The hottest Public Discourse Substack posts right now

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

I Can Explain Why the Nazi Salute Is Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1618 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social Issues Public Discourse Media influence
  1. Nazi salutes have become popular among some figures on the American right, often used as a form of trolling or provocation. It's a way for people to make a statement, but it doesn't always reflect their true beliefs.
  2. Many people see these gestures as lazy and offensive, as they provoke reactions without a deeper conversation about the issues at stake. It's a cheap way to get attention and stir controversy.
  3. The rise of such gestures is linked to a culture that thrives on opposition and rebellion, where people continue to act out as if they are still in a fight, even when they have gained some power or influence.

One big thing the legacy media gets wrong

Noahpinion • 28412 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Analysis Public Discourse Social media
  1. Legacy media often confuses analysis with opinion, missing the need for deeper insights. Readers want clear explanations and forecasts, not just opinion pieces.
  2. Substack and similar platforms allow writers more freedom to explore topics in depth. This contrasts with traditional print media, which usually limits writers, making it harder to provide thorough analysis.
  3. Many people are tired of the constant opinions in the media and prefer thoughtful analysis instead. Legacy publications could become more relevant by shifting focus to this type of content.

Old Media Finally Wakes Up from a Coma

The Honest Broker • 31251 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📰 News Media Trends Journalism Digital Platforms Public Discourse Audience engagement
  1. Old media is realizing that it needs to change in order to survive. They can't continue doing things the same way as before.
  2. Influencers and new media figures like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk are now more powerful than traditional journalists. Their ability to reach large audiences is forcing old media to adapt.
  3. Legacy media organizations, like CNN and the New York Times, are starting to imitate the styles and formats of new media to attract viewers. They are trying to be more conversational and engaging.

Kamala Harris and Me

Glenn Loury • 1487 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racial Issues Podcasting Public Discourse Debate
  1. The podcast features a discussion between liberal hosts and conservative guests to promote open dialogue. It's a space where different viewpoints can share their ideas and challenge each other.
  2. The conversation dives into how personal experiences, especially related to race, can influence views on political figures like Kamala Harris. This highlights the importance of understanding different backgrounds.
  3. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for more exclusive content, which emphasizes the value of in-depth discussions and varied opinions in politics.

Who "Neurodiversity" Left Behind

Freddie deBoer • 15655 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Disability Rights Activism Mental health Social Issues Public Discourse
  1. The voices of people living with severe disabilities are often overlooked in public discussions about neurodiversity. This can leave families feeling isolated and unheard.
  2. Autism discourse has shifted to focus on individuals who thrive, while those who struggle daily are sidelined. It's important to acknowledge the challenges faced by many with severe autism.
  3. A diverse conversation about autism is needed, including all levels of ability and experiences. Everyone, regardless of their background, should have a say in these important discussions.
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15 Observations on the New Phase in Cultural Conflict

The Honest Broker • 22274 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Conflict Public Discourse
  1. Cultural conflict is shifting from a left versus right focus to a down versus up dynamic. This means that larger groups of everyday people are increasingly opposing a smaller group of elites.
  2. Many different movements, like Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter, are now united by their anger towards the elite group, regardless of traditional political lines.
  3. The energy and influence in culture are moving toward the grassroots and 'down' level, while established institutions and media struggle to connect with this change.

The Influencer Era

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 140 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Influencers Public Discourse Opinion Entertainment
  1. Influencers have taken over discussions today. They often share quick opinions that get a lot of attention, even if those opinions are not deeply informed.
  2. People tend to prefer simple, catchy content over complex, researched information. This makes it easy to overlook true expertise in favor of what's entertaining.
  3. We should be more careful about who we listen to and take time to really think about topics. It's important to look for real knowledge instead of just popular opinions.

