The hottest Progressivism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

My Kind of Conservatism

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 3075 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Cultural critique Conservatism Progressivism Social media
  1. Politics today is heavily influenced by the voices and actions of young people online. Social media has shifted how we engage with culture and politics.
  2. There's a loss of hope for a return to traditional norms in politics. The current political landscape is driven more by tech influence than by the values of liberal democracy.
  3. Being a true conservative today means having a respect for the past and a sense of loss about changes happening in society. It's about nurturing values rather than obsessing over power.

Anti-anti-neoliberalism is also not enough

Noahpinion • 21059 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Democratic Party Progressivism Neoliberalism Elections
  1. The Democratic party is currently trying to find a strong message after a big election defeat. They need a clear economic policy to connect with voters.
  2. New progressive economics is gaining support, focusing on things like healthcare subsidies, strong union support, and taxes on wealthy individuals. However, it faces criticism for not being popular enough.
  3. Despite some successes, Biden's economic policies need adjustments. It's important to learn from his administration while also being open to new ideas outside of traditional economic approaches.

Democrats need to loudly reject progressive extremism

Noahpinion • 24823 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Public Opinion Activism Progressivism
  1. Democrats need to clearly distance themselves from the progressive activist movement. This is important because many voters still see them as too extreme.
  2. Public perception can heavily impact a political candidate's success. Even if a candidate shifts towards the center, voters might still label them based on past associations.
  3. Social media has shifted how people interact with politics, making it easier for extreme views to be noticed. Many people have had firsthand experiences with progressive activism, which shapes their opinions and voting behavior.

The End of Cheap Progressive Signalling

The Ruffian • 368 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Corporate Governance Social Issues Progressivism Cultural critique
  1. Companies are reassessing their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) due to increased pushback and potential risks. They're realizing that showing support can now have real consequences.
  2. The era of easy progressive signaling is over, forcing companies to reconsider their policies and be more genuine about their commitment to social causes. Some might have to rethink their actions rather than just following trends.
  3. The left needs to evaluate if some of its agenda was based on easy symbols rather than real substance. This shift might help them connect more with everyday people who felt excluded from those discussions.

Social Learning Links, 5/31/2025

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Populism Executive Power Progressivism
  1. TikTok boosts right-wing populism by making emotional content easily shareable and bypassing critical thinking. This makes it very appealing and dangerous as a social media platform.
  2. It's important for individuals to reflect on their beliefs, and to be open to the idea that they might be wrong sometimes. This kind of self-examination can help improve understanding and reduce defensiveness.
  3. The power of the presidency has grown partly because Congress has given up its authority. This shift means that the executive branch now has more control, which raises concerns about the balance of power in government.
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Bluesky is the Last Thing America Needs

I Might Be Wrong • 14 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social media Progressivism Media Criticism Cultural Commentary
  1. Bluesky, a social media platform, is gaining users from Twitter, especially among left-leaning people. But some think it isn't a good alternative for healthy political discussion.
  2. The platform is criticized for being overwhelming with progressive views, comparing it to being on a wild drug trip. This suggests that it might not be beneficial to political discourse.
  3. The future of social media is uncertain, especially for Twitter, as people keep searching for better platforms. However, Bluesky might not be the answer many are looking for.

Dead Media Stumbles again

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Free speech Censorship Political Commentary Progressivism
  1. MSNBC has fired Joy Reid and is replacing her show with a new team, but they still have a progressive focus. This might not help with their low viewer ratings.
  2. Alternative media faces challenges getting advertisers because they are seen as risky. Major companies may avoid advertising on platforms that host voices considered controversial.
  3. The U.S. government is looking to change rules to promote fair competition in media and support free speech. This is meant to lessen the influence of big media organizations.

The Great Creator Reset

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7106 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content creation Political Discourse Progressivism Conservatism
  1. The shutdown of TikTok could lead to many creators losing their platforms overnight. This has a much larger impact than when Vine shut down a few years ago.
  2. TikTok has been a key space for progressive voices and activism. Its ban might shift the online conversation more towards conservative viewpoints, as many progressive creators will struggle to find similar support elsewhere.
  3. With TikTok gone, right-wing creators are likely to gain more visibility and influence on other platforms. This change could permanently alter the digital landscape and how people engage with different ideas.

