The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

This is not the essay I wanted to present to you

Disaffected Newsletter • 1918 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Communication Media Literature Social Issues Online behavior
  1. Writers today often struggle with readers who misunderstand or misrepresent their ideas. This makes it hard to have honest conversations.
  2. Many readers act like online debates are a competition instead of a discussion. This creates a barrier to meaningful exchanges.
  3. Writers feel frustrated by the pressure to engage with all readers, especially when some just want to argue rather than understand.

Who are the Masters Behind the Curtain?

donaldjeffries • 1788 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Government Control Media influence Political Figures Social Issues
  1. Motives behind historical events may not always be clear, and distractions can mislead investigations.
  2. Powerful unseen forces may be orchestrating global events and manipulating personalities.
  3. Speculation surrounds who is truly in charge, with theories ranging from specific groups like Jews or Freemasons to an overarching concept like Satanists or the Illuminati.

Genocidal Psychopaths Celebrate International Day To Combat Islamophobia

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1625 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
📰 News Politics Religion Social Issues Ethics Human Rights
  1. International Day to Combat Islamophobia led to hypocritical statements by political figures condemning Islamophobia while engaged in actions that fuel it.
  2. The Democratic party is characterized as masking the violent actions of the US empire with proclamations of love and support for marginalized groups, while continuing to engage in harmful policies globally.
  3. The post criticizes Democrats for outwardly condemning Islamophobia while being complicit in atrocities against Muslim populations, highlighting the disconnect between their words and actions.

When The Slaughter Stops In Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1769 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East Peace Humanitarian Crisis Social Issues
  1. The author reflects on hopeful plans for peaceful times after the violence in Gaza stops, like caring for plants and learning new things.
  2. The piece vividly describes a future post-conflict scene of normal, joyful activities with loved ones, contrasting it with the current distressing situation in Gaza.
  3. The writing emphasizes the longing for peace, normalcy, and connection amidst the ongoing violence and chaos in Gaza.

Tradwife obsessions, online archnemeses and a requiem for TinyLetter

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 718 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Online Publishing Social Issues Fashion Trends Content creation
  1. The newsletter is splitting into two parts - an essay during the week and the link round-up on weekends to address length concerns.
  2. Readers can now opt-in for an additional experimental section called IRL for more personal content.
  3. The changes in newsletter format were based on reader feedback and the author's desire for more flexibility.
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You can have pleasure but no freedom

Men Yell at Me • 417 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism Sexuality Media Politics Social Issues
  1. In 2024, there was a lot of open talk about women's sexual desires, but this happened alongside many restrictions on reproductive rights. It's like women are getting more pleasure but losing freedom.
  2. There's a big difference in how often men and women achieve orgasms, which shows there's still a gap in sexual satisfaction. While women explore their desires, many still face issues like loss of job security and safety during pregnancy.
  3. Even with more representation of female desire in media, it often focuses on certain types of women. Real freedom for all women, not just privileged ones, is necessary for genuine sexual liberation.

Analyzing The Recall Of Pamela Price

The Discourse Lounge • 512 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Demographics Social Issues Local Governance
  1. Pamela Price's recall shows that political disagreements shouldn't lead to recalls unless there's serious wrongdoing. Many voters felt the recall was too harsh given the situation.
  2. Demographic changes in the area impacted voting results. Higher growth in White residents correlated with support for Price, while Hispanic communities leaned towards the recall.
  3. The lack of reliable local news played a big role in shaping public opinion against Price. Many residents relied on social media for information, leading to misperceptions about her performance as a District Attorney.

Links to Consider, 11/27/2024

In My Tribe • 592 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Health care Civil Rights Political theory Social Issues
  1. Education systems were designed mainly to instill obedience and maintain social order, rather than to promote skills.
  2. Some cancer screening guidelines avoid discussing life expectancy, potentially putting patients at risk due to a lack of difficult conversations about their health.
  3. David Brooks argues that elite college admissions based on cognitive ability have created a new class society, but fails to recognize the moral arrogance and biases in the current system.

