The hottest Media Critique Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

How I Approached Photographing a Trump Rally at Madison Square Garden (And Why I Got Heat For It)

In the Flash • 1938 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Photography Election coverage Public Opinion Media Critique
  1. Photographing a Trump rally brings mixed reactions, especially from people on the Left who sometimes assume support based on the photos shared. This can lead to negative comments and unfollows on social media.
  2. It's important to treat everyone with respect when taking photos, no matter their political views. The photographer aims to capture the humanity in people rather than portraying them in a negative light.
  3. Understanding that not all Trump supporters are the same helps to avoid labeling everyone in a group. Many are motivated by personal concerns like economic stability, and it's essential to see them as individuals rather than stereotypes.

Meditations On The Notion That Obama "Never Had Any Scandals"

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2249 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Public Perception Historical Analysis Government Accountability
  1. Barack Obama is often seen as scandal-free compared to other presidents, but this ignores serious actions he took that caused harm. Many people focus more on political feelings rather than real events.
  2. A lot of Americans don't recognize the destructive consequences of U.S. actions abroad, viewing them as problems only for other countries. This shows a disconnect from the reality of global issues.
  3. The media and social platforms shape our thoughts and beliefs, leading to a limited understanding of what's really happening. It’s important to question and think critically to have a clearer view of the world.

About Those Onesies

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16872 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Public Health Civil Liberties Populism Media Critique
  1. Senator Sanders had a tense exchange with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which seemed surprising given they agree on many issues. It raised questions about why there was such hostility.
  2. The Virality Project labeled both Sanders and Kennedy as 'censored,' showing how the content moderation system can target people for their overall views, not just specific statements.
  3. Sanders once had a strong populist appeal but lost some of that by not defending free speech for those with differing views, which goes against the core of liberal values.

Elon Musk and spiky intelligence

Silver Bulletin • 705 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Figures Social Commentary Media Critique
  1. Spiky intelligence means someone can be really smart in some areas but not so great in others. Elon Musk, for example, shines in tech and entrepreneurship but may lack emotional intelligence.
  2. Highly intelligent people, like Musk, often have strong ideas but can make poor decisions due to overconfidence or lack of well-rounded skills. It's crucial to evaluate their actions without either extreme praise or blame.
  3. In industries like tech, people with spiky intelligence often succeed because they excel in specific skills, but may also come across as difficult or lacking in social awareness.

Sam Harris Abuses Logic: What He Gets Wrong About a Trump Presidency, and Why DNC Fear-Mongering Needs to Stop

Popular Rationalism • 634 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Campaign Strategy Media Critique Rhetoric
  1. Sam Harris's arguments about Trump rely on logical fallacies. These include blaming Trump for all political problems without considering current issues or the role of other politicians.
  2. Focusing too much on Trump's personality distracts from discussing important policies and outcomes. Some people think that his administration did achieve things that were good for the country.
  3. Harris's fear-based narrative overlooks the strength of America's political system. Many believe that the U.S. can handle extreme leaders without losing democracy.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

NYT Essay, My Name

The Upheaval • 1844 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Cultural Commentary Identity politics
  1. The author wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times explaining the managerial regime and why some people dislike it. They want to share their views with a broader audience.
  2. The author has chosen to publish under a pen name, N.S. Lyons, but revealed their real name, Nathan Levine, after feeling ignored by journalists and NGOs.
  3. They mentioned their own background, noting that although they have some Jewish ancestry, they identify as an Orthodox Christian, and they are aware of how this might attract attention online.

SHOW NOTES: JMart Reaches For the Towel; Ignoring Biden

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1099 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Campaign strategies Political Commentary Media Critique Voter Engagement
  1. Early voting for Kamala Harris isn't going well in key states like Arizona and Nevada, which could signal trouble for Democrats.
  2. Some media and political commentators are beginning to doubt Kamala Harris's viability as a candidate, and hints of concern are growing within the Democratic party.
  3. The press is getting anxious as the election nears, showcasing a desire to spotlight controversies surrounding Trump while largely overlooking similar issues with Biden.

