The hottest Race Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

How Woke Led to Cultural Decadence

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3438 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. Cultural critics are concerned about the decline in original storytelling in movies, with studios relying more on established franchises.
  2. The influence of 'woke' ideology on art can limit the creation of compelling works by disregarding the natural differences and gendered characteristics between men and women.
  3. Wokeness has impacted art in areas like race representation in fantasy worlds, creating challenges for new storytelling while established franchises remain unaffected.

The Return of Respectability Politics?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. Young Black men are trading athletic streetwear for quarter-zips, and that wardrobe shift comes with lifestyle signals like lattes, reading, and a bid for respectability.
  2. People disagree about whether that shift is respectability politics — some see it as a strategic effort to gain respect and access, while others worry it asks people to sanitize or erase parts of their identity.
  3. Fashion is political, and dressing well has deep roots in Black history; choosing a quarter-zip can be a genuine expression of pride, professionalism, and cultural reclamation rather than a betrayal.

The Marxism of Black Reconstruction

Origins of Our Time • 275 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. Riley argues that the Marxism of Black Reconstruction challenges the claims that W.E.B. Du Bois was not an intersectional theorist and not a Marxist, but a Jeffersonian supporter.
  2. Du Bois did not see small family farmers as the main protagonists in his work, but rather focused on the broader social relations and class struggles.
  3. Du Bois was aligned with the Marxist tradition and held socialist views, advocating for workers' rights, socialism, and the redistribution of wealth.

LECTURE NOTES: Lash, Cash, & Cotton in the Imperial-Commercial & Early SteamPower Age

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 299 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
💾 History Race
  1. Slavery changed over time, especially after 1500, when it became more about race and capitalism. Before that, people could become slaves due to war or debt, but that changed.
  2. Wealthy societies benefited from slavery, with the middle class enjoying cheap goods thanks to the suffering of enslaved people. This created a system where profit came at a high human cost.
  3. The idea of race was used to justify slavery, making it seem like it was natural for certain groups to be enslaved. The American Civil War, while costly, was part of the struggle to end this brutal system.
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American Tradition

Wild Holy & Free • 719 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. Traditions can be positive, but we must be honest about the negative aspects of American tradition.
  2. We need to commit to telling the truth and pursuing justice despite the challenges.
  3. Acknowledging the flaws in the system doesn't diminish our commitment to waiting for progress and celebrating when it comes.

Who Were the ‘We the People’ Back in 1787?: Race, Law, & Original Constitutional Sin

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. The concept of 'We the People' in the U.S. Constitution originally referred mainly to white citizens, with racial exclusion being a key part of that history.
  2. Some legal arguments today echo past ideas about racial citizenship, questioning who is included in the legal definitions set by the Constitution.
  3. There's ongoing debate about the historical voting rights of free Black men during the time of the Constitution's ratification, showing complexities in understanding who had a voice back then.

(In)Visible Black Girl

Wild Holy & Free • 739 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. The importance of centering Black women in discussions of racial justice.
  2. The impact of White people only hearing the challenges faced by Black individuals.
  3. The need to prioritize visibility and recognition for Black girls.

Appropriate

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. The play 'Appropriate' mixes two heavy themes: family conflict and the dark legacy of racial issues in America. It shows how families often ignore the painful truths of their past.
  2. The character Toni is deeply complicated, carrying a lot of anger and grief. Her struggles highlight the pressures women face in society, but her character can sometimes feel less connected to the play's main themes.
  3. Overall, the play's best moments come from its sharp writing, but it has some issues with tying together its different storylines. The photographs symbolize a history that cannot be easily resolved or forgotten.

The Facts, the Law, and Lincoln

steveinskeep • 294 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. Supreme Court opinions can have sharp exchanges, with justices revising and sharpening their arguments while responding to each other.
  2. Justice Thomas argues against considering race in admissions, emphasizing the importance of individual evaluation and the equal treatment mandated by the Fourteenth Amendment.
  3. Justice Jackson, on the other hand, focuses on historical racial disparities and advocates for holistic admissions programs that address inequality and consider race along with other aspects of identity.

