The hottest Social Commentary Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

What I’ve Been Reading This Year

Cybernetic Forests • 139 implied HN points • 18 Dec 22
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Art Data Bias Creative Process Social Commentary
  1. Reflection on the problems and implications of AI-based image generation in art
  2. Consideration of the origin and context of AI training data, highlighting issues like exploitation and biases
  3. Exploration of rethinking AI images as material for artistic expression, and the importance of artists reclaiming agency over these tools and the images they create

02/06/24 - Men with ED are the cutest.

Moly’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social Commentary Relationships Health
  1. A blogger discusses the interesting conversations and interactions that can occur with a partner who has ED, highlighting the importance of patience and communication.
  2. Various healthcare anecdotes from around the world showcase different experiences and approaches to medical issues.
  3. Social dynamics and gender roles within families during holidays are highlighted, emphasizing the inequality in household responsibilities.

Episode 85: Don't you know that you're toxic?

Disaffected Newsletter • 279 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
🎙 Podcasts Audio Content Social Commentary Pop culture Entertainment Media Critique
  1. People often don't realize how their behavior can be harmful to others. It's important to reflect on our actions and their impact.
  2. Acknowledging our toxic traits can lead to personal growth. Understanding ourselves better helps us improve our relationships.
  3. Communication is key in addressing toxicity. Open conversations can help clear misunderstandings and mend relationships.
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01/11/24 - You never see real life in news.

Moly’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social Commentary Internet culture Satire Relationships Humor
  1. People in their 30s might still be single because of factors like appearance, temper, laziness, or being too picky.
  2. Korea is facing a declining birth rate and population collapse, leading to economic and social challenges in the future.
  3. Real life situations often differ from what is portrayed in the news and online discussions.

Interesting Themes from Dr. Strangelove

Kartick’s Blog • 17 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film analysis Social Commentary Satire Technology Ethics
  1. Humans can be unpredictable, even in control of dangerous things like nuclear weapons. A perfect system can still fail if the people in charge are erratic.
  2. Blindly following orders in the military can lead to catastrophic mistakes. People often don't question what they're told, which can cause harm.
  3. Technology can't solve all moral problems. Just having advanced systems doesn't mean we can escape the heavy decisions about life and death.

My Vapid Generation

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Technology impact Social Commentary Media influence Cultural critique
  1. The internet changed how we communicate and share information, making it hard to escape its influence. People became obsessed with social media and online status, which reshaped our values and interactions.
  2. My generation was the first to really fall for these new technologies, often being too trusting and optimistic about their impact. As a result, we ended up being perfect subjects for this digital experiment.
  3. Looking back, we realize our lack of interest in history and important issues made us complacent. This led to an era where our choices and behaviors contributed to our own troubles in the digital world.

Curator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Media theory Political Philosophy Humanities Social Commentary
  1. The medium used to share ideas shapes how those ideas are perceived and engaged with. Different formats, like books versus films, create very different audience responses and reactions.
  2. Political beliefs are more influenced by social surroundings than solely by moral reasoning or issue preferences. People often vote against their apparent interests based on the community they belong to.
  3. The humanities face a challenge in being relevant today. They must either align with market demands or remain true to their purpose of fostering deep thinking and soul-searching, which may not fit in the current job market.

On Saying No To Narcissism

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Social Commentary Narcissism Media influence Public Behavior
  1. Narcissism can be a strong advantage in society. People who are narcissistic often grab attention and twist situations to meet their own selfish goals.
  2. To deal with narcissists, it’s important to set boundaries and not get manipulated. Just like handling difficult children, it's about staying firm and not engaging in their games.
  3. Our culture often fails to learn from the dangers of narcissism. We need to develop qualities like self-restraint and the ability to look away from those who dominate public attention.

Trick-or-Treating with Patriarchy

Humanities in Revolt • 79 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Gender norms Gender identity Social Commentary
  1. Halloween allows us to break free from social norms and explore our identities through costumes.
  2. Gender stereotypes are reinforced through the marketing of Halloween costumes, with boys encouraged to be powerful and girls expected to be cute and beautiful.
  3. Resistance to patriarchal gender norms is growing, with more diverse and empowering costume options for girls becoming available.

The Envy Box: Class-Status Obsession in Prestige TV

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Television Social Commentary Human nature Satire
  1. Television shows like The White Lotus and Succession focus on class and status hierarchies rather than masculine megalomania of the past
  2. Prestige TV provides a window into the minds of elites and the anxieties surrounding the relentless pursuit of status
  3. Viewers can interpret these shows as straightforward satire, a critique of elite culture, a form of self-satisfying entertainment, or an exploration of human nature

A photo of a hamburger

Internal exile • 33 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Entertainment Critique Social Commentary
  1. Generative models like Sora can automate video creation but may lead to an influx of unwanted content and job loss in the industry.
  2. OpenAI's Sora model aims to attract investment by presenting itself as a promising video simulator, emphasizing sample quality improvement.
  3. The 'dopamine culture' narrative simplifies complex societal issues around attention and addiction, shifting focus away from larger systemic problems.

