The hottest Media Critique Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

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.

Yeah, Yeah, UNRWA Is Hamas. Everyone Israel Hates Is Hamas.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2211 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media Critique Foreign Policy Humanitarian Issues Political Commentary
  1. The Israeli government has banned UNRWA, which helps provide aid to people in Gaza. This shows how much the political situation affects humanitarian efforts.
  2. The narrative that groups like UNRWA are connected to Hamas is misleading. Many people and organizations are wrongly labeled as part of the conflict.
  3. There's frustration with how the Western media handles discussions about the Gaza conflict. Many feel that the coverage ignores the complexity of the situation.

Non-Leftist Media and the Michael Shellenberger Problem

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5583 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Critique Public Opinion
  1. Repeating the same complaints without real analysis doesn't help understand politics. It's not enough to just say what's wrong without explaining why it matters.
  2. Some commentators give reasons to support their political views, but they often ignore important issues. If someone only blames 'elites' without discussing specific actions, it shows a lack of real engagement.
  3. Many people seem interested in hearing simple, repetitive messages rather than deep understanding of current events. This undermines learning and can make people less informed about actual politics.
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To Be Pro-Israel Is To Be Pro-War

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1546 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Corruption Media Critique Political Ideologies Military Intervention
  1. Being pro-Israel often means supporting ongoing military conflicts. This connection makes it hard to advocate for peace while backing the state of Israel.
  2. Many politicians, regardless of party, continue harmful policies that lead to violence and suffering. They often ignore public outcry while pursuing their agendas.
  3. People have very different views on what free speech means. It can range from accountability and truth to defending harmful comments without consequence.

Trump The Totalitarian

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Policy Election Issues Media Critique
  1. There is a strong desire for major changes in government policies, focusing on taking action against long-standing issues rather than just removing current leaders.
  2. People are questioning the integrity of different sectors, like healthcare and environmental policies, and there's a push for those in power to adopt free market solutions.
  3. There is skepticism about whether politicians will truly act against their own interests and make necessary cutbacks, reflecting a need for both parties to work together for real change.

Kayfabe, Cruelty, Sanewashing, Hierarchy, Musk, Bannon, & Trump

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 415 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Dynamics Media Critique Populism Political Figures
  1. There is a division within right-wing politics, with one group focused on technology and immigration, while the other emphasizes hiring Americans. This conflict reveals deep disagreements on priorities and treatment of certain demographics.
  2. Journalistic narratives often misrepresent political situations, making them seem more normal than they are. This 'sanewashing' can hide essential truths from readers.
  3. Donald Trump's upcoming presidency suggests continued chaos, with various factions vying for power and unclear policy directions. The interactions and conflicts in online discussions illustrate a tangled political landscape.

ONE VIDEO: Donald Trump & the Very Large Faucet on the U.S.-Canadian Border

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 345 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Policy Analysis Media Critique Political Satire
  1. Donald Trump's comments show he has a unique view on how water resources work, particularly regarding water flowing from Canada to California. Many people around him seem to lack the willingness to correct his misunderstandings.
  2. He claimed that turning a 'faucet' could solve California's water issues and that this would cause the state to thrive, ignoring the complexities of water management and environmental concerns.
  3. Trump's statements indicate he believes he could improve the agricultural situation in California significantly, but his ideas seem unrealistic and overlook important facts about irrigation and ecology.

The Truth About Musk, From His Biographer

Proof • 594 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures Biography Media Critique Social Issues Government
  1. Elon Musk is often seen as a self-made billionaire, but much of his success is tied to money from his wealthy father and questionable business practices. Many of his achievements may actually stem from ideas that weren't originally his.
  2. Musk has a complicated relationship with education, often exaggerating his academic history. He hasn't always valued education and instead seems to focus on making money, leading to a pattern of lying about his credentials and experiences.
  3. Musk's behavior and actions reflect a disregard for ethics and the law. He is known for making bold claims and operating in ways that raise serious concerns about how he conducts business and treats others.

old media vs new model mockery

bad cattitude • 245 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Journalism Political Commentary Public Discourse Misinformation
  1. Old media often claims that only they can do real journalism and dismisses new media like bloggers and podcasters. They feel threatened as their traditional control on information is challenged.
  2. A recent interview showcased how traditional journalists might not fact-check properly, leading to humorous and embarrassing situations. This shows that not all media is trustworthy.
  3. Many stories shared by the media can create unnecessary fear and panic, especially during health crises. It's important to question the validity of these narratives and the reasons behind them.