The Nonstop Military Operation Known As Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1848 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Media Critique Military Policy Social Issues
  1. Israel is demolishing homes and causing suffering in Gaza and neighboring areas while claiming to be engaged in military operations. This leads to many civilian casualties and ongoing humanitarian issues.
  2. The political narratives around Israel often shift based on which administration is in power, but both parties support actions that lead to the same harmful outcomes for Palestinians.
  3. People are quick to blame Middle Eastern conflicts on the cultures involved, but they ignore the historical context of Western interventions and atrocities that shaped these situations.

The media is getting Trump's biomedical policy decisions wrong b/c it refuses to discuss the big picture

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 118 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Public Health Government funding
  1. The media often overlooks the larger issues in biomedical policy and fails to connect the dots in their reporting. They focus too much on individual actions instead of discussing significant systemic problems.
  2. There is a need for reform in the current biomedical system, particularly regarding how funding and resources are allocated. Many aspects of this system are outdated and not effectively serving public health needs.
  3. It's important to have honest discussions about proposed changes in biomedical policies, rather than framing them as attacks on science. Constructive debate can lead to better solutions and improvements in healthcare.

On Mamala Dearest in the Blaze

Disaffected Newsletter • 1318 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Psychology Cultural Issues
  1. The piece discusses the similarities between child abuse dynamics and current political discourse, suggesting that extreme behaviors are becoming more common in society.
  2. Support for alternative media outlets like The Blaze is encouraged, as they provide stories not covered by mainstream media.
  3. The author shares personal experiences to illustrate how past family situations can help understand broader social issues today.

Stop speedrunning to a dystopia

The Intrinsic Perspective • 40345 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Critique Satire Technology Society Entertainment
  1. Big tech companies are doing shady things that can harm users, like creating fake music and using bots to engage with people. This shows a troubling trend toward prioritizing profit over real human connection.
  2. Kids' shows and adult films are being dumbed down to keep viewers engaged without paying full attention. This shift is making entertainment less meaningful and more mindless.
  3. There's a lack of strong critiques about how our media consumption is changing us, and we need more artists to call out these issues. Understanding the risks of being overly entertained is important to avoid a dystopian future.

Giant Electoral Asteroid Strikes America's Intellectual Class, Which Fails to Notice

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 20001 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Public Opinion Media Critique Political Movements
  1. The American intellectual class seems out of touch with the reality of elections. They often seem surprised by the outcomes despite all the past events leading up to them.
  2. There has been a lot of strong messaging against certain political figures, but it hasn't changed public opinion much. This disconnect shows the ineffectiveness of their strategies.
  3. Many people feel that the way news and ideas are spread has created a bubble, leaving critical voices unheard. It's as if they are communicating from a place that doesn't reflect the views of everyday people.

The Worst Thing About The Gaza Holocaust Is Knowing It Will Happen Again

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2072 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Crimes Civil Rights Government Accountability Media Critique
  1. The death toll in Gaza is rising as bodies are discovered after the fighting. Many people have been trapped for a long time, leading to slow and painful deaths.
  2. The destruction in Gaza is described as intentional, aiming to make the area unlivable and displacing its people due to their ethnicity.
  3. There's a strong belief that the violence in Gaza will happen again, as there are no significant policy changes to prevent it and the U.S. continues to support such actions.

The One Ring

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Media Critique Social Issues Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. There was a discussion about a disturbing summer camp related to child abuse that was almost near a school. The focus was on the serious implications of this situation.
  2. The media and political figures are reacting strongly, blaming Donald Trump for the violence he's faced, which raises questions about accountability.
  3. The conversation highlighted perceived social biases, specifically how racism is directed towards white people in today's society.

Internet History Must Always Be an Oral History

Default Wisdom • 240 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Digital Culture Internet History Media Critique Social Trends Technology impact
  1. To really understand Internet history, we need to listen to the people who lived it. Written posts alone don't capture the feelings and context behind what was shared.
  2. There's a cultural divide happening with how people use technology, where some feel overwhelmed and want to log off, while others see more positives in staying connected online.
  3. Many current debates about technology and identity show that no one side has all the answers. Both younger and older generations shape how we talk about things like identity politics.

31 Surefire Ways To Make Me Lose Interest In Your Thoughts About The World

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2435 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Views Media Critique Public Opinion Political parties Cultural Issues
  1. Some views can make people lose interest in conversations quickly, especially if they seem too tied to political parties or propaganda. It's important to think critically about the information we hear.
  2. Ignoring major world events, like those in Gaza, or using stereotypes, such as blaming a single group for global issues, turns people off from meaningful discussions.
  3. Having open-mindedness and a willingness to research beyond what we are told will keep conversations interesting and help us understand the world better.