Indigenous land acknowledgements often ignore history

Critical Mass • 26 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Indigenous rights History Social justice Cultural Studies Public Discourse
  1. Indigenous land acknowledgements can sometimes be simplistic and miss the complexity of history. It's important to recognize that history is not always straightforward, and we should be careful not to create myths.
  2. Some acknowledgements make strong claims about Indigenous ownership that might not be fully accurate. It's necessary to look at historical context and evidence before making those statements.
  3. We need to talk honestly about history and science related to land ownership and Indigenous rights. Celebrating cultures should not come at the cost of historical accuracy.

There Are No Alternative Facts: Some Rules For Discerning Reality In This Hallucinogenic Hellscape of Misinformation

Welcome to Garbagetown • 1111 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Critical Thinking Media influence Political culture Public Discourse
  1. Misinformation can feel so real that it blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. It's important to recognize that not everything we hear is actually true.
  2. When evaluating bizarre claims, a good question to ask is if believing them would make life much easier or more exciting. If so, it's likely not true and just ridiculous.
  3. People may strongly believe in outrageous ideas and act seriously on them, but we should remain critical and cautious about what we accept as reality.

If people lash out at you, remember: it’s more about them than you

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 199 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Civility Mental health Public Discourse Empathy
  1. When someone is rude or angry, it usually says more about them than it does about you. People can be having a tough time, and their behavior might not really be personal.
  2. Try to think kindly about others instead of judging them harshly. Instead of saying 'they are a jerk,' remind yourself that they might just be having a bad day.
  3. Learning to react with empathy is important. By focusing on understanding rather than taking things to heart, we can keep our peace and better handle tough situations.

The Last Days of Discourse

Unpopular Front • 78 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Public Discourse Social media Civil Society
  1. The media landscape seems diverse but is actually dominated by sensationalism and noise, making it hard for people to have meaningful discussions.
  2. There's a belief among some tech leaders that technological progress must come with a strict social order, rejecting equality movements like civil rights and feminism.
  3. Social media might actually be creating new forms of community rather than weakening them, but the political elite is struggling to adapt to these rapid changes.

Tim Walz And Free Speech

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Legislation Public Discourse
  1. Tim Walz argued that there should be limits on free speech, using the example of shouting fire in a crowded theater. This example is often misunderstood and complicated.
  2. Many people believe that free speech should have boundaries to protect others, but the debate is often more complex than it seems.
  3. It is important to critically evaluate arguments about free speech, understanding the nuances behind different perspectives.

Abigail Shrier Was Vilified. Now She’s Been Vindicated.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3987 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Politics Health Policy Social Issues Public Discourse
  1. Some researchers bravely challenge popular beliefs, and Abigail Shrier is one of them. She wrote a book about the risks of transitioning minors, especially teenage girls.
  2. Shrier found that parents were often misled about the consequences of their choices. Medical professionals used fear tactics to push life-changing treatments on families.
  3. Critics of the idea that minors should transition faced serious backlash. Speaking out against this belief often led to social and professional consequences.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 17, 2025: "The Annotated Final Speech of Joe Biden"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1243 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Public Discourse Media
  1. Biden's farewell address felt odd and disconnected. It didn't seem urgent or relevant, almost like it was recorded in a strange way.
  2. He talked a lot about threats to democracy but seemed to contradict himself by not taking responsibility for those threats. It felt like he was both warning us and praising the very things he was cautioning against.
  3. Biden claimed credit for a ceasefire deal in the Middle East, but it was unclear how much he truly had to do with it. People believe the deal was more about politics than actual negotiation success.

Kanye Needs a Conservatorship

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 217 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Public Discourse Media Critique
  1. Some people may struggle with mental health to the point they can't handle their own lives. This can lead to harmful actions or behaviors.
  2. Kanye West has made several controversial and hate-filled statements online, including antisemitic comments. This pattern of behavior raises concern about his mental well-being.
  3. There have been repeated incidents where Kanye has expressed extreme views, suggesting a need for oversight or support to ensure his safety and the safety of others.

