The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

A Quiet Walk to the Gulag

Restoring Truth • 884 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Social Issues Civil Rights Religion Culture
  1. The author reflects on the historical context of Stalinist Russia and draws parallels to modern-day societal control and demonization.
  2. The text warns about the dangers of complacency and the gradual erosion of freedoms and beliefs under oppressive regimes.
  3. A call for vigilance and resistance against forces that seek to silence dissent and reshape societal norms, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs.

Habemus Papam!

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 10 implied HN points • 15 May 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Theology Philosophy Social Issues Politics
  1. The recent election of Pope Leo XIV surprised many, showing a blend of progressive and conservative views. He focuses on climate change and immigration but holds traditional views on gender issues.
  2. The Catholic Church represents universal values, but it faces internal disagreements on social issues like LGBT rights and economic policies. Its position appears to be shifting towards more left-leaning economics to regain lost followers.
  3. Right-wing politics seem to increasingly distrust social institutions, while left-leaning politics embrace universal moral values. This shift has the potential to further align organized religion with left-wing ideals in the future.

Top Links 544 The US housing market is stuck. The "dim Sum death cross". How young women are overtaking men & brands are triggering cognitive dissonance.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Market Economic Trends Social Issues Demographics Cognitive dissonance
  1. The US housing market is currently not moving, which means buying or selling homes is very slow right now.
  2. Young women are becoming more successful than men in many areas, changing the usual dynamics in society.
  3. Brands are creating confusion for people, leading them to think differently about their products and values.

Links to Consider, 12/6/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Economic Policy Technology Policy Education & Policy Public Opinion
  1. Many single young women now believe they are happier being single than married. Furthermore, fewer of them want to become parents, which could change family dynamics in the future.
  2. There are misleading charts about labor compensation and productivity that mix up different measures, which can confuse people about economic realities. It's important to understand the context behind statistics.
  3. Age verification for social media users is a challenge that could potentially be addressed with better technology. However, it's essential to balance the benefits and dangers of social media while enforcing age limits.
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Dispatches from Denver: Day 1 at Psychedelic Science 2023

The Microdose • 864 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Event coverage Psychedelics Community Arts Social Issues
  1. Psychedelic Science 2023 is a large conference featuring over 11,000 attendees and 300 speakers.
  2. The conference covers various topics in the psychedelics field, including therapy, legislation, and business.
  3. Speakers at the conference expressed concerns about rapid changes in the psychedelic space and the need for balanced growth.

Desired Fertility versus the Mueller Effect

Bet On It • 327 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demography Public Policy Social Issues Government spending
  1. Many women want to have more children than they currently do. Policymakers should focus on helping them achieve their desired family size instead of just worrying about low birth rates.
  2. People often say they want more government spending until they realize it means higher taxes. The same might apply to how people think about having kids; mentioning costs could change their responses about how many kids they want.
  3. It's possible that people are having fewer kids not just because they want to, but because they misunderstand things like genetics and the costs of raising children. Adjusting tax policies might encourage families to have more children.

The Drunk Driving Campaign's Impact

Vietnam Weekly • 491 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Social Issues
  1. A high number of drunk driving violations were recorded in 2023, more than in the previous two years combined.
  2. The ongoing campaign against drunk driving has resulted in numerous DUI violations, even among government employees.
  3. Despite public support for the campaign, there have been unintended consequences from the crackdown.

What They Meant by Essential and Nonessential

COVID Reason • 1863 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Social Issues Civil Rights Democracy
  1. The distinction between essential and nonessential work was decided by a previously unknown agency called CISA.
  2. The terms essential and nonessential reshaped the commercial world in unprecedented ways.
  3. The categorization of essential and nonessential roles reveals a societal divide between those considered indispensable and those perceived as dispensable.

Sign of the Times

Endless Explorations • 178 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Education Social Issues Personal Growth Creative Arts
  1. Graduation can feel overrated; the author doesn't feel a big change after finishing school. They are grateful for the experiences and people met during college.
  2. Setting goals in smaller time frames helps make them feel more achievable. Looking at life in seasons can create a better structure for personal projects and learning.
  3. The author is exploring their creative interests through music and film. They recently created a new short film that combines visuals with sound to enhance the viewer's experience.

Is Wikipedia Reliable? (2023 Redux)

Everything Is Amazing • 1479 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Knowledge Humor Internet History Social Issues
  1. Wikipedia is admired despite occasional inaccuracies because it provides constructive and inspiring information on the internet.
  2. Some Wikipedia articles have turned out to be elaborate hoaxes that fooled editors for years.
  3. While Wikipedia may have flaws and prank edits, its communal and updatable nature highlights a more dynamic and diverse approach to knowledge sharing compared to traditional encyclopedias.