Did You Hear About the Senator Who Did Something Sketchy?

The Critical Thinker • 119 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Public Relations Scandals
  1. Language can be used to hide the truth or twist a story. It's important to question how things are said, not just what is said.
  2. There are specific ways language can be manipulated, like using the passive voice or euphemisms. These tricks make it hard to see who is really responsible for actions.
  3. When reading news or hearing reports, always think critically. Ask yourself if the wording is making you feel a certain way or if it’s covering up something important.

Tweedle-Dum, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Three: Musings on the German Speech Police Courtesy of 60 Minutes

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 213 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Media Critique Legal issues
  1. Germany has strict rules about what people can say online, punishments can be severe for simply insulting politicians or expressing unpopular opinions.
  2. There are companies that profit by filing complaints against people for these speech 'crimes', creating a culture of fear and censorship.
  3. The author feels personally threatened by these laws, worrying about their own freedom to express thoughts online, even if they are not breaking the law.

Awakening From Empire Propaganda Starts With One Small Act Of Heresy

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2873 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Political Ideology Public awareness Activism
  1. Questioning what you've been taught can start with just one small thought. This tiny spark can lead you to realize that some of the information you've trusted might not be true.
  2. People often wake up from harmful beliefs in a similar way. They have little doubts that grow into bigger questions, helping them see the truth.
  3. By pointing out lies in everyday news, we can help others start asking questions. Just one clear example can encourage someone to rethink the big picture.

On the Political Economy of Mendacity in 21st Century America

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 330 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Economic Policy Media Critique Immigration Policy Forecasting
  1. Economic analysis can sometimes feel like a performance rather than a serious discussion. People in media might act like they believe things that aren't true.
  2. Immigration can boost a country's economy, but some policies can slow down growth. If certain negative policies continue, economic growth could be very low.
  3. Even when people know the truth about economic issues, they still might not say it. This creates a situation where misleading information can seem credible.

New Issue Of JOHNSTONE: When Journalists Are Your Enemy, Truth Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 628 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Foreign Policy Free speech Media Critique Civil Rights Political Commentary
  1. Journalists can sometimes face severe consequences for questioning powerful figures, as shown by the removal of journalist Sam Husseini during a press conference.
  2. There's a growing concern over censorship and the treatment of journalists, especially those who report on sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  3. The impact of wars and conflicts can be felt worldwide, tying into broader issues such as homelessness and societal well-being.

Israel Is Killing Civilians In Gaza On Purpose, And It's Not Even Debatable

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2468 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Civil Rights Military Action Media Critique Public Opinion
  1. The actions of the Israeli military in Gaza have been confirmed to be deliberately targeting civilians. Many reports and testimonies highlight that civilian casualties are not accidental.
  2. The narrative used to justify these actions, like claiming civilians are human shields, has been discredited. There's a growing insistence that denying this reality is increasingly difficult.
  3. Society’s beliefs about power and inequality are shaped by stories that benefit those in control. It's possible to change this dynamic if enough people decide to take action against the current system.

The Empire Burns The Middle East While US Homelessness Surges

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Foreign Policy Geopolitics Media Critique Imperialism
  1. The situation in the Middle East is tense, with reports of violence and destruction affecting local hospitals and communities.
  2. US homelessness is on the rise, with a significant increase highlighting social and economic issues at home.
  3. There's a concern that the US government focuses on foreign issues while neglecting serious problems like poverty and homelessness in its own country.

Losing Medicaid, Winning the Grammys

Freddie deBoer • 10643 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pop culture Media Critique
  1. Pop culture should not be the main focus of political understanding. People often look at politics through the lens of pop culture, making it less serious.
  2. Coping mechanisms can be unhelpful in facing real-world issues. It's important to confront the harsh realities instead of hiding in entertainment.
  3. Media often mixes celebrity news with political significance, distracting from crucial societal problems. This creates a false sense of activism instead of addressing actual political challenges.