No I will not take the high road

Disaffected Newsletter • 3816 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Conservatism Liberalism Public Discourse Political strategy
  1. Some people want outspoken others to stay quiet, but those who speak the truth shouldn't feel pressured to do so. It's okay to point out uncomfortable truths.
  2. Many believe that focusing on policies is more important than discussing someone's personal life, but that view can ignore important realities. Voters might care more about the messiness of real life than some think.
  3. People who ask others to stay quiet might not support those who speak up when they see injustice. It's important to recognize those who are truly supportive versus those who just want to avoid confrontation.

Save Democracy From Informed Voters: Vote Censorship!

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7116 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media influence Misinformation Public Discourse
  1. Big media companies are working together to silence critics of the Democratic Party. They target conservative voices, claiming they're spreading misinformation.
  2. The way these companies define misinformation is broad, often including legitimate questions or jokes, leading to censorship.
  3. There's a concerted effort to undermine platforms like Twitter (now X) because they offer alternative views. Groups are trying to stop advertisers from supporting these platforms.

Friday brief: MP calls for Tory councillor to leave politics after wife’s prison sentence

NN Journal • 178 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Political issues Local Governance Public Discourse
  1. An MP is asking a Tory councillor to resign after his wife was jailed for a racist tweet that incited violence. They believe actions in politics should reflect higher standards.
  2. Lucy Connolly was sentenced to over two years in prison for posting a tweet during summer riots that encouraged violence against hotels housing asylum seekers. This led to her arrest and conviction.
  3. Members of the community took action to prevent potential riots and expressed discomfort with Cllr Connolly's continued presence on the council after his wife's actions.

Celebrating One Year of The Soul of Civility - A Special Giveaway!

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 259 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Civility Social norms Public Discourse Literature Communication
  1. The book 'The Soul of Civility' explores how civility can help us get along better, especially during tough times. It encourages respectful conversation even with people we disagree with.
  2. Many important people have praised the book, highlighting its impact and importance for today's society. This recognition shows that the message of civility is resonating widely.
  3. The author has traveled far and wide to discuss civility with various audiences. These talks are helping spread the idea of civil dialogue and connection in a divided world.

"What if it was your daughter?"

Men Yell at Me • 360 implied HN points • 18 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Child welfare Public Discourse Sports Policy Trans issues
  1. It's important for kids to focus on personal growth and enjoyment in sports, rather than just winning. Winning isn't everything, and having fun while developing skills matters more.
  2. The question 'What if it was your daughter?' shifts the focus to fear and assumptions about threats, which can be harmful and unfair. It suggests that supporting trans rights and my child's success can't coexist.
  3. Using a child's safety to argue against trans people's rights feeds into harmful stereotypes and fears. It's crucial to defend everyone’s rights without pitting groups against each other.

Mailbag #4, Plus Update on Tuesday Event

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 292 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Public Discourse Civic engagement Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. There is an event happening in DC on Tuesday with notable guests, and tickets are still available.
  2. The author is doing a Q&A mailbag, where anyone can ask questions but only paid subscribers will get answers.
  3. Questions will be prioritized based on likes from readers, but the author won't answer questions that have been previously discussed.

Domestic abuse at scale

Disaffected Newsletter • 2477 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Psychology Social Behavior Public Discourse Civic Responsibility
  1. Domestic abuse often involves manipulation where the abuser takes advantage of the victim. This idea is compared to how governments and media influence and control people's beliefs and actions.
  2. People can internalize harmful beliefs, thinking they should give up their own needs for others. This is similar to children feeling they are to blame for their parent's anger.
  3. Many believe it's wrong to defend their interests, even if it harms them. This mindset can lead to voting against one's own best interests and accepting unfair treatment.

Life in The Age of Moral Panics

OK Doomer • 129 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Social Issues Civil Rights Government Power Public Discourse
  1. Moral panics often happen in society, where people blame others for their problems. This can lead to targeting vulnerable groups instead of addressing real issues.
  2. History shows that powerful people use scapegoats to distract the public from bigger problems. This tactic has been around for a long time, similar to the witch hunts in the past.
  3. The patterns of moral panic are still present today, and they show that society hasn't really changed. Instead of learning from history, we seem to repeat the same mistakes.

