The hottest Race Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Diversity in college admissions devoid of meaning

Bruce Fein's Pioneering Lyceum • 117 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Higher education Diversity Civil Rights Discrimination
  1. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is unsure about the meaning of 'diversity' in college admissions favoring racial minorities.
  2. Race is not a unique proxy for a diverse perspective, as viewpoints are not inherited characteristics, and people of all races have overlapping ideologies.
  3. Using diversity in college admissions to justify racial preferences is based on a flawed assumption that all members of minority races think alike, lacking evidence of superior academic outcomes.

Race, Gender and IQ

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🔬 Science Race IQ Gender Environment Genetics
  1. Publicly discussing racial and gender differences in IQ can lead to accusations of prejudice, as seen in the cases of James Watson and Lawrence Summers.
  2. Evidence suggests that the genetic IQ of Africans is comparable to that of whites, challenging previous assumptions of lower intelligence.
  3. Nurture may play a smaller role than nature in influencing outcomes, as seen in a study of Korean-American children placed for adoption.

WTF, Conservative Men?

Ladyparts • 419 implied HN points • 03 May 22
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Society Politics Race Social Interactions
  1. Dismantling of Roe v. Wade was fueled by misogyny and racism, disproportionately affecting poor Black women.
  2. Small interactions can highlight broader societal issues, like the presence of racism and sexism in unexpected places.
  3. Instances of bullying and belittling behavior are used to establish hierarchy and power dynamics within social groups.

A definitive catalogue of modern rom-coms

Teniade Topics • 98 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Film Women Race Streaming
  1. Rom-coms have evolved over the years, ranging from cozy and deeply melancholy to more sophisticated and grown-up vibes.
  2. Actresses like Julia Roberts brought a flirtatious and sexy twist to rom-coms, subverting traditional genre norms.
  3. Different eras in rom-coms, from the '90s to the present, showcase the evolving styles and themes of these movies.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Critical Race Theory, Islam and the Hysteria in Between

Pen>Sword • 199 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Race Islam Education Culture
  1. Critical Race Theory faces backlash and hysteria from right-wing politicians as a supposed threat to American values.
  2. The movement to ban Critical Race Theory capitalizes on populism to sustain white supremacy by demonizing advocates of racial justice.
  3. There are parallels between the movement to ban Critical Race Theory and the movement against Sharia Law, both fueled by xenophobia and distorted portrayals of Islam and Critical Race Theory.

The song remains the same, part 1

WORLD GONE WRONG • 78 implied HN points • 20 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature History Race Immigration Politics
  1. Dystopian fiction has played a role in framing racial fears and anxieties, particularly directed towards different immigrant groups.
  2. Chinese immigrants faced discrimination and anti-Asian sentiments in countries like the United States, fueled by racist narratives in literature and media.
  3. Racist dystopian novels that vilified Chinese immigrants contributed to growing anti-immigration movements and legislative actions restricting Chinese immigration.

Heroes of Slang: Billy Rowe

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History Language Music Slang Race
  1. Billy Rowe was an African-American columnist in the mid-1900s known for his showbiz focus and advocacy against racism.
  2. Rowe coined numerous slang terms in his columns, some of which predated similar terms by his peers.
  3. Rowe's slang terms reflected the world of big bands, clubs, and societal issues of his time, showcasing his unique contribution to language.

Diversity dimwit Emilia Benton applies a private version of mathematics to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials women's field

Beck of the Pack • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Diversity Journalism Sports Society Race
  1. Emilia Benton applied a unique mathematical approach to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials women's field.
  2. Benton's use of language and logic in her article was questioned and criticized.
  3. The article raises concerns about the misrepresentation of diversity and inclusion in the running community.

Baldwin vs Buckley

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Debate History Literature Politics Race
  1. The 1965 Cambridge Union debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley is considered significant in the discourse about race in America, despite some limitations in its impact on racial politics at that time.
  2. Nicholas Buccola's book, 'The Fire Is Upon Us,' provides a detailed analysis of the Baldwin vs Buckley debate, focusing on their biographical sketches, written works, and positions on race and politics.
  3. Baldwin's and Buckley's ideas on race, politics, and society from the mid-20th century still resonate in contemporary discussions, though there are critiques about their approaches and implications for modern racial discourse.

On Being a "Carlton"

Journal of Free Black Thought • 72 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Race Society History Media
  1. Being labeled as 'acting white' or a 'Carlton' based on narrow stereotypes can be damaging and hurtful.
  2. The notion of 'acting white' stems from a narrow view of 'blackness' that imposes specific behaviors and interests.
  3. Embracing individuality and being true to oneself, regardless of stereotypes, is important in overcoming societal expectations and judgments.

"Teaching Hopelessness to Kids of Color"

Journal of Free Black Thought • 48 HN points • 12 Apr 23
🚌 Education Race Curriculum Inequality Activism
  1. A Minnesota mother opposes teaching hopelessness to kids of color through the Liberated Ethnic Studies curriculum.
  2. The bill being considered in Minnesota would mandate Ethnic Studies in schools, starting in kindergarten, and focuses on race-based oppression.
  3. Teaching hopelessness to kids of color can have harmful effects and hinder their success.

Dave Chappelle

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Media Identity Humor Race
  1. Dave Chappelle challenges the audience to think about the complexities of Jewish and Black experiences, highlighting the pain both groups have faced. He believes it's important to have open conversations about these topics without fear.
  2. Chappelle points out that while it’s common to criticize Black people in America, discussions about Jewish people seem off-limits. This creates a double standard that many people avoid addressing.
  3. He emphasizes that talking about tough subjects shouldn’t feel dangerous or taboo. Chappelle wants to encourage more honest dialogue about race, power, and culture.

