The hottest Public Discourse Substack posts right now

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

"You're too angry---you only drive people away"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1278 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Public Discourse Activism Communication styles
  1. Being angry can push others away. It's important to find ways to express feelings without isolating yourself.
  2. Understanding the impact of your anger can help improve relationships. Listening and having calm conversations can create stronger connections.
  3. Recognizing when to step back is key. Sometimes, taking a break from discussing tough topics can be helpful.

Culture Wars Are not For Sissies

Disaffected Newsletter • 1159 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture Wars Media influence Legislation Identity politics Public Discourse
  1. There is a belief that we are in a serious cultural conflict, not just a disagreement, and the left seems to control most of the media, spreading misinformation.
  2. Laws are being proposed that some believe would allow harmful medical treatments for children, sparking heated debate about child safety and rights.
  3. Some people think that a softer approach to these issues isn't working anymore, and there is a call for more direct and strong action to address the perceived dangers.

Matt Walsh Speaks For Me

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Social Issues Public Discourse Media influence Cultural Commentary
  1. People find strong support in voices like Matt Walsh's. His message resonates deeply with those who feel disconnected from mainstream views.
  2. Many believe that there are significant moral issues that need attention, and they appreciate outspoken advocates for their beliefs.
  3. Readers are encouraged to engage further by subscribing to platforms that share similar views, indicating a desire for community and support.

Chris Brunet vs. Christopher Rufo

Karlstack • 231 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Current Events Media Analysis Public Discourse Political Commentary
  1. Chris Brunet is taking a break from writing but plans to return soon. It's been a tough time for him, and he appreciates support from his audience.
  2. He shared a video by Nick that gives a clear overview of his current situation. He finds it helpful in revealing the truth about what's going on.
  3. Brunet is encouraging people to watch the video and engage with his content again once he resumes his writing.

Matt Walsh did nothing wrong

Disaffected Newsletter • 1119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Social Issues Public Discourse Political Commentary Cultural critique
  1. Matt Walsh is expressing his views about a controversial figure and believes that sharing his honesty is valid and necessary.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of consistency when critiquing others' opinions, urging critics to apply the same standards to him.
  3. The writer stands firm in their belief that their messages are not excessive or unproductive, indicating a commitment to their viewpoint.
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And Here We are...

Who is Robert Malone • 52 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Political strategy Current Events Political Commentary Public Discourse
  1. The recent election night felt exciting for many supporters, with a strong belief in the anticipated victory. People gathered to celebrate and share their hopes for a better future.
  2. Predictions about the election results were made with confidence, and many felt relieved after the outcomes were in favor of their candidate. The atmosphere was filled with discussion, strategy, and optimism.
  3. There is a renewed focus on the future now that the election results are out, with hopes for changes regarding political issues like the war in Ukraine. People are eager for new leadership and the potential positive impact it could bring.

a dialogue with myself concerning eliezer yudkowsky

Thicket Forte • 819 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI safety Philosophy Rationality Science fiction Public Discourse
  1. People are frustrated with the beliefs and ideas of Eliezer Yudkowsky. They feel overwhelmed by the impact his views have had on their lives. It's exhausting to navigate the complicated discussions around AI safety.
  2. Yudkowsky's warnings about AI risks seem to have attracted more interest in AI instead of preventing problems. Some believe his approach only made things worse, which feels ironic to his followers.
  3. There's a sense that relying on one person's ideas, like Yudkowsky's, isn't enough to solve complex issues. Collaboration and collective thinking are seen as necessary to address the challenges of AI effectively.

And I'm not sorry

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Cultural critique Social Issues Gender Studies Media Analysis Public Discourse
  1. Some people feel upset about direct talk on tough issues. It's okay to speak your mind, even if it annoys others.
  2. There are mixed feelings around responsibility in relationships. Everyone should own their actions without blaming others.
  3. Sharing honest thoughts can sometimes lead to being seen as irrelevant. But staying true to your beliefs is important.

Assholes get featured on the front page

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Media Critique Public Discourse Social Commentary
  1. Sometimes, people who seem really nice can actually be rude without using bad words. It's important to see through polite language to recognize the disrespect behind it.
  2. Veiled aggression can be sneaky, so we should be careful about how we interpret someone’s words even if they sound nice.
  3. Not everyone deserves respect just because they act civil; true respect should come from genuine kindness and honesty.