Congratulations On Your Independent, Alternative Media, You Disgruntled Consumers

Singal-Minded • 1263 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Consumer Protection Political Commentary Financial Institutions Public Discourse
  1. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is meant to protect consumers from unfair practices by financial institutions. It focuses on preventing issues like misleading loans and discrimination.
  2. Marc Andreessen made false claims about the CFPB, saying it helps banks to 'debank' individuals based on their political views. In reality, the CFPB actually fights against discrimination and debanking.
  3. Joe Rogan often doesn't push back on controversial claims made by his guests, which can lead to misinformation being spread without proper fact-checking.

Misunderstanding Trump Voters

Disaffected Newsletter • 4436 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Political Identity Political Commentary Public Discourse
  1. Not all Trump voters are fans of his personality; some vote for him despite it. They have serious concerns about the current political climate and feel voting for Trump is their best option.
  2. There are former Democrats who now support Trump because they believe the Democratic agenda is harmful to the country. They’re not swayed by Trump's style but by the policies they disagree with.
  3. Critics like McWhorter may misjudge Trump voters by thinking they are blindly loyal. There's a call for a deeper understanding of their motivations beyond just Trump's persona.

Brilliant Piece by Catherine Austin Fitts

Tessa Fights Robots • 24 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Discourse Elections Government Policies
  1. People often get distracted and argue with each other over different views instead of focusing on the bigger picture. This back-and-forth can keep us from thinking clearly.
  2. The way society is set up encourages division, which makes it hard for us to disagree gracefully and understand each other.
  3. There's a concern that those in power are exploiting this division for their own benefits while we fall for the tricks designed to keep us fighting.

What Happened When I Asked Michael Shellenberger To Defend His Journalism

Singal-Minded • 1628 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Election Law Public Discourse Censorship
  1. Michael Shellenberger, known for his views on free speech, called for the government to revoke NBC's broadcasting license, which raises questions about his journalistic integrity.
  2. His claims about NBC breaking election laws were based on misinterpretations and lacked solid evidence, showing a drift into conspiracy thinking.
  3. The situation highlights how personal politics can distort professional standards, making it hard to trust someone's reporting if they confuse facts and emotions.

Non-political content online gets nerfed; AIs never got superintelligent in e-sports; Is "selling out" no longer a thing?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5349 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Media Content creation Social Dynamics Public Discourse Political landscape
  1. Non-political content online is getting less attention and support, making it harder for diverse topics to be discussed. People are increasingly getting trapped in their own echo chambers instead of engaging with differing viewpoints.
  2. AI companies seem to have moved away from competing in e-sports, possibly due to the challenges of creating truly intelligent systems. This shows that superintelligent AIs aren't as close as some had hoped.
  3. The idea of 'selling out' doesn't seem to carry the same weight anymore. Artists and creators are finding new ways to monetize their work without the same stigma attached to commercial success.

The TikTok Ban Shows America Is At War With Itself

Kyla’s Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Digital Culture Media Regulation Social media Public Discourse
  1. The debate over banning TikTok highlights a struggle within the U.S. about how to balance national security with personal freedoms and economic interests. People are worried about who controls their data and attention.
  2. TikTok isn't just an app; it's a powerful tool that shapes how people interact with each other and how information is shared. This creates both opportunities for connection and risks of misinformation.
  3. The way we engage with social media influences our understanding of ourselves and society. It's important to think about how to improve these platforms so they foster connection instead of division.

Why racism is a stupid and incoherent concept that you should not worry about and that Western society must sooner or later discard

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 165 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Migration Public Discourse
  1. Racism is seen as a confusing idea that doesn't make sense. Many people believe it should be left behind by society.
  2. There is a concern that talking honestly about people's behaviors can lead to accusations of racism. It suggests that discussing issues like mass migration can be a sensitive topic.
  3. Some argue that viewing all humans as the same overlooks important differences. They believe that understanding these differences is crucial for rational discussions.