What just happened in San Francisco politics?

Noahpinion • 14235 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Progressivism Public Safety Housing Education
  1. San Francisco politics saw 'moderate' victories, focusing on results-oriented progressivism over performative leftism.
  2. The election revealed that voters want progressivism with tangible outcomes, emphasizing public safety, education, and housing.
  3. Popular theories include billionaire influence, San Francisco's real progressive nature, and the city's demand for effective governance.

The Missing Myths

Bet On It • 467 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Progressivism Social Issues Gender Studies Racial Issues
  1. The book focuses on simple, straightforward myths that can be easily debated and debunked. This is helpful for understanding complex issues more clearly.
  2. Some myths about gender and racial pay gaps are stressed as often misunderstood. Actual productivity plays a big role in these discussions.
  3. The author believes there are even more myths about discrimination and intelligence that need addressing. Questions of race and IQ are examples where more facts could clarify misunderstandings.

Civic Life Kinda Sucks

Unpopular Front • 101 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Civic engagement Political theory Progressivism Local Politics
  1. Civic engagement can feel disappointing, as many people want to help but find it hard to be heard in group settings. Good intentions sometimes don't lead to real community connection.
  2. People often feel that political clubs and organizations can be unwelcoming, making it hard for newcomers to share their ideas or feel valued. This can lead to disillusionment.
  3. Writing and expressing opinions online can sometimes be more rewarding than traditional civic involvement. Many find that they prefer this quick way to participate rather than struggling with local politics.

"It's just so very, very small"

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 982 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Progressivism Identity politics Policy Analysis
  1. The article discusses the dismissal of concerns about transgender issues by emphasizing the insignificance of certain anatomical aspects.
  2. There is a critique of progressive attitudes that avoid addressing serious issues by downplaying their significance.
  3. The text highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's beliefs and decisions, even if they may seem small or insignificant at first glance.

Creating insular information bubbles

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 943 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Media Migration Identity Progressivism Nationalism
  1. Narratives are about making meaning, not just facts, and protecting them from facts is crucial for them to continue to make meaning.
  2. Dysfunctional policy responses can suppress feedback and drive mainstream media narratives that may lack accountability.
  3. Internationalisation can reduce accountability in policy-making and contribute to undermining democratic systems across large populations.

I Am A True Progressive

Society & Standpoint • 1375 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Progressivism Free speech Civil Rights Social justice
  1. Gender roles have evolved over time due to movements like feminism, allowing for more freedom of expression.
  2. Critical race theory reduces individuals to stereotypes based on race, contradicting the idea of individuality.
  3. Today's progressives seem to be moving away from valuing principles like due process and free speech.

Don't play 'Tower of Babel'

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Cultural critique Linguistics Progressivism Identity politics
  1. Many people who have changed their political views still deal with old emotional triggers. These triggers affect how they think and react to various situations.
  2. Using the same terms and language from old beliefs can undermine one's current views. It's important to recognize that language carries meaning and implications.
  3. Some new terms, like 'the unhoused' or 'sex work,' might seem harmless but can actually reinforce old beliefs and ideas. It's worth questioning the language we choose to use.

Kamala Harris and the Rise of Progressive Nothing Politics

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 146 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Political Commentary Progressivism Public Policy
  1. Kamala Harris's speeches often lack substance and fail to inspire listeners. People are noticing that she repeats the same ideas without offering new insights.
  2. The idea of 'Progressive Nothing Politics' suggests a decline in meaningful political discourse, especially within the progressive left.
  3. This shift in politics could lead to a tough future for candidates like Harris, as voters may be looking for more engaging and concrete proposals.