On Dostoevsky's Crocodile—Or Beginnings and Ends

Vremya • 239 implied HN points • 02 Jun 21
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Short Stories Russian literature Social Commentary
  1. Dostoevsky's story 'The Crocodile' isn't widely known but has some interesting themes. It features a civil servant who gets stuck inside a crocodile and has to adapt to his strange situation.
  2. The tale satirizes social reformers and the media, highlighting how people often don't understand real life while claiming to know what is best for others. The protagonist even dreams up grand ideals from within the crocodile.
  3. There's a playful humor throughout the story, showing Dostoevsky's lighter side. This contrasts with his more serious works and reflects the influence of other writers like Gogol, who also used humor and absurdity in storytelling.

Another day in paradise

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Art Food Personal Growth Social Commentary
  1. The creative process has two phases: gathering ideas freely and then adding structure to them. It's important to let each phase finish naturally.
  2. Setbacks in habits can be framed positively, like a market 'correction'. This can help you stay mindful and improve your habits.
  3. Experiences can vary wildly, like the contrast between a fancy club dinner and a social dance. These moments show the diverse experiences life offers.

Succession: Shiv Misunderstood

Kvetch • 55 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows Gender Roles Generational Dynamics Character analysis Social Commentary
  1. Shiv from Succession is often misunderstood by fans who compare her to characters like Skyler White.
  2. The show Succession doesn't portray its flawed protagonists as entirely dislikeable, instead revering them in their complexities.
  3. The series explores themes of power, succession, and generational dynamics through the lens of dysfunctional relationships and characters' sexual expressions.

How to prepare for a Communist Revolution

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communism Revolution Career Choices Social Commentary
  1. Staying at a job can build strong relationships with your boss and team, helping you grow in your career. It's important to weigh the benefits of success at your current job against new opportunities.
  2. The tech industry offers great financial opportunities, so it's smart to succeed in your current role before making big changes. Building credibility now can help you take bigger risks later.
  3. With rising economic disparities, it's natural to worry about the future and consider how to protect yourself. Saving money might not be as wise as engaging with your community and sharing wealth.

“Superstore” Is A Pro-Labor Classic

JoeWrote • 22 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows Labor Rights Social Commentary
  1. Superstore is a show that portrays the struggles and realities of America's minimum wage workers, highlighting issues like low pay and being treated as expendable by corporate bosses.
  2. The character Jonah in Superstore represents the guilty white liberal, contrasting with majority-POC working-class characters who are more accustomed to exploitation. The show tackles themes like union busting and the use of undocumented workers to suppress labor rights.
  3. Superstore goes beyond the typical narrative of workplace sitcoms by delving into serious topics like exploitation, deportation threats, and the harsh realities of capitalism, making it a pro-labor classic.

Re;iNvent

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Personal Growth Authenticity Social Commentary Mental health
  1. Writing more often can help overcome the fear of failure. It's not about making it perfect, but simply sharing thoughts regularly.
  2. Sincere smiles come from genuine joy, so it's better to be authentic than to force a smile. If you truly feel happy, a smile will come naturally.
  3. Appearing unimpressed can make a strong impression on successful people. Authenticity stands out more than flattery or fake enthusiasm.

Bobbsey Twins

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Storytelling Documentary Human experience Social Commentary
  1. Documentary work often uncovers unexpected stories that don't fit into the main narrative. These side experiences can leave lasting impressions and enrich the overall understanding of the subject.
  2. The lives of the physicist's family members reflect contrasting lifestyles, showing both simplicity and complexity in relationships. Even with a famous father, personal struggles shaped their identities significantly.
  3. Community and connection can provide a sense of belonging, illustrated by the lively porch gatherings. The joy and camaraderie in these moments highlight the importance of social interactions in life.

Paying Attention in Polarized Times: Sarah Watling on the Spanish Civil War

The Octavian Report • 33 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Photography Activism Social Commentary
  1. Sarah Watling's book explores individuals who actively engaged with the Spanish Civil War, showing the costs and possibilities of taking sides.
  2. The book highlights the diverse voices and perspectives beyond well-known figures like Virginia Woolf, shedding light on the significance of the war internationally.
  3. The concept of solidarity is central to the book, demonstrating the complexities of enacting meaningful solidarity in times of crisis and the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding history.