Twitter-why?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Rights Censorship Public Discourse LGBTQ+ Issues
  1. Twitter denied reinstating an account multiple times, claiming it incited violence against marginalized communities. The account owner insists this accusation is false and calls for fair treatment.
  2. The account has lost significant funding from Patreon, impacting its ability to promote their show and causing financial strain.
  3. The owner expresses frustration with Twitter's lack of communication and transparency, emphasizing the importance of truth and fair treatment in online platforms.

Scatterbrain: a letter from Knee-Jerk Land

The Leftovers • 159 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art AI Public Discourse
  1. State-funded art in the UK is facing challenges due to expectations around political statements and reputational risks
  2. It's essential to be cautious of dependence on the state for art funding, as it can lead to limitations in artistic expression and self-defeatism
  3. The impact of AI on various cultural aspects is a growing concern, raising questions about the future of creativity and human innovation

I’ve invited Elon Musk to New Zealand for Kellie-Jay Keen’s ‘Let Women Speak’ rally.

A B’Old Woman • 359 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Events Social Issues Public Discourse Free speech
  1. A person invited Elon Musk to a rally in New Zealand that's focused on women's rights. It seems like a playful idea meant to get attention.
  2. The rally is coming back after an earlier one was disrupted by a protest. People are excited and expect strong support this time.
  3. There was a past incident where a trans activist threw a liquid at the rally, which raised serious concerns. People want to make sure everyone feels safe when expressing their opinions.

I am the solution to polarization

Sex and the State • 13 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Divides Media influence Polarization Public Discourse Political Behavior
  1. Many people see those who disagree with them as enemies. This creates a divide, making it hard to connect with others.
  2. The media and social settings often reinforce these divides by showing extreme opinions. This can make us think everyone with different views is bad.
  3. To fix polarization, we need to find ways to engage and share experiences with people who have different beliefs.

Opposites Attract

The Ruffian • 221 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender divide Public Discourse Relationships
  1. There is a growing gender divide in politics with young women leaning more liberal and young men staying more conservative.
  2. Having different political views in relationships can lead to more interesting discussions and better critical thinking.
  3. The trend of a political rift between genders may actually lead to a more profound form of dialogue and connection, promoting viewpoint diversity.

To: social media users

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 07 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Social media Cultural Trends Communication Public Discourse
  1. Having a popular social media account changes how people behave and feel. If you haven't experienced it, it's hard to understand those feelings.
  2. Twitter can make people act negatively, but that doesn't excuse harmful behavior from others. There is a difference between reacting to negativity and spreading it.
  3. Things happening on Twitter often reflect real-life issues, and dismissing them just as online problems is not accurate. Many serious topics are being discussed and acted upon outside of social media.

This is Hypertext

Hypertext • 139 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Political Economy Policy Public Discourse
  1. Hypertext journal is a new platform from the Niskanen Center focused on liberalism, political economy, and policy.
  2. They aim to engage in thoughtful dialogue through essays to bring people together and restore the original promise of hypertext.
  3. The Niskanen Center works to bridge the gap between traditional left and right ideas by injecting fresh perspectives into public discourse.

Fascism begins in the home, yes it does

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 03 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Behavior Authority Child abuse Public Discourse Mental health
  1. Fascism can start in the home, especially when family dynamics include abuse and manipulation. What happens in a household can affect wider society.
  2. Certain harmful behaviors, like narcissism and emotional abuse, are found in both families and political leaders. They can shape how people act in public roles.
  3. When a leader attacks large groups of citizens and labels them negatively, it often shows authoritarian tendencies. This kind of behavior echoes the treatment found in abusive family situations.

Let Women Speak in New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 219 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Social norms Public Discourse
  1. Working together on one clear issue can lead to big achievements. It's important to focus on what unites us, even when we have different beliefs.
  2. It's okay to have positions we won't compromise on, but we can still find common ground with others. Open dialogue can help build respect and understanding.
  3. Conversations around important topics like women's rights should be honest and straightforward. It's essential to protect our bodies and ensure a good future for our children.