Christmas Mailbag!

Odds and Ends of History • 469 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Social Issues Entertainment Media
  1. The author is currently on vacation in New Zealand and hasn't spent much time on his phone. This shows the importance of taking breaks from technology.
  2. He addresses reader questions in a mailbag format, highlighting curiosity around popular figures like Elon Musk and ongoing projects like HS2.
  3. The discussion includes whether people like Musk are genuinely involved in their companies or just figureheads, raising questions about understanding and knowledge in leadership roles.

What Shocked Me About the Culture at Yale

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2765 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Education Literature Books Podcasts Social Issues
  1. Professors at Yale often work well into their eighties and nineties, a notable difference from other environments.
  2. Students at Ivy League schools can exhibit hypocrisy, criticizing certain occupations while secretly pursuing opportunities in them.
  3. Many elite university students fear being seen as who they truly are, choosing to uphold a virtuous image instead.

The Vile Leading The Lost

So Here’s a Thing • 1671 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Media Gender Social Issues Entertainment
  1. The Attention Economy rewards those who attract the most attention, regardless of the content or quality of that attention.
  2. Insecurity Vampires like Russell Brand and Elon Musk thrive on exploiting the lost and confused, pushing controversial views for profit.
  3. There is a growing danger in mainstream media perpetuating damaging stereotypes about masculinity, which can be preyed upon by manipulative figures like Tate and Carlson.

Odds and Ends #52: A right to air conditioning?

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues History Technology Government Media
  1. Everyone should have the right to air conditioning, especially as it becomes more essential for comfort. It can help people stay healthy and productive in hot weather.
  2. New Zealand has found a smart way to tackle its housing crisis, which could inspire solutions in other places. Their approach focuses on making housing more accessible to everyone.
  3. There are issues with some Chinese robotaxis that raise concerns, but there’s still hope for the future of self-driving technology. It’s important to address these problems to improve safety and reliability.

A Revolution That Has Run Out of Gas

Gideon's Substack • 64 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Political Climate Economic issues Social Issues
  1. Cuba is facing serious problems like food shortages, inflation, and a collapsing power grid. Many people feel hopeless about their future, which is reflected in their everyday lives.
  2. The Cuban government seems disconnected from the struggles of its people. Instead of caring for the citizens, they focus on holding onto power and making money from foreign companies.
  3. Despite the difficulties, people in Cuba are friendly and resilient. The tourist experience can be nice, but it doesn't hide the deeper issues the country is facing.

If crisis or war comes

Soaring Twenties • 154 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Humor Philosophy Social Issues
  1. Sometimes humor can help us cope with serious issues, like crises or wars. It can lighten the mood even when things feel heavy.
  2. Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming, but it's important to think ahead and be ready for the unexpected. Staying informed and having a plan can make a difference.
  3. Feeling a sense of obligation can drive us to act, even when we don't want to. We often do things for our loved ones, making the world a better place for them to live in.

"It's just so very, very small"

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 982 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Progressivism Identity politics Policy Analysis
  1. The article discusses the dismissal of concerns about transgender issues by emphasizing the insignificance of certain anatomical aspects.
  2. There is a critique of progressive attitudes that avoid addressing serious issues by downplaying their significance.
  3. The text highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's beliefs and decisions, even if they may seem small or insignificant at first glance.

Maximum Progress on Progressivism

Bet On It • 628 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Philosophy Media Critique Wokeness
  1. Michael Huemer's book, Progressive Myths, offers a clear look at popular beliefs around social issues. He tackles topics like racism and sexism with an emphasis on understanding facts over ideology.
  2. The book encourages readers to question politically charged information and be more skeptical of what they hear. It stresses the importance of looking for objective truths instead of simply aligning with one side of the debate.
  3. Huemer concludes that understanding the truth about complex issues is crucial for avoiding myths that can arise in society. His approach aims to help readers think critically about controversial topics, helping them navigate media bias.