More for Less

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Consumerism Civil Unrest Social Commentary
  1. Black Friday is a day that can become a ritualistic and violent frenzy driven by consumerism and desire for material goods.
  2. Looting during protests or riots can be a political act that symbolizes desire to challenge the system and social positioning.
  3. The act of looting is often televised to reinforce the power of consumer society and divert attention from larger socio-political issues.

Clifford Odets

Castalia • 19 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Theater Social Commentary
  1. Clifford Odets played a key role in American drama during the 1930s, focusing on realistic stories about people living close together in tough times. His plays reflect the struggles of everyday life and the importance of community.
  2. His most famous work, 'Waiting for Lefty,' was a groundbreaking play that combined elements of theatre and social commentary, making a powerful connection with its audience during the Great Depression.
  3. Although Odets faced challenges later in his career, like moving to Hollywood and dealing with political scrutiny, many believe his work can still resonate today because of its themes of struggle, hope, and human connection.

Happy humility: Philosophy Club call for paid subscribers

Tessa Fights Robots • 8 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Great Reset Humility Social Commentary
  1. The article discusses the concept of a 'great reset' that aims to disconnect people from their empowerment and direct them towards centralized authority.
  2. Throughout history, reformers have tried to undermine rural communities to implement their top-down changes.
  3. Practicing 'happy humility' is crucial to dealing with challenges and focusing on personal responsibilities without trying to carry the weight of the world.

In the Grim Darkness of 2024, There is Only War

Trantor Publishing • 2 HN points • 18 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Politics Ideology Social Commentary Fiction
  1. Wokeness has been impacting various entertainment franchises, pushing for diversity and representation, often leading to controversies and changes in beloved IPs.
  2. The Left utilize tactics like gaslighting, representation demands, and creating unnecessary problems to sway companies and control the narrative in the entertainment industry.
  3. Creating entertainment properties grounded in truthful depictions of humanity can resist Leftist influences and provide spaces for storytelling that align with right-leaning perspectives.

I Am Not Going to Try and Sell a Painting

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 14 May 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Artistic expression Social Commentary Activism Personal Reflection
  1. Art is not for sale as a commodity; it should continue beyond the sale and be a process that the buyer engages in.
  2. Consider boycotting products that support causes you do not agree with, like Sabra hummus supporting Israeli military bosses.
  3. Engage in practical actions, like supporting political candidates aligned with your values, to address issues you are passionate about, such as challenging Apartheid.

Quyền được nhảm nhí

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 59 implied HN points • 12 Oct 20
🎭️ Culture Social Commentary Literature Philosophy Entertainment Humor
  1. Protecting children online is important, but it shouldn't restrict content for adults. Everyone should have the freedom to create and consume content they enjoy.
  2. Critiquing art and entertainment is subjective. What's considered 'trash' by some might be cherished by others.
  3. Life may not have inherent meaning, but individuals should have the right to live and express themselves as they see fit. Respecting others' choices and perspectives is crucial.

The Art Critic Part II

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Criticism Art market Social Commentary Creative Process
  1. The post discusses the events surrounding the Capitol riot on January 6, highlighting the insurrection, sedition, and impeachment of a U.S. President and lawmakers.
  2. The author reflects on the art world, critiquing the influence of money and power in auctions and the value of artwork compared to the intentions of the artists.
  3. Effective altruism and the debate around the impact of creating art versus supporting charitable causes are explored, with strong criticisms towards the idea of art being considered frivolous in the face of global suffering.

Political Art

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Political art Art history Social Commentary Cultural critique
  1. Political art reflects how groups in societies make decisions to live together peacefully.
  2. Art has historically played a role in politics, from Michelangelo to contemporary political artists.
  3. Artists throughout history have used their creations to provoke thought, question authority, and bring attention to important societal issues.

The Fundie Baby Voice

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 1 HN point • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social Commentary Conservatism Women's issues Feminism
  1. The 'fundie baby voice' is a soft, high-pitched, breathy tone often used by some women in Fundamentalist communities to show submission and sweetness.
  2. This voice can be habitual for some women or used to hide secrets, but it doesn't always indicate malice; some just follow learned behavior.
  3. When powerful figures speak with the 'fundie baby voice', it can signal a mix of condescension and submission to maintain proximity and favor with those in power.

Powering America with Hamsters

The Weekly Gazette • 1 HN point • 03 Jun 24
😂 Humor Satire Parody Social Commentary Animal Rights
  1. Hamsters might be a funny but impractical idea for powering homes and cities. A single hamster can only generate a small amount of electricity, so you would need thousands just to power one house.
  2. To power New York City, you'd need billions of hamsters. That means housing them would be a huge issue, since hamsters can't live together in cramped spaces.
  3. Finally, feeding and caring for all those hamsters would be a massive challenge. The amount of food and water required would be overwhelming and could lead to big problems for the environment.