Cancel Culture Questions, Part 1

Dreams in the Which House • 98 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Cancel Culture Public Discourse Media Academia Literature
  1. Cancel culture cases aren't just about celebrities, but also impact many less known individuals
  2. The fear of self-censorship due to cancel culture is not well-supported, especially as it often stems from prominent figures and lacks widespread factual basis
  3. Criticism of cancel culture narratives should involve more thorough fact-checking and not rely solely on anecdotes for evidence

Zoom event Monday evening October 14

In My Tribe • 45 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Content Moderation Political Conflict Public Discourse Civic engagement Media influence
  1. There's a Zoom event on October 14 at 8 PM New York time with John Samples discussing content moderation on Facebook.
  2. The event will also touch on the current state of political conflict and where it might be headed.
  3. This event is exclusive to paid subscribers, so make sure to sign up if you want to join.

85% of Bill Maher's guests since Oct 7 are white; none are Muslim

Ijtihad • 57 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Diversity Issues Political Commentary Public Discourse Social Issues
  1. Bill Maher's guest list since October 7 has mostly featured white individuals, with no Muslim guests at all. This shows a concerning lack of diversity in viewpoints.
  2. The guests he does feature often share similar views, especially on the conflict in Gaza, ignoring voices that call for peace or criticize Israel's actions.
  3. Bill Maher's perceived liberal stance is being questioned as he increasingly silences anti-war sentiments and diverging opinions, which is disappointing for fans of his show.

The End of the Public Intellectual

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

Don’t follow conversation leaders

Thoughts on Writing • 359 implied HN points • 22 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Media Advertising Social media Public Discourse Branding
  1. Don't blindly follow conversation leaders - question their motives and the direction they steer the conversation.
  2. Brands often use conversations as a marketing tactic to boost engagement and brand awareness.
  3. Social media has distorted conversations, often for the benefit of advertisers, leading to polarized views and lack of meaningful dialogue.

TERF Club!

A B’Old Woman • 199 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Social movements Activism Public Discourse Cultural Commentary
  1. TERF Club cards are being spotted in public places, creating buzz and discussion online. It's interesting how a simple card can spark such strong reactions.
  2. The term 'TERF Club' originated from a casual tweet and has been turned into a movement by a dedicated team. It shows how a small idea can grow into something bigger.
  3. The cards not only promote the TERF message but also guide people to more information on related events. It's a clever way to engage people who find the cards.

I’m ditching Twitter for Lent

Matt’s Five Points • 359 implied HN points • 01 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Social media Lent Writing Personal Growth Public Discourse
  1. Taking a break from Twitter can help improve your thinking and writing skills. It's good to step away from social media sometimes.
  2. The writer wants to focus on topics they know best, like Congress and card games. It's better to stick to what you really understand.
  3. Leaving social media could be seen as a sacrifice or an act of service. It's a way to reset and find clarity in your thoughts.

How to stop writing

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Reviews Social media Public Discourse
  1. Book Twitter can harshly critique writers and their work, potentially affecting their motivation to write.
  2. Engaging in online debates and arguments, especially in toxic environments, can lead to a loss of enthusiasm for writing.
  3. Negative experiences online, like encountering harsh criticism or trolling, can severely impact a writer's desire to continue writing.

On The Public/Private Polarity

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Political theory Public Discourse Personal freedom Civil Society Ethics
  1. Kant's idea flips the normal understanding of public and private. He suggests that people in roles with obligations act 'private,' while those writing freely are 'public.'
  2. Today, many feel trapped by their jobs and use social media to express themselves more freely. This creates a divide between those who feel constrained and those who can speak openly.
  3. Power can actually limit freedom, not expand it. Many chase power thinking it will bring them freedom, but it often just adds layers of constraint.

The Ponsonby pink-panties Santa

A B’Old Woman • 159 implied HN points • 27 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Gender identity Public Discourse Community Standards
  1. Some people think Santa wearing women's underwear in public is funny for everyone, but many feel it should be private. It's important to keep certain things away from kids.
  2. There are concerns about sexualizing Santa for children. The holiday should focus on fun for kids, not adult themes.
  3. Instead of wearing revealing clothing, Santa can opt for lighter, summer-appropriate outfits that are still festive without the risqué twist.

