The hottest Media Criticism Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Daniel Penny Is A Hero

Journal of Free Black Thought • 101 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Public Safety Media Criticism Political Accountability Race relations
  1. Daniel Penny was found not guilty for the death of Jordan Neely during a subway incident. Many believe he acted in defense of other passengers who felt threatened.
  2. There were concerns that the media focused too much on race in this situation, ignoring facts like other passengers helping Penny and Neely's troubling behavior.
  3. The writer argues that the real issues are the failures of the local politicians to handle problems like homelessness and mental health, rather than blaming Penny for the incident.

NZ's trans lobby is fighting a rearguard action - by Graham Adams.

A B’Old Woman • 659 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trans issues Media Criticism Public Opinion Gender Politics
  1. The trans lobby in New Zealand is trying to push back against criticisms from reports like the Cass Report, claiming that local kids are different from those in the UK.
  2. Some journalists, like Graham Adams and Yvonne van Dongen, are courageously discussing issues related to trans ideology when many others avoid the topic.
  3. There's a growing number of people, including some health professionals, who are publicly questioning the use of puberty blockers for youth, which adds to the ongoing debate.

Being on TV was bad for my mental health.

Changing The Channel • 2132 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health Media Criticism Political Commentary
  1. Being in the public eye, especially on TV, can lead to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
  2. Constant criticism, particularly amplified by social media, can have a significant negative impact on one's well-being and relationships.
  3. Leaving a high-profile TV career can bring a sense of relief, allowing for personal growth and a reconnection with oneself.
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Aww yeah. . .Disaffected Episode 165

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Criticism Social Issues Cultural Commentary Current Events Humor
  1. The term 'conspiracy theory' is often used today to silence dissenting opinions and fears about safety in the world. It's a way for people to dismiss uncomfortable ideas.
  2. The tragic story of Dagny 'Nex' Benedict highlights the impact of family trauma and abuse on mental health, rather than solely blaming external factors like societal policies.
  3. Current events include controversies over gender policies in places like gyms, a teacher being fired for a rap video, and student concerns about health issues, showcasing various societal tensions.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 20.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Defense Policy Media Criticism Public Health
  1. There are concerns about how governments and media handle information regarding wars, similar to how it was during the Vietnam War. People are worried that the truth is being manipulated.
  2. The dialogue about peace in Ukraine is changing, particularly with Trump speaking directly to Russia, which has upset European leaders. They feel sidelined in the discussions.
  3. There is a growing fear and paranoia about Russia's actions and intentions in Europe, with calls for increased military readiness despite a lack of evidence for immediate threats.

It's Called "The Atlantic" Because It Belongs at the Bottom of the Ocean.

JoeWrote • 51 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Political Commentary Social justice Foreign Policy Cultural analysis
  1. The Atlantic has shifted from its original social justice roots to cater to a wealthy audience, often reassuring them that social issues can be solved simply by talking to politicians.
  2. It is criticized for promoting a one-sided narrative about the Israel-Palestine conflict, ignoring Palestinian voices and expressing strong support for Israeli actions.
  3. Recent articles from The Atlantic have been accused of downplaying the impacts of colonialism and genocide, suggesting that these actions might not be as bad as they seem.

Why Doesn't Hitler McFuckface Like Us Anymore?

I Might Be Wrong • 34 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Tech industry Media Criticism Public Perception Social Dynamics
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's recent changes at Meta show a shift away from liberal values. He seems to be aligning more with conservative views, which surprises many who expected him to stick with progressive causes.
  2. There’s a lot of speculation about why Zuckerberg has turned against the left. Some think it could be from years of harsh criticism, while others wonder if it's a strategic move to gain favor with the right.
  3. The ongoing tension between tech leaders like Zuckerberg and public opinion highlights a complex relationship. Despite past support for progressive ideas, the reactions from the left might have pushed him in a different direction.

The Counter-Disinformation Industry Promotes Left-wing Groupthink, Not Truth

Journal of Free Black Thought • 56 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Media Criticism Political Bias Censorship Public Trust
  1. The counter-disinformation industry mainly promotes left-wing ideas instead of truth. This means they often dismiss or ignore viewpoints that don't align with their beliefs.
  2. Many people in this industry don't believe in objective truth, which makes it hard for them to identify misinformation properly. Their focus on agreement among like-minded people leads to groupthink.
  3. To avoid misinformation, it's important for people to seek diverse perspectives and think critically about the information they encounter. Engaging with a variety of views helps to better understand complex issues.