Why won’t the media use the word misogyny?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 10569 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Critique Feminism Celebrity Culture Gender Issues Social media
  1. Misogyny is often at the heart of smear campaigns against women, but the media rarely calls it out. This avoids addressing the real hatred that fuels these attacks.
  2. Women face intense backlash when they speak out about abuse or challenge powerful figures. Their reputations are often targeted in coordinated efforts to discredit them.
  3. Unlike women, men usually do not face the same level of vilification in the media. This unequal treatment shows that misogyny is a significant factor in how public opinion is shaped.

My New Substack

Yascha Mounk • 2637 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media Critique Political Discourse Public Opinion Journalism Ethics
  1. Public discussion is struggling and it's affecting politics and culture in a bad way. Addressing this issue is important for a healthier society.
  2. A direct connection between writers and readers can help bypass negative media influences. This allows for more honest and varied discussions.
  3. Expect a mix of thoughtful essays, timely commentary on big events, and conversations with interesting thinkers, all aimed at creating a richer intellectual community.

Character Without Conviction

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film analysis Character Study Comedy Media Critique Pop culture
  1. Characters need to fully believe in their world to be engaging. If they don't take their situations seriously, neither will the audience.
  2. Modern films often show characters who act like they know they're in a movie, which can take away the tension. This makes action scenes feel less thrilling and more like a joke.
  3. In comedies, humor works best when characters aren't aware they're in a comedy. When they act earnestly, even silly situations feel real and funny.

The Real Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2980 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Social Issues Human Rights Conflict analysis Media Critique
  1. Many people are starting to understand the harsh reality of life in Israel and Palestine, which is very different from what is often taught. This includes seeing the conflict and its impact more clearly.
  2. There are serious allegations of violence and human rights abuses by Israel against Palestinians. These claims include attacks on civilians, including children, and targeting aid workers.
  3. The situation has made it clear that peaceful resolutions are needed, and many believe that real change can happen only when people prioritize human rights and compassion over conflict.

If You Want To Help The World, Focus On Fighting The Empire

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2612 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Imperialism Social justice Media Critique Government Systems Activism
  1. Becoming a soldier, cop, lawyer, or politician often reveals that the system isn't as noble as it seems. Many roles that are supposed to protect society actually support harmful structures.
  2. Media and entertainment often serve to promote the interests of the wealthy rather than telling the truth. Getting your work produced usually requires playing into these narratives.
  3. To really help the world, focus on challenging the systems that create suffering and inequality. Open people's eyes to the reality of the world to inspire change.

A Bit About This Strange Little Project Of Mine

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2412 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Activism Media Critique Social justice Economic Systems
  1. Caitlin Johnstone and her husband Tim write together about politics and social issues. They started this journey after bonding over discussions on spirituality and have grown while sharing their insights.
  2. They believe society is trapped in a tyrannical system that needs to change. Their main message is to raise awareness and inspire collective action for a healthier world.
  3. Their work is funded by reader donations, and everything they publish is available for anyone to share and use freely. They aim to create a collaborative community without the traditional barriers of paywalls.

Either Watch The Footage Of Dead Kids In Gaza Or Stop Supporting Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1951 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinions International relations Human Rights Media Critique Conflict Studies
  1. People who support Israel need to understand the reality of the situation in Gaza. Watching footage of the suffering there is important to form an honest opinion.
  2. If someone hasn't seen the evidence of violence, their thoughts on the issue might be based on denial or avoidance. It's hard to genuinely engage with a topic without understanding the facts.
  3. It's not okay to express opinions on Gaza while ignoring the harsh truths. To have a meaningful conversation, people must confront the real consequences of their beliefs.

Letters to the Editor: Anthony Bourdain Is Good for Culture

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 208 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Food culture Media Critique Culinary Arts Journalism
  1. Anthony Bourdain had a significant impact on food culture, inspiring people to explore and enjoy diverse culinary experiences. Many believe he opened up conversations about food in a fun and adventurous way.
  2. Some critiques of Bourdain's influence suggest that it created a trend of people aiming for extreme food experiences. Critics argue that this might detract from genuine appreciation for food.
  3. In contrast to Bourdain, figures like Stanley Tucci offer a more polished and traditional view of food culture, which some view as more suitable for mainstream audiences. This has sparked a debate on what kind of food culture we should promote.