Hasan Minhaj Told the Stories We Wanted Him to Tell

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Comedy Identity Entertainment Race Media
  1. Hasan Minhaj told fabricated stories that aligned with expectations about the Muslim experience in America
  2. There is pressure in the entertainment industry for non-white writers and performers to conform to racial stereotypes for career advancement
  3. Fixating on race can lead to racism and dehumanize individuals by reducing them to stereotypes

Story Nine

Stories From The Rail • 19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Race Media Society Behavior Politics
  1. The field guide describes various species of racists, each with unique traits, habitats, and behaviors.
  2. Some of the racists are self-aware while others are oblivious to their racism, making them challenging to identify and address.
  3. The guide serves as a reminder to be cautious and proactive in recognizing and dealing with racism in its various forms.

The "Rules" About Which Actors Can Play Who Never Made Sense

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🎭️ Culture Film Entertainment Media Race History
  1. There were never actually set rules about which actors can play which roles, it's all a jumble enforced by internet mobs.
  2. The concept of actors needing to be the same race as the characters they play is limiting and complicated due to race categories being socially constructed.
  3. The key principle to solve the issue of whitewashing in casting is that actors should be believable in the roles they portray.

Automating the Delta Blues

Cybernetic Forests • 19 implied HN points • 21 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Music Art Technology Race Ethics
  1. Black artists have historically faced challenges in being credited and compensated for their work, with examples like Jalaiah Harmon's dance move and Arthur Crudup's music.
  2. There is a history of cultural appropriation and exploitation of black art by white artists and technology, as seen in cases like Elvis Presley appropriating music originally performed by black artists.
  3. Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, like OpenAI's Jukebox, now allow machines to create music imitating various artists, raising questions about authenticity, ownership, and commodification.

Rock, Paper, Scissors, and Race

In My Tribe • 1 HN point • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Debate Individualism Inequality
  1. In the debate about race, the stances can be compared to Rock, Paper, Scissors - individualism, equalitarianism, and realism.
  2. Each stance has its weaknesses: individualism may not address inequality, equalitarianism can downplay race-based differences, and realism can lead to stereotypes.
  3. Choosing to respond to people as individuals while acknowledging the emotional power of societal issues can be a solid approach in the race discussion.

Racism and Black Medium Writers: A Closer Look

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Race Social media Content creation Society
  1. Social media platforms are popular among Black Medium writers to express opinions but can also perpetuate negative stereotypes about White Americans.
  2. Racism can have severe impacts on individuals' physical and psychological health, leading to depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem.
  3. Content creators should be responsible for creating respectful and unbiased content, avoiding jokes or misinformation that could perpetuate societal inequalities.

Review: ‘Confederates’ — Civil war, culture war

The Charlotte Ledger • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theatre Review Race History Theatre Art Race Society History
  1. Dominique Morisseau's play 'Confederates' raises thought-provoking questions about racism and justice in American culture.
  2. The play explores the complexities of black characters navigating societal expectations and pressure.
  3. The performances by actors Nonye Obichere and Valerie Thames in 'Confederates' are highlighted for their depth and authenticity.

Race: "A Dreadful Deceit"

Logos and Liberty • 0 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🚌 Education History Politics Ideology Race Society
  1. Racism supports oligarchic power structures by dividing the poor and working classes, weakening resistance to exploitation.
  2. Race is a 'myth' and a 'fiction' that has shifted over time based on specific contexts, with black identity often being imposed rather than chosen.
  3. American racial ideology evolved from an exercise of raw power to discriminatory practices enforced by the white working class, hindering unity and progress for all workers.

On Clarence Thomas, White Liberals and Acceptable Racism

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Abortion Identity politics Social justice Racism
  1. Racism from any group, even if perceived as progressive, is never acceptable. It's crucial to recognize and address racism within all communities.
  2. Clarence Thomas' views are influenced by his mistrust of white liberals and his alignment with black nationalism. His perspective sheds light on the complexities of race relations in the U.S.
  3. Advocates for social justice should be honest about their motivations and avoid using supposed altruism as an excuse for racist behavior. It's important to advocate for important causes without resorting to discrimination.

College, Inequality and African Americans: Change and Continuity

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Inequality Race Social justice Higher education
  1. Historically, African Americans faced exclusion from higher education, even after legal changes, resulting in lower college attendance rates and disparities in graduation rates and debt compared to white peers
  2. Affirmative action measures have primarily benefited elite individuals from marginalized groups, rather than significantly increasing social mobility for a broader range of minorities
  3. Institutions of higher learning have incorporated racial inclusion measures that do not address underlying inequalities, leading to a 'conspiracy of silence' that avoids confronting systemic issues of racialized inequality

‘Karen’ is a Democrat

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 0 implied HN points • 29 May 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Class Ideology Social justice
  1. White liberals often circulate videos of misbehaving whites without considering class or ideology alignment, which is essential for understanding such incidents.
  2. Progressive whites and elites tend to view state intervention favorably and rely more on authorities to resolve conflicts, while conservatives prefer direct confrontation.
  3. Research shows that whites who denounce racism may still act in ways that favor other whites, influenced by moral credentialing, which can perpetuate systemic inequality.

GRANTED: Why White People Stay Silent on Racism, and What to Read and Watch

Granted • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jun 20
🎭️ Culture Race Books Comedy
  1. Majority groups staying quiet can inadvertently permit the oppression of marginalized groups.
  2. Racism is not solely the responsibility of minority groups; those with power and privilege have a significant role in speaking out against injustice.
  3. Engaging with books and comedy that tackle racism can be powerful ways to educate and reflect on the issue.