[Captured] Caddy-wack, Chyron the spectrum, and tampons at Meta

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 285 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Feminism Politics Entertainment Social Issues
  1. America's perspectives seem to have shifted, as some now cheer for the wealthy and powerful instead of supporting the underdog.
  2. It would be handy if we labeled people's conversations with details like their medications for better understanding, just like political labels do.
  3. It's great to see women making progress, as it shows how far feminism has come over the years.

Why Bidenism Failed

JoeWrote • 44 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Foreign Policy Elections Social Issues Labor Rights
  1. Biden promised that nothing would fundamentally change, which led to many Americans feeling that he didn't deliver the change they wanted. They were looking for something different from the status quo.
  2. Biden did have some successes, like creating jobs through the American Rescue Plan and appointing Lina Khan for antitrust actions. These moves showed a connection to progressive values but were seen as not enough.
  3. His foreign policy, especially regarding Israel, upset many people and overshadowed his domestic achievements. This led to frustrations that contributed to the Democratic party's losses in elections.

Why You Always Get Punished for Telling The Truth

OK Doomer • 124 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Psychology Communication Bias
  1. People who tell the truth often get punished for it. This happens because society tends to ignore uncomfortable truths.
  2. Cognitive biases make it hard for people to accept negative feedback or truths, leading them to blame those who speak out.
  3. Pretending everything is fine, like the woman who followed Zig Ziglar's advice, doesn't solve the real issues and can create more problems.

Ghana's Concentration Camps For Witches

Grey Goose Chronicles • 1513 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🌐 International Culture Religion Gender Conflict Social Issues
  1. Witchcraft accusations and violence persist in African communities despite efforts to intervene and modernize.
  2. Ghana has concentration camps for accused witches, primarily housing older women who face persecution and violence.
  3. Efforts to close the witch camps have faced challenges, as the camps provide protection and livelihood for the residents.

Top Links 589 How US arrivistes do it better. Exceptionalism weighed. Sino-Saudi ties. The global cotton boom and slavery in Egypt.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics International Economics Social Issues History
  1. US exceptionalism can be seen in how new arrivals succeed differently compared to other countries. It shows a unique approach to opportunity and wealth.
  2. Understanding Sino-Saudi relationships is important for seeing how global politics are formed today. These connections affect trade and influence between nations.
  3. The global cotton industry has a dark history tied to slavery, especially in Egypt. This highlights ongoing issues of human rights in worldwide supply chains.

Social Learning Links, 12/7/2024

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Education Social Issues Philosophy Politics Human behavior
  1. We often form our beliefs based on who we trust rather than just the facts. It's easy to fall into thinking everyone else is wrong if they disagree with us.
  2. People have a bias where they see good things happening to their group as a result of their strengths, while bad things are blamed on outside factors. This leads to unfair judgments about others.
  3. Understanding and acknowledging our own mistakes is tough but important. It helps us to think clearly and make better decisions, even when it feels uncomfortable.

MAGA

backstory • 533 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Cultural analysis Media influence Social Issues Historical context
  1. Technological advances can change society dramatically, sometimes causing more problems than expected. It's important to be mindful of this when we embrace new technology.
  2. Historical events often show us how quickly things can change, like the leap from a successful moon landing to the Apollo 13 crisis. It's a reminder of the unpredictability of progress.
  3. When people seek new experiences, they can end up in awkward situations, but those moments can highlight our shared humanity and the unexpected journeys we take together.

Manchester’s oldest social housing block fell out over a Christmas party

The Mill • 786 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Community Living Ageism Protest
  1. Residents at Victoria Square are in conflict over a Christmas party, showcasing tensions related to ageism, class, and politics.
  2. The history and architecture of Victoria Square in Manchester hold significance as the city's first council housing built in 1899.
  3. The protest at Victoria Square highlights the struggle to balance communal living and privacy, with a focus on the importance of the community room.

Can anyone save Piccadilly Gardens?