December 12, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. Doug Jones has launched a run for Alabama governor, leaning on his 2017 upset and his record prosecuting KKK members while stressing dignity, the rule of law, and traditional Alabama values.
  2. Tommy Tuberville and the MAGA-aligned faction promote a protectionist, white Christian "Western" identity and use harsh anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric that traces back to long-standing racist theories.
  3. Jones ties his campaign to concrete economic and democratic concerns—farmers losing markets, rising energy costs, shrinking healthcare access, and a lack of good-paying jobs—and calls for unity beyond partisan divides to protect opportunity and democracy.

December 9, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. Cable news adopted a profit-driven strategy that favors culture-war stories because they pull in viewers, and that coverage makes cultural issues seem more important to voters while helping right-wing politicians.
  2. The current political leadership treats the government like a media operation, placing loyalists and TV personalities in power and trying to control or reshape news outlets to push a version of reality often detached from facts.
  3. Most people's lives and most laws are about economic and affordability issues, but media focus and corporate consolidation distract from those concerns; by contrast, strong investigative journalism has historically exposed power and spurred reform.

Events like the Western States 100-Miler may now start kindly telling DEI extortionists to take a long hike

Beck of the Pack • 137 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. Events like the Western States 100-Miler are facing challenges with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) extortionists.
  2. There is a shift in the cultural landscape due to a pandemic of consumer backlash and overseas issues.
  3. DEI initiatives are evolving, but remain a point of contention in various sectors like running and academia.

What's Next for Affirmative Action

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 196 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. The Supreme Court decision outlawed race-based preferences in college admissions, leading to a need for class-based preferences for maintaining diversity.
  2. Justice Sotomayor's dissent highlighted the importance of affirmative action programs for first-generation and low-income students, finding common ground among liberal and conservative justices.
  3. Class-based affirmative action solutions aim to achieve both racial and economic diversity in colleges, with examples from various institutions showing positive results.

Suis-je polygame parce que je suis Noir ?

L'Atelier Galita • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. Polygamy is a form of marriage where an individual is married to multiple people, often an man to several women.
  2. In France, polygamy is prohibited by law, as it is illegal to have multiple marriages.
  3. Words carry connotations, and it's important to be mindful of the implications of the words we use, especially in sensitive or potentially racist contexts.

Americans Don’t Mind Hearing And Learning About Racism — They Just Don’t Like The Weird And Religiously Tinged Way Educated Liberals Talk About It

Singal-Minded • 1168 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. Americans are open to learning about racism, but dislike the way educated liberals discuss it.
  2. Authors facing censorship challenges can spark public outcry and bring attention to important issues.
  3. Culture wars and book banning in schools raise questions about offensive content and editorial processes.

Road Trip: Rono on the Road

Beck of the Pack • 98 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Race
  1. The article provides insights into the life and mindset of elite runners, like Elly Rono, and their dedication to road racing.
  2. Elly Rono's journey from Kenya to the United States highlights the challenges and aspirations of an athlete striving for success on the international stage.
  3. The road trip narrative captures the camaraderie, struggles, and dreams of runners competing in races and navigating the intricacies of the sport.

The Noble Truth of the Model Minority

Bet On It • 543 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. The concept of the model minority myth oversimplifies complex issues of race, class, and discrimination, potentially leading to misunderstandings and neglect of obstacles faced by minority groups
  2. The model minority myth can be a divisive tool, used to either maintain white supremacy or challenge it by showcasing counterexamples
  3. Critics argue that the model minority myth, despite being labeled a 'myth', may hold elements of truth as a socially harmful revelation rather than a complete falsehood

Le burnout racial

L'Atelier Galita • 339 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. The concept of racial burnout is real and can be triggered by experiences of racism and marginalization.
  2. Emotional expression and validation can be challenging for marginalized individuals due to stereotypes and biases.
  3. Coping with racial burnout may involve taking breaks, distancing from triggering content, and seeking rest and relief.