Tired of trash? Try new Wokespy!

Disaffected Newsletter • 1358 implied HN points • 31 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Political Commentary Culture Wars Satire
  1. Wokespy.com provides daily short articles that poke fun at 'woke' culture. It's a light-hearted way to stay informed about current events.
  2. The content includes both written pieces and short videos, making it accessible in different formats.
  3. The site aims to share humorous takes on social issues, often highlighting bizarre or ridiculous stories in the news.

Who Is The Real Criminal? The New Issue Of JOHNSTONE Is Now Available

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 926 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events War Politics Media Critique Social justice Government Power
  1. The latest issue of JOHNSTONE magazine is available and focuses on the question, 'Who Is The Real Criminal?'. It's about uncovering deeper truths in societal issues.
  2. Public reactions to certain events, like the murder of a CEO, can reveal a lot about the feelings and frustrations of ordinary people towards the elite class.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about wars and conflicts, stressing the importance of recognizing the truth behind news narratives and how they impact real lives.

In A Time of Compliant Democrats, Resist Like Bill Burr

JoeWrote • 309 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Resistance Movements Far Right Politics Media Critique Cultural Commentary
  1. It's important to point out that some political leaders and their supporters can be ridiculous and untrustworthy. Instead of just debating facts, it's more effective to call out their nonsense directly.
  2. When challenging opposing views, clarity is key. Use straightforward language to make your point and help others see how extreme some ideas are.
  3. Instead of being polite and compromising with those who hold harmful views, focus on resisting their ideas and building a strong community to support positive change.

With January 6th and Trump, the Truth Has Always Been Bad Enough

Freddie deBoer • 5476 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Media Critique
  1. The January 6th event can be seen as a big disturbance, but it wasn't an organized coup that succeeded in taking power. It was mainly a chaotic riot by people who didn't really know what they were doing.
  2. Claiming that Trump's actions represent a real dictatorship doesn't align with what actually happened, as he did eventually hand over power to Biden. He behaved more like a popular leader using fear to gain support.
  3. There is a tendency among some people to hype up threats posed by Trump rather than look at the situation clearly. This makes the discussion about his impact more emotional than factual.

Ukrainians And Americans Are Done With This War, But It Keeps Escalating Anyway

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1420 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Political Commentary International relations Media Critique
  1. Many people in Ukraine and the U.S. want the war to end, but it continues to escalate. It's frustrating that instead of working toward peace, governments push for more conflict.
  2. The idea of protecting democracy through war seems hollow when the focus is on sending young people to fight instead of finding solutions.
  3. Independent media can often get caught up in mainstream narratives, leading some to lose sight of their original purpose. Authentic voices are important for meaningful discussions.

Thoughts on mainstream media

Tao Lin • 1418 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Journalism Public Opinion Political Discourse Corporate Influence
  1. Mainstream media often presents a very simple and one-sided view of the world. This can make complex issues seem less important than they really are.
  2. The content produced by corporate media can feel negative and disheartening. It tends to focus on the tragic aspects of life instead of the positive ones.
  3. Having worked in mainstream media, there is an awareness that the stories told can be limiting and don’t always empower people to see the bigger picture.

The Ben Shapiro "Honesty" Hustle

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 203 implied HN points • 15 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Media Critique Political Ethics Trump administration
  1. Donald Trump is often seen as a conman who focuses on personal gain rather than the needs of his supporters. Many people find it ironic that he seeks luxury, like a $400 million private jet, while his followers struggle financially.
  2. Ben Shapiro, a prominent right-wing commentator, has sometimes pointed out Trump’s wrongdoings. However, he continues to support Trump despite these criticisms, which raises questions about his integrity.
  3. The Republican Party has shifted under Trump's influence, seemingly moving away from traditional values to support his more questionable actions, leading to a perception of corruption within the party.

Did Trump Just Take the First Steps Toward Civil War? & Backlash for NYT Essay Speculating on Taylor Swift’s Sexuality

kareem • 8982 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Legislation Social Issues Media Critique Cultural analysis
  1. Donald Trump is seen as both a flawed individual and a symbol by his followers.
  2. Historians support Colorado's effort to bar Trump from running, citing the 14th amendment.
  3. Speculating on someone's sexuality without clear evidence can be harmful and irresponsible.