Alan Dershowitz Is Phoning in His Genocide Apologia

JoeWrote • 35 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Legal issues Public Opinion Media Criticism Cultural Discourse
  1. Alan Dershowitz wrote a book claiming that Israel is perfect and has never done anything wrong. This view is very controversial.
  2. The author found Dershowitz's arguments to be ridiculous and mostly laughed at how flawed they were.
  3. The piece encourages readers to question the narratives presented by Dershowitz and understand the complexities of the situation in Israel and Palestine.

Regrets, I have a few

Unpopular Front • 87 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Public Opinion Media Criticism Democratic Party
  1. It's important to be a leader and voice your opinions instead of just following the crowd, especially when you see issues that need addressing.
  2. Believing in the current political leadership can lead to complacency, and it's crucial to remain critical and aware of the system's flaws.
  3. Having the courage to make bold predictions and criticisms, even if they go against the grain, is necessary for true progress and understanding.

Dingus of the week: Pete Hegseth

Men Yell at Me • 380 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Social Issues Public Policy Government Accountability
  1. Pete Hegseth, a nominee for a high military position, has a controversial history with accusations of misconduct and a toxic work environment. His qualifications for such a role are questioned.
  2. There are serious concerns about how the military treats women, especially considering that many report experiencing harassment and assault. Putting someone like Hegseth in charge could worsen this issue.
  3. The healthcare system is failing many Americans, leading to feelings of rage and frustration. People are struggling to access necessary medical care, and this creates a sense of violence in everyday life.

Why is it so easy to hate women?

Men Yell at Me • 315 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Media Criticism Societal norms Public Discourse Feminism
  1. People often jump at the chance to criticize women in the public eye, sometimes without understanding the full story. This shows a pattern where women are easily targeted and attacked.
  2. In the case of Blake Lively, many turned against her based on manipulated narratives that distorted her character. This highlights how quickly public opinion can sway against women.
  3. Not all women have the same resources to defend themselves against these attacks, which makes it harder for some to fight back when they are wrongly criticized.

This Is What You Should Absolutely Not Be Doing Right Now

Discourse Blog • 805 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Humanitarian Crisis Media Criticism
  1. Avoid dishing out heartless condescension to others who may not fully support Joe Biden at this time.
  2. In moments of crisis, identify what actions are harmful and not beneficial to the situation.
  3. Be cautious of your words and actions, especially during difficult times like the humanitarian crisis faced by the people of Gaza.

'The Idol' Embodied Our Sexual Culture

Many Such Cases • 979 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism Sexuality Television Art Trauma
  1. The show 'The Idol' showed very real and uncomfortable aspects of our sexual culture. Instead of shying away from difficult topics, it gave viewers a mirror to reflect on these issues.
  2. Many people misunderstood the show's intention, thinking it endorsed negative actions rather than critiquing them. This highlights a lack of media literacy in understanding complex narratives.
  3. 'The Idol' aimed to explore trauma, sexuality, and shame but left audiences feeling unsettled. It reminds us that not all stories provide neat resolutions, and that's a reality we often want to ignore.

With friends like this…..

Inside-Out, political commentary from Philip Stephens • 314 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Presidential Election Media Criticism Democratic Party
  1. Speculation about the contest between Joe Biden and Donald Trump might end before November, as Trump's dishonesty catches up with him.
  2. Many self-identifying progressives seem determined to see Trump win, as they target Biden's age instead of Trump's concerning behavior.
  3. Media's relentless focus on Biden's age may influence the public perception, potentially affecting the election outcome.

Friday Funnies: MSM Wets their Pants -

Who is Robert Malone • 57 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Public Health Government Political Activism
  1. People are noticing that the mainstream media often produces news that seems more like jokes than real stories. This makes it hard for satirical sites to keep up.
  2. There is a belief that big pharmaceutical companies are scared of people questioning their products and may try to spread misinformation against critics.
  3. The speaker encourages everyone to keep working towards health and truth, suggesting that real change is happening despite challenges.

The left's open borders insanity, caught in a single email

Unreported Truths • 82 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political Ideologies Media Criticism Public Policy
  1. Some people believe there's a plan to flood the U.S. with migrants to help Democrats, but that's not supported by evidence. It looks more like a mix of mistakes and interests rather than a big conspiracy.
  2. Unchecked migration has actually pushed some working-class voters, including Black and Hispanic groups, towards Trump, which is the opposite of what some might expect.
  3. The author examines why there's such strong support for open borders, suggesting it stems from a moral panic rather than a coordinated strategy.