My new standup special just went live on YouTube

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 213 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Comedy Entertainment Media Performing Arts Social Issues
  1. A new standup special just came out on YouTube, and it's all about funny topics like dating, cancel culture, and more. It's meant to be a laugh and worth checking out.
  2. The special is his first release after a previous project involving performing on substances, and it's focused entirely on traditional standup humor.
  3. Sharing the special can help it gain more views, which is important for its success on YouTube. So if you enjoy it, consider sharing it with friends.

Disaffected 11/5/2023

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Action Public Safety Social Issues Cultural Commentary
  1. There is a rising anti-Jewish sentiment in the West, yet government initiatives are focused on combating anti-Islamophobia instead.
  2. It's important to distinguish between feeling unsafe and actually being unsafe. Standing up for oneself is often better than seeking help from authority figures.
  3. The conversation touches on various cultural topics, including AI misgendering and other societal issues, leading to a broader discussion.

Spare the rod and spoil the child

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Progressivism Media Coverage Social Issues
  1. There are serious problems in modern parenting that may lead to bad behavior in kids, like increased violence and selfishness. It's important for parents to take their roles seriously to prevent these issues.
  2. A Texas representative caused quite a scene during a government hearing, showing how politics can be influenced by personal emotions and outbursts. This suggests a need for better decorum in serious discussions.
  3. Some young people are seeking support in places that align with their identities, like Vermont, which provides financial help for gender transition. This highlights how societal acceptance and support can impact individual choices.

Talking Israel with the Judge

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Social Issues Political Commentary Elections
  1. The discussion was about Trump's approach to Israel and Ukraine. It happened just before Trump announced a controversial military plan for Gaza.
  2. The plan discussed was considered absurd and morally wrong, indicating strong disapproval.
  3. More details about this plan will be talked about in future discussions, suggesting it's an important topic to watch.

This is Cluster B on Substack

Disaffected Newsletter • 1578 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Activism Identity politics Cultural critique
  1. Some people use their past trauma to gain sympathy and make accusations against others. This can sometimes be manipulative, as they may not show the whole story.
  2. There's a group of people who want strict moderation of online speech, but platforms like Substack don’t follow those same rules as Twitter does.
  3. When some individuals who are used to getting their way face pushback for the first time, it can be surprising and almost entertaining for others to witness.

forget thanksgiving its time for fearsharing

Both Are True • 301 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Social Issues Mental health Community Humor
  1. Acknowingging,voicing,orwritingdownforyogrownforyoggroforoforyogrodoforoforfoforyogroforofyogrofoffoyotfofffyoggygotfoforyogroforofyogrogrowgrowgrowingongrowing,ttttttor,orofoigroromoforyogroforofyogrofinotforyogroforyogrofooryogrofooryogroforyogrogrowoforyogroforyogroforofyogrogrowgrowingyogroforyogroforofyogrofinotforyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogrofrfromgrowinggrow,oroofororyofofoforoforyogroforyogroforyoyoyogroforygonogroforyogrofoffyogroforophyogroforyogroforofyogrocroforofyogrofinotforyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogro
  2. Tryingtoinovoforcityforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogrogrowytorogrofooftforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogro
  3. Obthmoth,modogroforyogroforyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogrofnnomnfyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogroforofyogrofororygorfrndforofyogroforyogroforofyogroforyoyorofyogroforyooforofyogroforyogroforofyogroforyoyorofyogroforyogroforyogroforofyogro

The Tears of Strangers are only water

Wrong Side of History • 379 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Empathy Literature Humanism Social Issues
  1. Empathy has its limits; we often feel sad for others but can't fully connect to their pain. It's normal to care about distant events, but we might not be able to change them.
  2. Sometimes, people who are deeply empathetic can get overwhelmed by the suffering they see in the world. This can lead to sadness, just like in the story of Simone Weil.
  3. Understanding the feelings of others is important, but we need to balance it with our own well-being. It's okay to feel for others without taking on their pain.

genghis trump

bad cattitude • 366 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Elections Governance Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. Pride and arrogance can lead to downfall, as shown by ancient Greek beliefs about nemesis. If people get too confident, they might face consequences.
  2. Many people see Trump as a force against an untrustworthy system. They believe he represents their frustration with the current state of politics.
  3. The political climate is shifting, and people are looking for change. There's a growing interest in whether new leadership can improve their situation.

LGB vs TQIAXYZ+

bad cattitude • 296 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Social Issues Political Debate Cultural Commentary
  1. Many people feel that the conversation around gender identity has become overly political, impacting how it is discussed in schools and public spaces. They believe that not everyone agrees with this approach and see it as a forced ideology.
  2. There is a concern that the push for acceptance has alienated some within the LGBTQ community, particularly those who identify as LGB, and that they feel their voices are being overshadowed by discussions of gender identity.
  3. The emphasis should be on character and personal choices rather than identity alone, and there is a call for individuals to focus on living happy lives without being tied down by labels.