Why we need to humiliate Joe Biden

Unreported Truths • 98 implied HN points • 17 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Cognitive health Media Critique Election Strategy Presidential Power
  1. Joe Biden is showing signs of serious cognitive decline, making it hard for him to recall basic facts. This situation raises concerns about his ability to effectively lead.
  2. The media has often downplayed Biden's cognitive issues, trying to protect him and avoid negative stories. This coverage failure may have serious implications for the future.
  3. Biden and his close ones might have misled the public about his fitness to serve, risking the stability of the presidency. It's crucial to remember these actions for accountability.

The Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Social Issues Political Commentary Media Critique Cultural Commentary
  1. The idea of 'standing' means someone has to be affected by an issue to bring it to court. But in everyday life, anyone can talk about any issue, even if they aren't directly affected.
  2. When people start to realize uncomfortable truths, like those on the left feeling shocked, it may take time for them to process it. They might struggle to accept what they've known deep down.
  3. It's okay to feel close to your community without needing to feel afraid. Trusting your friends and being open about your feelings is important.

Truth Leaks Out

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Narcissism Feminism Media Critique Psychology
  1. Dementia can show hidden sides of a person's personality, like how Joe Biden's ego comes through in interviews after debates.
  2. Some argue that feminism ignores basic human instincts, claiming feelings like maternal instinct are just a result of societal pressure.
  3. Covert narcissism is trickier to spot than the usual, loud types. It's important to learn how to notice it before it causes harm.

Reading Thiel's Op-Ed

Unpopular Front • 127 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Philosophy Public Policy Media Critique Power Dynamics
  1. Peter Thiel's op-ed suggests a belief in a revolution against the old government system. He thinks exposing the past is necessary for moving forward.
  2. Thiel connects technology and politics, claiming that the internet has the power to reveal hidden truths, but this could also lead to increased paranoia and conspiracy thinking.
  3. There are worries about Thiel's approach to reconciliation, as he hints at the potential for scapegoating and power dynamics, which could lead to authoritarian control disguised as truth-telling.

"If a white person said that"

Disaffected Newsletter • 2557 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Racism Feminism Identity politics Media Critique
  1. Some people say harsh things about white people that wouldn't be acceptable if said about others. This creates a double standard in society.
  2. Many white people agree with negative views about themselves, thinking it will make them seem better to others.
  3. The idea that white people hold all the power in society is outdated, and it's important to address current attitudes that accept harmful statements against them.

The Jerk Store Called...

Unpopular Front • 146 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Critique Public Opinion Civic engagement Political History
  1. The writer feels that the other person's critiques show a consistent pattern of viewing the world in terms of superficial character judgments. They argue this perspective is overly harsh and lacking depth.
  2. There is a belief that John’s January 6th piece was not his best work, and while he acknowledges that criticism is valid, he insists that its serious implications are often overlooked.
  3. The writer expresses disappointment in the response to January 6th, feeling there was a missed opportunity for a strong public defense of democracy that could have led to meaningful reforms.

Is Elon Musk a raging free speech hypocrite?

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 10 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Media Critique Public Figures Political Discourse
  1. Elon Musk often criticizes Western democracies like the UK for free speech restrictions but is quiet about countries with worse situations, such as Saudi Arabia and China.
  2. His approach to free speech seems inconsistent. While he claims to support it, some of his actions, like limiting competition on X, look hypocritical.
  3. Many feel Musk isn't doing a good job managing free expression on X. His spontaneous tweets and decisions can hurt the cause of free speech instead of helping it.

Who is allowed to practice identity politics?

Can We Still Govern? • 805 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Political strategy Election Analysis Media Critique
  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.

Maximum Progress on Progressivism

Bet On It • 628 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Philosophy Media Critique Wokeness
  1. Michael Huemer's book, Progressive Myths, offers a clear look at popular beliefs around social issues. He tackles topics like racism and sexism with an emphasis on understanding facts over ideology.
  2. The book encourages readers to question politically charged information and be more skeptical of what they hear. It stresses the importance of looking for objective truths instead of simply aligning with one side of the debate.
  3. Huemer concludes that understanding the truth about complex issues is crucial for avoiding myths that can arise in society. His approach aims to help readers think critically about controversial topics, helping them navigate media bias.

The ‘Black Insurrectionist’ account is run by a white man

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Influencers Media Critique Cultural shift Election Dynamics
  1. A social media account promoting false theories about politics is actually managed by a white man pretending to be Black. This raises concerns about transparency in the online creator space.
  2. People are becoming more critical of wealthy influencers flaunting their luxuries, showing a shift towards less tolerance for excessive consumption.
  3. There's a growing pattern of conspiracy theories on both sides of the political spectrum, highlighting how misinformation can spread among different groups.