The New York Times is lowkey anti-gender

Sex and the State • 32 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Media Criticism Cultural Commentary Political Discourse
  1. The New York Times published an essay arguing against traditional masculinity, suggesting positive masculinity doesn't fix deeper issues faced by boys. It points out that boys feel immense pressure to act a certain way.
  2. The essay claims we need to rethink and possibly eliminate the concept of masculinity altogether to address the real problems men and boys face.
  3. Some conservative media criticized the essay as part of a supposed 'war on masculinity,' but the author found value in it despite suggesting a slight change.

That Funny, Fash-y Feeling

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Right-wing Technocracy Political strategy Media Criticism
  1. There's a need for open discussions about the current political situation, especially with the upcoming changes and the rise of different ideologies. Community calls can help explore these ideas and foster understanding.
  2. Conversations with differing viewpoints, even if they are controversial, can be valuable for examining our beliefs and the threats we face. This includes discussions about technology's impact on society and potential authoritarianism.
  3. Forming unusual alliances can sometimes be necessary for approaching complex problems. It's important to seek common ground, even with those who we might not agree with on everything, to prevent negative outcomes.

Jocasta's Silence

coldhealing • 255 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film Family Art Media Criticism Music
  1. Oedipus's self-inflicted disability was tragic - what disabilities might his parents have had?
  2. Families can have conflicts over individuality - like in movies where children pursue different paths from their parents.
  3. Communication barriers between parents and children can lead to sad desynchronization, but can be resolved with effort and understanding.

NYT vs. The Musk Foundation: A Masterclass in Slant

The Save Journalism Committee • 216 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Philanthropy Nonprofit Media Criticism Ethics Politics
  1. The NYT article raises concerns about Elon Musk's foundation finances, but overlooks crucial details like the grace period where the foundation caught up on giving deficits in following years.
  2. Private foundations like Musk's have latitude in choosing charities based on legal approvals, not restrictions like public charities. Contextual understanding of foundation structures is essential.
  3. The article highlights Musk's charitable acts but frames them in a negative light, despite him helping schools, disasters, and children in need. The public benefit of these actions is significant.

Happy New Year! (And thanks for your patience.)

Unreported Truths • 47 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📰 News Current Events Investigative Reporting Health News Public Health Media Criticism
  1. It's a new year and the writer feels that 2025 might start off with some challenges. They plan to share more insights and news with their readers soon.
  2. There are ongoing concerns about the H5N1 flu, which has been a topic since 2005. The writer is set to discuss this issue more in depth soon.
  3. The writer expresses appreciation for the patience of their audience and encourages them to stay tuned for upcoming news and articles.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 19.01.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Criticism Public Health Economic Policy Military Affairs
  1. Many are worried about how governments might deal with future pandemics. They want better plans to handle health crises than what happened during COVID-19.
  2. A recent investigation found that the BBC did not adequately report on the UK's military support for Israel's actions in Gaza, raising concerns about media transparency.
  3. There is a growing sense that society is becoming more controlled and less free, reminiscent of George Orwell's '1984', with instances of censorship and the monitoring of public opinions.

LPJ, The Atlantic Monthly, Shadowland, and Child Sex Trafficking

Who is Robert Malone • 26 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Media Criticism Public Health Child welfare Conspiracy Theories
  1. The author feels attacked by major media outlets like The Atlantic Monthly, believing they published misleading information about him. He describes this as a damaging hit piece that affected his reputation.
  2. There's a claim that child sex trafficking is a serious issue that many, including powerful individuals, downplay. The author connects media narratives with personal and political motivations.
  3. The piece suggests a connection between high-profile figures and the media, indicating potential influence over coverage of sensitive issues like child trafficking, raising questions about bias and truth in reporting.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 06.01.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Foreign Relations Intelligence Operations Public Health Media Criticism
  1. The situation in Ukraine is dire, with reports of a weakened military and a desperate counteroffensive. Many believe that continued fighting will lead to more loss and destruction for Ukraine.
  2. There are growing concerns about a potential new pandemic related to bird flu, with warnings of its severity. It's important to stay informed and cautious about health advisories.
  3. George Orwell's '1984' serves as a warning as we increasingly see patterns of censorship and control in society. Reflecting on its themes can help us recognize and resist similar trends today.

Inaugural Three-Dot Thursday: In honor of the great Herb Caen, we’re going back to school — old school, that is…

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 176 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Legislation Media Criticism
  1. Herb Caen popularized 'Three Dot Journalism' with one-liners, gossip, anecdotes, and information.
  2. Oakland Animal Services facing overcrowding and potential euthanasia of dogs due to high intakes.
  3. San Francisco and Oakland facing challenges with white-collar criminals, shoplifting incidents, and political controversies.