Mostleastremarkablegate And The Nature Of Online Harassment

Astral Codex Ten • 6469 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Online behavior Social media Digital ethics Public Discourse
  1. Online harassment can take many forms and often feels overwhelming. It's important to recognize its impact on individuals.
  2. Communication and understanding are key in addressing these issues. Talking openly about experiences can help build a supportive community.
  3. Everyone can play a role in reducing online harassment. Being respectful and standing up for others can make a difference.

The majority of news influencers are conservative men, study finds

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4448 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political Bias Gender Issues Social media Public Discourse
  1. Most news influencers are men, and they often have conservative views. This creates a lopsided perspective in the news people consume online.
  2. Social media algorithms tend to favor sensational and emotionally charged content, which means that conservative voices get more attention. This can shape public opinions unfairly.
  3. TikTok is different from other platforms like Facebook and YouTube, as it has a more balanced gender representation among news influencers and doesn't favor conservative views as much.

What the heck is free speech?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 220 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Constitution Political Views Public Discourse
  1. Different people have their own ideas about what free speech means, which can lead to misunderstandings. It's important to clarify what we mean when we talk about it.
  2. The author sees free speech as mainly about being free from government punishment, but acknowledges there are limits to this freedom, like laws against violence.
  3. Private companies can set their own rules for speech on their platforms, and this shouldn't be mistaken for a violation of free speech rights.

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.

Woe to DC...

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1674 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Government Activism Public Discourse
  1. The author got an invitation to interesting events in D.C. thanks to their spouse's volunteer work, but they didn't get tickets to the inauguration.
  2. A new subscriber chat called 'Tree of Woe' has been launched for paid subscribers, where the author will share updates from events and gather feedback on topics.
  3. The author has faced some challenges, including being banned from an OnlyFans account and a museum wanting their work back, and is encouraging subscriptions to support their work.

The Point is to Steadily Advance Toward Power While Appearing Not to Move at All

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1553 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Power Dynamics Social Commentary Current affairs Public Discourse
  1. Moving towards power can be a slow process, and sometimes it's best to do it quietly. This way, others may not notice the changes happening until it's too late.
  2. It's important to focus on progress and development, even if it doesn't seem obvious at first. Small, steady steps can lead to significant growth over time.
  3. People often get obsessed with the idea of rapid change, but slow and steady can be just as effective in achieving long-term goals. Patience is key.

Conservatives Are Lying on Immigrant Crime

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3657 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Crime Rates Public Discourse Political Rhetoric Data Analysis
  1. Many people incorrectly believe that immigration leads to higher crime rates. In reality, data shows that most immigrants, especially legal ones, tend to commit less crime than native-born citizens.
  2. Some politicians use scary language about immigrants increasing crime to push their agenda. This can create a false narrative that makes the public fearful and misinformed about the actual impact of immigration.
  3. Immigrants often face more crime themselves and can actually help reduce crime rates in communities by starting businesses and contributing to the economy. So, they can serve as a buffer against crime rather than a cause of it.

Public Suicide is Not a Selfless Act

Disaffected Newsletter • 2657 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Psychology Public Discourse Philosophy
  1. Public suicide is not a selfless act and often stems from deep personal issues. It can be a cry for help that hurts others rather than a noble gesture.
  2. People who take their own lives in dramatic ways can leave lasting scars on their loved ones. This behavior is often more about their pain than about any cause they claim.
  3. Understanding the psychological struggles behind suicidal actions is important. It helps us see that those who suffer are not the only ones affected; their actions impact many others too.

The Catturd to Silicon Valley Billionaire Pipeline Must Be Broken

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2218 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Media influence Public Discourse Political Ideology
  1. The rise of the Tech Right was seen as a positive at first, but it has led to smart people spreading misinformation. It shows that even intelligent individuals can be misled in the wrong environment.
  2. Silicon Valley billionaires have aligned more closely with the Republican party and have become major donors. This shift has changed the political landscape in unexpected ways.
  3. It's important to understand that our surroundings greatly influence how we think. If the environment is full of false information, even rational people can fall for it.