The Los Angeles Times’ Chief COVID Propagandist Is Back In Action

Unmasked • 73 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique COVID Policy Public Trust Health Communication Political Commentary
  1. The left-wing media has struggled to accept the reality of COVID after five years. Many people feel that the media should show some humility after being wrong about key issues.
  2. Experts like Anthony Fauci, who had significant influence during the pandemic, are seen as having caused harm without taking responsibility. There's a belief that these figures should be held accountable for their misleading advice.
  3. Research suggests that COVID restrictions did not effectively control the spread of the virus and resulted in significant financial and social damage. Many people are questioning the value of these measures.

Musk's Nazi Salute Was Carefully Planned Stage Craft!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Perception Media Critique International relations
  1. Musk's actions are seen as a deliberate move to influence and control political leaders. This suggests a deeper connection between big business and government decisions.
  2. The idea is presented that both Musk and Trump serve as distractions from serious issues, such as military spending and foreign conflicts.
  3. There's a belief that the consequences of recent actions in Gaza and Ukraine are being manipulated, shifting blame onto political figures rather than accountability for military and corporate interests.

The Weight of the Tower of Babel

Disaffected Newsletter • 1998 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Discourse International relations Conflict analysis Media Critique Ethics
  1. Discussions about the conflict between Israel and Hamas often lead to intense and aggressive arguments. Many people feel afraid to ask honest questions due to backlash or harsh reactions.
  2. The actions and motives of both Hamas and Israel are highly controversial. Understanding the truth about their military actions and claims is very difficult.
  3. There is a sense that current societal discussions are unhealthy, as they often resemble a toxic relationship where honest conversation feels unsafe.

Anatomy of a Hatchet Job

Castalia • 2597 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media Critique Content Moderation Online Platforms Cultural Issues
  1. Substack has a different approach to content moderation compared to major social media platforms, focusing on free speech rather than strict content controls. This has led to controversies about the type of content allowed on their platform.
  2. Recent articles have criticized Substack for hosting extremist content, sparking debates about the platform's moderation policies. Critics argue that having such content reflects poorly on Substack, while supporters argue it aligns with free speech principles.
  3. The tensions between traditional media and new platforms like Substack highlight a struggle over who gets to control public discourse. Some view Substack as a space for independent voices, while others see it as problematic for allowing potentially harmful content.

Corporate Simulacra

Teaching computers how to talk • 152 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Social media Corporate culture Media Critique Digital Identity
  1. Meta faced huge backlash when it was revealed they created fake AI profiles pretending to be real people. They acted quickly to shut down these profiles but didn't apologize.
  2. One notable AI was 'Liv,' a fake character claiming to be a queer Black mother. This raises ethical questions about representation and whether it's appropriate for a mostly white team to create such characters.
  3. The whole situation shows a troubling trend of companies using AI to create fake interactions instead of fostering real connections. This approach can lead to more isolation and distrust among users.

Misinformation isn't actually the problem

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Political Discourse Media Critique Election Issues
  1. We often mix up different types of information, treating small issues as serious threats. This can confuse people about what really matters.
  2. Instead of just blaming misinformation, we should look at how we compare different topics. Some things shouldn't get the same level of attention.
  3. The real problem isn't just fake news; it's the way we discuss all these issues and the weight we give them in public conversations.

Elon Musk Accused of Serial Fraud By the U.S. Gaming Community in Confirmation That There Is Nothing He Won’t Lie About

Proof • 71 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Public Perception Mental health
  1. People in the gaming community are accusing Elon Musk of lying about his gaming skills and cheating to appear better than he really is. This is a big deal because it raises questions about trust and honesty.
  2. Musk's claims about being a top gamer are hard to believe since he runs several companies that take up a lot of his time. Many think he might be getting others to play for him.
  3. There are concerns about Musk's mental health and how it could affect his upcoming role as co-President. People worry that if he's not well, it might lead to poor decisions that could impact many lives.

Enjoying Trans Women, the End of Race Science, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 950 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics Social Issues Media Critique Literature
  1. The writer has changed their view on using pronouns and now feels more positive about people who are trans. They still express strong feelings against trans men, naming their preferences in a hierarchy.
  2. There's a new online bot based on the writer's ideas that offers a fun way to engage with their content. They hope it will improve over time and reflect their outlook more accurately.
  3. The writer encourages fans to join a Reddit community for discussions and shares a special subscription offer, highlighting the increasing engagement with their audience.

Weekend Update #110: Ukraine and the Degradation of Russian Power

Phillips’s Newsletter • 248 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Military Strategy Political Analysis Geopolitics Media Critique
  1. Russian claims of major gains in Ukraine are misleading. They've taken tiny areas compared to the vast size of Ukraine, while suffering heavy losses.
  2. The situation in Syria shows that Russia is struggling and can't maintain its influence there. This failure reflects their weakened power since the war in Ukraine began.
  3. The narrative of an imminent Ukrainian collapse is not supported by facts. It’s important to look at the bigger picture instead of believing sensational reports.