Le lien entre introversion et racisme

L'Atelier Galita • 359 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. Being in a setting where everyone is the same race can make a person feel less guarded against racism.
  2. Partner's observation: Person more sociable in Guadeloupe due to shared racial background.
  3. Realization: Introversion can be influenced by environment, like race composition of a place.

Emilia Benton—having been ratioed and smacked down—responds with a non-answer and dismisses legitimate questions as "trolling"

Beck of the Pack • 137 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. Emilia Benton dismisses legitimate questions as 'trolling' in response to criticism
  2. There is debate on the integrity of Emilia Benton's accusations and the situation around photos and tweets.
  3. The post raises questions about the validity and impact of media narratives and societal attitudes.

Links to Consider, 1/26

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. Some college graduates lack basic skills due to learning deficits and grade inflation.
  2. Cultural inheritance and genetic factors may influence executive function and social mobility.
  3. Economic development impacts societal norms and individualism based on cultural practices like cousin marriage.

The Distraction & Distortion of Affirmative Action

The Discourse Lounge • 740 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. Affirmative Action has helped improve earnings for Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals.
  2. Recent rulings on Affirmative Action in colleges have minimal practical impact due to existing admissions practices.
  3. Conservatives have strategically shifted focus and created distractions around Affirmative Action, aiming to diminish its importance in addressing racial inequality.

The Dimensions of Social Inequality in America

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. The review of 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents' by Isabel Wilkerson sparked intense debates on race and inequality in America, especially post SCOTUS decisions.
  2. Challenging simplistic narratives about social phenomena is crucial to having nuanced discussions on complex topics like social inequality and race in America.
  3. Engaging with diverse perspectives from experts in the field, like Glenn Loury and Coleman Hughes, can lead to more thoughtful conversations about race and inequality.

Diversity in college admissions devoid of meaning

Bruce Fein's Pioneering Lyceum • 117 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  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.

The first 5K

Running Probably • 279 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Race
  1. The author's son ran his first 5K despite the cold and windy weather.
  2. The post is exclusive for paid subscribers only.
  3. The author appreciates the support of the subscribers.

Is America Today Really No More Unequal Economic Class-Wise than It Was in 1960?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 468 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. America is much more unequal today, especially in terms of economic class when compared to 1960.
  2. There is uncertainty around the rise in inequality numbers, with conflicting calculations from different sources.
  3. The sociology of inequality changes in America since 1960 is seen as equally important as the economic aspect.

WTF, Conservative Men?

Ladyparts • 419 implied HN points • 03 May 22
🎭️ Culture Race
  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.

No, Welfare Does Not Harm Black Families

The Discourse Lounge • 721 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  1. The idea that welfare harms Black families is not supported by evidence.
  2. Single-parent households in the Black community are more of a product of historical poverty and racialized systems than welfare.
  3. American nuclear families and societal norms have contributed to the need for welfare in the Black community.

A definitive catalogue of modern rom-coms

Teniade Topics • 98 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  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.

The Lost Children of Scientology

Journal of Free Black Thought • 13 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
📚 Literature Race
  1. The author shares memories of being raised in a difficult environment called The Baby Factory, where many infants suffered from neglect and poor conditions. It was a challenging start to life, surrounded by chaos and discomfort.
  2. Growing up within the Scientology movement, the author felt he was seen as property rather than as a person. The movement's strict rules meant that family ties were often severed, leaving children feeling isolated and dispensable.
  3. Despite the hardships, the author finds a sense of purpose in wanting to connect with his mother and the idea of helping others. This hope for adventure gave him a glimpse of a future beyond his difficult upbringing.

Critical Race Theory, Islam and the Hysteria in Between

Pen>Sword • 199 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race
  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.

Does the Black guy always die first?

Teniade Topics • 78 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  1. The trope of the black character dying first in horror movies is complex and rooted in stereotypes.
  2. Black men in horror films often play sacrificial roles to highlight the threat posed by monsters or killers.
  3. Black women in horror movies are usually portrayed as intuitive sidekicks, often with knowledge of the occult or supernatural.

The song remains the same, part 1

WORLD GONE WRONG • 78 implied HN points • 20 May 23
🎭️ Culture Race
  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.