Spare the rod and spoil the child

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Progressivism Media Coverage Social Issues
  1. There are serious problems in modern parenting that may lead to bad behavior in kids, like increased violence and selfishness. It's important for parents to take their roles seriously to prevent these issues.
  2. A Texas representative caused quite a scene during a government hearing, showing how politics can be influenced by personal emotions and outbursts. This suggests a need for better decorum in serious discussions.
  3. Some young people are seeking support in places that align with their identities, like Vermont, which provides financial help for gender transition. This highlights how societal acceptance and support can impact individual choices.

Liberals v. Progressives

Castalia • 599 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Progressivism Political theory Social justice Israel-Palestine
  1. Liberals believe the world has room for improvement but is mostly okay, while progressives feel everything is terrible and getting worse.
  2. Liberals see violence as an anomaly to be handled through legal systems, while progressives view it as a result of power imbalances that need moral commitment to fix.
  3. Liberals think progress is slow but happening, while progressives focus solely on social justice and need major changes to address past wrongs.

Progressivism And The Murder Of A Health Insurance CEO

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 36 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Government Progressivism Economics Social Issues
  1. Some online progressives showed disturbing joy over the murder of a health insurance CEO, believing it was a strike against the wealthy and a reflection of class struggles.
  2. The US healthcare system is highly regulated and has been for over a century, contrary to the belief that it's completely unregulated and solely driven by greedy CEOs.
  3. Government actions, especially those pushed by progressives over the years, have heavily influenced the healthcare market and led to rising costs and inefficiencies, causing many Americans to lack access to affordable care.

We are all meaner and more conservative than we were 10 years ago

White Hot Harlots • 139 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Education Social justice Progressivism
  1. People are becoming more mean-spirited and conservative compared to a decade ago.
  2. In the realm of education, conflicts are arising due to the prioritization of emotional impact over intent and context.
  3. The push towards hyper-awareness and sensitivity can potentially restrict meaningful discussions and lead to increased divisiveness in society.

A response to Michael Huemer on why progressives like Islam

The Good blog • 39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion Identity Sociology Civil Rights Progressivism
  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.

Why Do Progressives Like Islam?

Fake Noûs • 395 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Progressivism Islam
  1. Progressives support Muslims as part of their focus on oppressed groups like women, blacks, and the poor.
  2. The definition of oppressed groups for progressives has expanded over the years to include Muslims as important.
  3. Leftists have a foundation in advocating for those who are marginalized and have continued this trend with Muslims.

A Better Model of Political Categories

The Upheaval • 630 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Philosophy Conservatism Progressivism
  1. Consider the political landscape beyond just Left vs. Right and explore other categories like Right-Wing Progressives for a more comprehensive understanding.
  2. Challenge traditional frameworks like the four-quadrant political compass and explore models that acknowledge the nuances and complexities of political ideologies.
  3. Think about political personality types using multiple axes/spectrums to represent the diverse nature of political beliefs, moving away from simple, misleading charts.

Curator

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Liberalism Progressivism Social Issues
  1. Ibram X. Kendi's antiracism center faced serious management issues and the fall of his reputation raises questions about the integrity of institutions that supported him. Some people feel a sense of schadenfreude, while others see it as a sign that these institutions failed to critically assess what they were promoting.
  2. Critics argue that a central problem is the way ideas about racism and anti-racism have been oversimplified and sensationalized, leading to a pessimistic view of progress in America. This shift has made discussing genuine progress much harder, as some now view racism as an inescapable reality.
  3. The conversation about marriage's role in happiness sparks tension, as some view the emphasis on marriage as a right-wing distraction. However, data suggests that married people report higher satisfaction, indicating that the benefits of marriage should not be easily dismissed in debates about family and societal values.

Fools Rush In

KERFUFFLE • 39 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Systems Progressivism Political Dysfunction Governance
  1. California's politics appear confusing and chaotic. This confusion often results in ineffective policies and governance.
  2. The problems in California's political system have historical roots that trace back to England. Understanding this history is important to grasp the current challenges.
  3. The author has compiled various observations and insights about California's political issues into one detailed essay for better understanding.