The Mill • 707 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Urban planning Public Space Community Engagement Social Issues
  1. Opinions are divided on the state of Piccadilly Gardens, with many people agreeing that it is currently a mess and needs improvement.
  2. The redesign of Piccadilly Gardens is a work in progress, with the council investing money in landscaping changes and consulting residents on new designs.
  3. Concerns about safety and anti-social behavior in Piccadilly Gardens persist, but some see potential in turning the space into a thriving, well-managed public area.

Kanye, Deranged Penguin

The Carousel • 8 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Mental health Criticism Social Issues
  1. Kanye West challenges people’s views on mental illness. Some believe his behavior is a result of mental health issues, while others think he uses it to provoke reactions.
  2. The loudest critics of Kanye often struggle with his different approach to expressing himself. His actions can make people uncomfortable, leading to a conflict between their beliefs and reactions.
  3. Some people see artists like Kanye as outsiders who break the rules of society. This outsider perspective can lead to creative and unexpected ideas, even if it seems strange to others.

It's not getting better

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Government Policy Social Issues Civil Rights Psychology
  1. Many people still believe that Covid itself caused the problems we faced during the pandemic, ignoring the role of government actions and societal reactions.
  2. This strong belief in the pandemic has become normal, creating a disconnect from reality for many who hold these views.
  3. The feeling of distrust towards normal people around us persists, as the delusion surrounding Covid has not improved over the years.

Why housing shortages cause homelessness

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Homelessness Social Issues Urban Development Public Policy
  1. Housing shortages and high costs make it harder for families and friends to offer shelter to those in need. When prices rise, there's less space available for people to stay with loved ones.
  2. Many individuals avoid homelessness by living with family or friends, especially in places with lower housing costs. This support network plays a key role in keeping vulnerable people off the streets.
  3. Solutions to homelessness should focus on increasing the supply of affordable housing. Better housing options help families support one another and prevent individuals from slipping into homelessness.

The decline continues

Disaffected Newsletter • 1998 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Public Policy Community Engagement Political culture
  1. People are feeling more demoralized and hopeless in their daily lives. This feeling is like a constant annoying noise that they can't ignore, affecting their mood.
  2. Everyday behavior and rules of civility are declining. There seems to be a lack of respect and common courtesy in public spaces, making it a more dangerous and frustrating environment.
  3. Many people don't seem to agree on following basic rules anymore. This breakdown of etiquette is leading to confusion and chaos in social interactions, like drivers not knowing how to handle intersections.

I Don't Need Guns I Need Fire Extinguishers

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1387 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📰 News Politics Activism Conflict Global Issues Social Issues
  1. The author creatively uses the analogy of fire extinguishers to call for solutions to global crises, emphasizing the need for healing and peace over violence.
  2. There is a critique of the military-industrial complex and the prioritization of weapons over humanitarian aid and environmental protection.
  3. The text advocates for prioritizing efforts to restore a healthy planet for future generations, highlighting the urgency of addressing current global challenges.

For the resisters

Disaffected Newsletter • 2098 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Government Public Health Social Issues Media
  1. Resisters are a minority who often don't get recognition or support from society, but their actions matter. It's important to document what they did and how they stood against mainstream pressure.
  2. There has been a cultural shift where some people are starting to realize the wrongness of past actions, but many won't apologize or acknowledge their mistakes. This creates an uneasy silence about the issues faced by resisters.
  3. It's vital for resisters to share their stories and actions, no matter how small, as they can inspire future generations. Even the smallest act of resistance can be significant for someone else.

Bring your questions for a former Antifa member

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Extremism Activism Social Issues Political Identity
  1. There will be a live event with Ty King, a former Antifa member, where he will share his experiences. People can ask questions and engage with him during the session.
  2. Ty King's background includes a tough childhood, which he believes made him more open to extremist movements. His story highlights how personal struggles can lead to political affiliations.
  3. The event is exclusively for paid subscribers and will take place on April 11, allowing fans to connect with the topics discussed in a supportive environment.