Giving Thanks to the Judge

John’s Substack • 15 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Criticism Political Commentary Judicial system International relations
  1. Trump's foreign policy decisions seem different from his campaign promises, especially regarding the Ukraine war.
  2. There's ongoing discussion about Israel's issues and claims of anti-Semitism in American institutions.
  3. The Judge's podcast offers an alternative perspective to mainstream media, which is seen as failing the public recently.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 08.01.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Human Rights Government Accountability Media Criticism
  1. Joe Biden's release of 11 detainees from Guantanamo sparked debate about the treatment of prisoners and human rights. Many believe holding them without trial is wrong, while others fear it could endanger safety.
  2. Donald Trump's comments about using military force to take control of strategic territories like the Panama Canal raised concerns. Some see this as a dangerous escalation in U.S. foreign policy.
  3. Mark Zuckerberg admitted that Facebook has conducted unfair censorship, which affected millions of users. This raises questions about free speech on social media platforms and their influence on public discourse.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 12.01.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis International relations Military Affairs Public Policy Media Criticism
  1. Jemen forces attacked the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea using missiles and drones, claiming it prevented an American attack on Jemen. The US has not confirmed the incident.
  2. The Arctic is becoming a key area for global conflict over resources, particularly as countries like the US, Russia, and China vie for control. This has historical roots, like past attempts by the US to buy Greenland for strategic purposes.
  3. Norway is at risk of becoming a mere supplier of resources to the EU, with plans to increase energy exports without considering local needs or effects on the environment.

Weaponized Hate Watching

Trantor Publishing • 199 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism Content creation Cultural impact
  1. Hate watching involves critiquing or mocking media online, portraying mixed emotions towards mainstream content.
  2. Different types of hate watchers include YouTube critics, nostalgia-driven viewers, and those drawn to woke elements in modern productions.
  3. Hate watching can be leveraged by independent creators to build audiences and redirect attention towards their own content.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 31.12.2024

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Foreign affairs Media Criticism Corruption Human Rights
  1. USAID played a controversial role in facilitating the rise of militant groups in Syria, creating confusion about their status as terrorists while supporting them indirectly.
  2. The push for wind energy in Northern Norway is facing challenges due to changing energy demands and project delays, leading some companies to withdraw their investments.
  3. Corruption in Ukraine has become a major concern, especially regarding the misuse of Western aid while officials indulge in luxury, raising questions about accountability.

The End of the Public Intellectual

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 16 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Discourse Media Criticism Intellectuals Social justice Cultural Commentary
  1. Ta-Nehisi Coates is trying to speak out about the struggles of Palestinians in a way similar to how he talked about racial injustice. He wants to bring more attention to their situation.
  2. Despite his past influence and popularity, Coates' recent return to the spotlight does not seem to have the same impact as before. Many people are unaware of his work despite his prominent publications.
  3. The idea of the public intellectual is fading, which means Coates might struggle to create the change he hopes for, no matter how passionately he speaks about these important issues.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 17.12.2024

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Health Policy Public Trust International relations Government oversight
  1. The U.S. government has granted Pfizer and Moderna legal protection from vaccine injury claims until 2029. This raises questions about the safety and effectiveness of their vaccines.
  2. Electricity prices in Norway have surged, reaching record highs despite the country's abundant hydroelectric power. This situation has caused public outrage and political consequences for the ruling parties.
  3. There is a growing concern among health professionals about engaging in public debates with alternative health practitioners. They stress the importance of maintaining credibility and structured discussions to avoid misinformation.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 13.11.2024

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Political Commentary International relations Economic Impacts Military Affairs Media Criticism
  1. China's surplus might be much larger than reported. This means their economy is stronger than many in the West believe.
  2. Jeffrey Sachs explains that the Ukraine war has roots in NATO's expansion and U.S. actions since the 1990s. He suggests that the narrative about Russia being the aggressor might be overly simplified.
  3. Modern farming practices are making our food less nutritious. Over the decades, fruits and vegetables have lost many essential vitamins and minerals due to a focus on higher yields and longer shelf life.

Climate Con Job

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 28 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Global Warming Media Criticism
  1. The media often creates a sense of urgency about climate change, especially around big events like COP26. This can sometimes lead to fear and panic rather than constructive solutions.
  2. There are positive developments regarding climate change that are often overlooked by those focusing solely on the negatives. It's important to recognize the progress being made.
  3. Political leaders may use the climate crisis for their own advantage, which can complicate the conversation and actions needed to address the issue. We should look critically at their motives.