When Sterilization Was Dogma: Why the Eugenics Movement is Relevant Today

Bastiat's Window • 275 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
💾 History Eugenics Public Health Progressivism Opposition Legacy
  1. More than 70,000 Americans were victimized by America's eugenics movement, which peaked in the 1920s but lingered into the 2010s.
  2. Eugenics movement was supported by powerful people, based on the idea of improving the human species.
  3. Guard against destructive groupthink by fostering skepticism and questioning everything, to prevent falling prey to dangerous ideologies.

Subversive as All Hell

Symposium • 235 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Individualism Socialism Progressivism
  1. Rose Wilder Lane stood for self-reliance and freedom, resisting government control and embracing individualism.
  2. Critiques of progressivism and the New Deal focused on the rejection of individualism and the rise of paternalistic authority.
  3. Lane, Paterson, and Rand advocated for individualism in the face of societal conformity, influencing the modern libertarian movement.

American Nationalism, Teddy-Roosevelt Style!

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 215 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Progressivism Wealth Inequality Financial Policy
  1. Teddy Roosevelt aimed to emphasize the importance of American heritage and the impact of the Pilgrims and Puritans on the nation.
  2. He advocated for building on the positive qualities of the past while recognizing the advancements made since then.
  3. Roosevelt promoted fighting against plutocracy and enforcing fair treatment in wealth accumulation, favoring a balance of individual initiative and collective responsibility.

Why are the Celtic nations so progressive?

The Path Not Taken • 418 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Progressivism Policy Influence Political Ideologies
  1. Celtic nations have progressive governments despite mixed voter opinions, reflecting divisions between elites and voters.
  2. Small countries like Celtic nations are at the forefront of progressive cultural policies due to their vulnerability to policy capture and underdeveloped civil societies.
  3. In Celtic nations like Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, internal conditions, external pressures, and the profile of devolved governments contribute to the encouragement of progressivism.

The Mystics of Progress

Trantor Publishing • 119 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Sci-fi Progressivism Religion Humanity Fiction
  1. Progressive ideologies in the modern world are intertwined with religious and mythical elements to create a more engaging narrative.
  2. Science fiction often incorporates concepts like evolution, destiny, and indistinct higher beings to provide meaning and purpose in a world that can seem bleak and indifferent.
  3. Stories reflect the beliefs and aspirations of society, offering insights into the fears, hopes, and dreams of a culture.

Club a Koala to Death and Save the Planet!

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Environment Globalism Progressivism
  1. The modern 'left' has shifted away from traditional left-wing values like workers' rights, social welfare, and conservation, embracing contradictory and exaggerated positions.
  2. The proposed wind turbine development in Queensland highlights a radical departure from traditional conservationism, calling for the eradication of koala habitat and using inhumane methods like a 'sharp blow with a hammer to the skull' for euthanizing koalas.
  3. The author argues that the current progressive ideology is not representative of traditional leftism but is a cult-like adherence to globalist doctrine, emphasizing the need to stop referring to them as 'the left.'

What Makes Something Progressive?

Gideon's Substack • 31 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Progressivism Terrorism History Global Conflicts Imperialism
  1. The term 'progressive' is often misunderstood and used as a catch-all for right-thinking attitudes about social causes, but the determination of these attitudes is crucial.
  2. Progressivism is centered around history and the belief that it has a discernible direction, influencing one's stance on various issues based on which 'side' of history they are on.
  3. The idea that history has a definite direction and a global left is debated, with a call to question preconceived notions and the importance of understanding the complexity and nuance of world politics.

Progressives Declare San Francisco Unworthy of Progressivism

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Progressivism Voting Media Crime Housing
  1. Progressives in San Francisco faced a setback when voters passed non-progressive propositions, such as strengthening the police and teaching algebra in 8th grade.
  2. San Francisco Chronicle writers criticized the progressives for their inability to address important issues like crime, housing, and education effectively.
  3. The response to the city's changes showed a lack of adaptability from some progressives, focusing more on opposition than practical solutions.