls Apart -

Charles Eisenstein • 1 implied HN point • 13 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. This is the third short video in the Sanity Project 2026 series, recorded during his first Instagram Live.
  2. He’s turning off comments on Substack to avoid spreading himself too thin and is directing discussion to a dedicated forum on Mighty Networks (naascommunity.org).
  3. He plans to keep posting these short videos frequently.

The importance of being half-earnest

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Being half-earnest means being serious but not too serious. It helps you connect with others while keeping things lighthearted.
  2. Making 'power moves' can be helpful in a workplace, but it's important to keep the focus on the team's goals rather than your own ego.
  3. It’s good to check your motives and poke fun at yourself to stay grounded. This can help you do the right thing for the right reasons without feeling pretentious.

Making America, Part 2

KERFUFFLE • 23 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💾 History Identity
  1. The term 'Scotch-Irish' was created in the mid-1800s to distinguish earlier Irish immigrants from a later wave that faced backlash. Many who identified as Scotch-Irish didn't even see themselves as Scottish, having roots in Ireland for generations.
  2. Scotch-Irish people were often Presbyterians and not as poor as the later Irish immigrants. They had jobs in industries like wool and linen in their home area of Ulster before coming to America.
  3. Over time, the Scotch-Irish began to identify more with their new American states rather than Ireland or Scotland. Their experiences reflect the idea of America as a place where people seek a better life, shedding old identities.

The Spirit of the Empire and the Manufacturing of Tyrant-Slaves

Tessa Fights Robots • 24 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. We are not slaves, but instead are loved and supported by our ancestors. It’s important to remember that we’re meant for joy, not just pain.
  2. The pain from our ancestors can lead people to suppress their true selves. Many parents, trying to protect their children, unintentionally continue this cycle by promoting fear of pursuing dreams.
  3. True freedom starts from within. We must choose not to engage with negative patterns in our lives and embrace our natural state of being free and joyful.

Radical feminism is not the most feminist kind of feminism

Sex and the State • 26 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Radical feminism is not considered the most feminist approach. There are different types of feminism, and not all are the same.
  2. The term 'feminism' generally refers to the movement against sexism. It's important to clarify what feminism really means.
  3. Many people have misunderstandings about feminism, which can often lead to confusion. It's crucial to learn and discuss the true intentions and ideas behind feminist movements.