Anti-Wokeness Is a Mental Autoimmune Disorder

KERFUFFLE • 51 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Media Critique Public Policy
  1. The argument connecting diversity initiatives to wildfires lacks real evidence and is more about stirring emotions than facts. It's not a logical explanation of what’s happening with the fires.
  2. Critics often use inflammatory rhetoric to distract from serious discussions about wildfires, changing the topic to political agendas instead.
  3. Blaming 'wokeness' for complex issues like wildfires serves only to push certain narratives, without addressing the actual causes or the effectiveness of emergency responses.

How "I Might Be Wrong" Will Change Now That Our USAID Funding Has Been Cut Off

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Government funding Satire Public Policy
  1. Funding cuts can greatly affect projects and initiatives. Losing a major funding source can lead to the cancellation of planned activities and changes in future goals.
  2. Creative and provocative content can be put on hold or altered when financial realities change. This can include unique or controversial series that rely on funding to be produced.
  3. Adapting to new circumstances often requires scaling back ambitions. Organizations may need to rethink their events and outreach programs when facing budget constraints.

One essay could change the future

The Novelleist • 1118 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Media Critique Cultural Commentary
  1. Writers have the power to inspire new ideas and change the future. Their words can make us think differently and encourage action.
  2. There is a need for more positive and solution-focused writing. Many writers currently focus on problems, but ideas that show what's working can help us imagine better futures.
  3. Supporting independent writers is important for a healthier media landscape. By funding those who create constructive content, we can promote better discussions and potentially create a brighter future.

A roundup of some things from New Zealand, across the ditch - i.e. Australia - and the UK.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Education & Policy Media Critique
  1. In New Zealand, there's been a big fuss about the Midwifery Council's new guidelines that ignored the words 'woman' and 'baby'. People are pushing back and filing complaints to get the guidelines changed.
  2. A group called 'Let Kids be Kids' is traveling around New Zealand to share concerns about inappropriate content in school relationships education. They are facing backlash but continue to raise awareness about their views.
  3. In the UK, the National Health Service is dropping inclusive language like 'chestfeeding' and stopping their rainbow badge program. Changes like these are being noticed in New Zealand, showing a wider conversation about gender issues.

A Rogue Reporter vs. The American Empire (w/ Matt Kennard) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 151 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Critique Imperialism Social movements Investigative Journalism
  1. The U.S. plays a large role in influencing foreign elections and governments, often undermining leaders who promote democratic socialism in favor of its own corporate interests. This has been seen in places like Bolivia.
  2. The media often fails to expose the darker side of U.S. foreign policies. Instead of revealing the truths about interventions and human rights violations, they uphold narratives that support the idea of the U.S. as a benevolent force.
  3. Zionism and the Israel lobby heavily influence political discourse, particularly around Palestine. Criticism of this influence has increased, leading many to reconsider their views on colonialism and imperialism.

sudden outbreaks of bad cattitudes?

bad cattitude • 248 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Election Integrity Political Commentary Censorship Public Opinion
  1. There seems to be a sudden shift in how some well-known figures express their opinions, almost like they're switching sides in a game. People are questioning if these changes are genuine or just for show.
  2. Many traditional media outlets are losing their credibility, and more people are turning to alternative sources for news. This trend can lead to misinformation spreading quickly.
  3. The ongoing battle between old media practices and new online platforms reflects a bigger issue about censorship and freedom of speech. As things change, it looks like people are eager for different voices to be heard.

The Future, Now and Then: 2024 in review

The Future, Now and Then • 72 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Political Commentary Media Critique Social media Current Events
  1. The author has been regularly writing a newsletter for two and a half years, and their audience has grown significantly. It's important to celebrate growth and consistency in writing.
  2. In 2024, topics covered included technology and political commentary, highlighting issues like the rise of Bluesky and criticism of university administrations. These topics engage readers and reflect current events.
  3. The author plans to shift focus in early 2025 to finish a book manuscript, but will still share thoughts on current events in the newsletter. Transitioning goals can bring new opportunities in writing.

A bookshop dumps a cookbook sold as a fundraiser to feed people, because the book’s author isn’t woke.

A B’Old Woman • 779 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Cultural Commentary Media Critique Local community
  1. A cookbook was removed from a bookshop because its author held beliefs that some people disagree with. This decision caused disappointment and frustration.
  2. The author, Jane Morgan, created the cookbook to raise money for people affected by a cyclone, showing community spirit and support.
  3. The situation highlights the challenges when personal beliefs clash with business decisions. It raises questions about how businesses should handle differing opinions.