Chapter 8: Think And Talk About Opponents As Little As Possible | Building YIMBYs of NoVA

Cornerstone • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy Housing Coalition building Public Discourse
  1. Think and talk about opponents as little as possible to avoid validating them and looking threatened.
  2. Focus on staying positive and productive despite attacks or intimidation. Do not take the bait.
  3. Respect opponents by understanding their motivations and where they are coming from, aiming to outmaneuver rather than dehumanize them.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Public Discourse Political Movements Government Accountability Social Issues
  1. Naive environmentalism can lead to real-world problems. For example, Sri Lanka faced a crisis partly due to harmful green policies pushed by outside influences.
  2. The debate between the 'wokes' and 'anti-wokes' highlights serious issues in society. While there are valid points on both sides, there's a risk of getting lost in arguments instead of addressing real problems.
  3. The Guantánamo Bay prison remains a troubling subject. Despite efforts to close it, there hasn't been much progress, showing the strong grip of the security state and a lack of national reflection on past actions.

Comments on "It's okay to be white, it's not great to troll about it"

normality’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Issues Political theory Public Discourse
  1. Slogans can be easily misunderstood, so they need to have clear explanations and context when introduced. It's important to communicate what a slogan really means to avoid confusion.
  2. Both sides can use catchy slogans, but some may not align with classic liberal values of judging individuals fairly. It's essential to think about how to respond thoughtfully instead of just matching slogans.
  3. Classical liberalism is all about truth and positive communication. Instead of resorting to trolling, we should focus on being persuasive and maintaining faith in our principles.

Lament the Post-Journalism World

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
📰 News Journalism Media Criticism Public Discourse Political system
  1. Chris Stirewalt's book 'Broken News' highlights the negative impact of post-journalism and the cultivation of specific content for a focused audience.
  2. The shift in media landscape towards hyper-competitive, attention-seeking models through social media and cable TV has led to a decline in the quality of news and public discourse.
  3. Stirewalt offers a fresh perspective in 'Broken News' that is accessible for readers, urging them to improve their consumption of news and be discerning citizens.

Why Are All the Public Intellectuals Men?

Working Theorys • 19 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Intellectuals Gender Media Public Discourse
  1. Public intellectuals are often men who comment on current affairs and have a big impact on public discourse.
  2. Modern day public intellectuals are not necessarily traditional scholars, but individuals who study the world and share their observations.
  3. The most identifiable public intellectuals are men, especially those who use new media platforms to reach a wide audience.

The Decline of American Competence

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 10 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Government Policies Public Discourse Elections
  1. American history since the turn of the century has shown a trend of staggering incompetence, leading to catastrophic consequences.
  2. There has been a significant breakdown in competence in the United States, as highlighted by various failures like the Iowa caucuses debacle and other fiascos.
  3. The impact of this decline in American competence can be seen in events such as the mishandling of the pandemic and failures in areas like election design, intelligence assessment, and financial risk evaluation.

The bird is freed 𓅪 𓅮 𓅨 𓅆 𓆀

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Media influence Public Discourse Political Change Free speech
  1. Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter has stirred up conversations about free speech and its limits. Many people are questioning whether this change will lead to more hate speech online.
  2. Musk's statement 'The bird is freed' seemed to resonate with certain groups, including conservatives and extremists. They feel empowered by the changes in content moderation on the platform.
  3. The rise of controversial content and hate speech raises concerns about the overall impact on social media. It's important to consider how this will affect user experience and online discourse.

After Woke

Wood From Eden • 2 HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism Immigration Pandemic response Public Discourse Authoritarianism
  1. Woke culture in Sweden was influenced by different factors than in America, such as its approach to LGBTQ issues and racial segregation.
  2. The rise of Woke culture in Sweden coincided with changes in immigration policy, leading to societal issues like segregation and increased crime.
  3. The aftermath of Woke culture in Sweden highlights a shift towards authoritarianism, with the elite controlling the narrative and targeting new adversaries.

On Through the Looking Glass

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Public Discourse Ideology
  1. Neo-conservatism and humanitarian intervention seem to have merged into something called neo-humanitarianism, which is confusing.
  2. There's a growing public desensitization to war, as fewer people seem to care about military conflicts like they used to.
  3. The speaker believes in a more peaceful foreign policy approach, similar to Quaker Pacifism, and finds some comfort in the idea that others may also be moving toward realism in foreign policy.