Open Borders and Adverse Selection?

Bet On It • 231 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Policy Economics Debate Social Issues
  1. Opening borders can lead to both positive and negative selection. While allowing more people in can benefit society, it can also attract individuals who might not contribute positively.
  2. It's important to vet immigrants to avoid potential negative impacts, like crime or community issues. Simply accepting everyone without checks can create problems in the long run.
  3. Using examples like the influx of Ukrainian refugees shows that context matters. Not all immigration situations are the same, and having clear reasons for migration can soften concerns about negative selection.

Dispatches from the Group Chats, Vol 3

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 221 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Election Strategy Public Opinion Media influence Social Issues
  1. Trump has a unique ability to get under people's skin. He uses clever nicknames and psychological tactics to provoke strong reactions from his opponents.
  2. Twitter is seen as extremely significant, even more so than futuristic technologies like flying cars. It plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and influence.
  3. There's a growing concern about antisemitism, with fears that both political sides might overlook or misinterpret the real threats, leading to a complex situation for the Jewish community.

January 11, 2025

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Current Events Civic engagement Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. Coming home after a trip can feel cozy and warm, especially with a light snowfall. It’s nice to enjoy the little moments, like an evening of playing games with friends.
  2. Taking time to rest and relax is important. It’s okay to take a break and recharge after being busy.
  3. Supporting local artists by visiting galleries is a great way to appreciate creativity in your community. It helps connect you with the art and the people behind it.

The Price Of Orthodoxies

The Weekly Dish • 186 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social Issues Media Criticism Cultural critique Justice System
  1. Orthodoxies can make us ignore hard truths and the suffering of others. They create blind spots that can hide serious issues.
  2. When we stick too closely to a certain belief or idea, we might miss out on understanding the full picture of what's really happening.
  3. It's important to challenge our beliefs and stay open to new information, so we can see and address injustices.

Transcript: America This Week, Episode 80: “A Circle of Censorious Friends”

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1243 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Discussion Technology Social Issues
  1. Walter Kirn's experience driving a Tesla highlights the challenges and dangers of relying solely on a car's computerized systems for navigation instead of traditional mirrors and manual controls.
  2. Matt Taibbi and Walter discuss the shift in technology within cars from being easily fixable by ordinary people to now requiring specialized mechanics, raising concerns about accessibility and safety.
  3. The conversation emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the driving experience through senses like sight and touch, questioning the reliability of solely depending on technology while driving.

After the shocking exposé about puberty blocker usage in New Zealand, the mainstream media is silent.

A B’Old Woman • 539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Health Public Policy Social Issues
  1. The mainstream media in New Zealand is less fearless and robust compared to the past, often avoiding challenging stories.
  2. An exposé revealed high usage of puberty blockers in New Zealand, but it hasn't been widely reported by major news outlets.
  3. Some experienced journalists are still pursuing important stories, despite a culture that often prioritizes safety over challenging reporting.

Answering our 2024 questions, and charting a bright path into the New Year

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Technology Political strategy Market Trends Social Issues
  1. There are concerns about low birth rates and whether solutions will be effective. It seems like a tricky problem for many countries.
  2. New technology in artificial intelligence is expected to get stronger and cheaper, which could change many industries. This might bring big improvements in how we use technology.
  3. There's hope for a quicker switch to a zero-carbon future as more people push for it. This could help our planet a lot.

Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism (w/ Yanis Varoufakis) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 146 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Capitalism Policy Technology Social Issues
  1. Yanis Varoufakis argues that capitalism is dead and has been replaced by 'technofeudalism', where power is held by digital platform owners like Amazon and Google instead of traditional capitalists. This means we now work for these tech giants like serfs on a feudal estate.
  2. In today's world, our digital identities and personal data are owned by private companies, which affects our autonomy and privacy. We are constantly being influenced and monitored by these companies, changing how we interact with others and ourselves.
  3. Varoufakis suggests that to reclaim power, we need to combine traditional labor movements with new technology. This could mean organizing strikes and boycotts while also using digital tools to create parallel systems that empower workers and challenge corporate control.

Lost in a Sea of Pixels: Men, Pornography, and the Illusion of Control

Julie Bindel's podcasts and writing • 727 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Social Issues Psychology Feminism Human Relationships
  1. Pornography offers a quick escape from intense emotions and intimacy, providing an illusion of control for men.
  2. The feminist critique of pornography highlights its negative impacts on women in production and consumption.
  3. Habitual use of pornography can lead to a loss of control, creating a cycle that may require therapy and open communication to break.

too crazy to see

bad cattitude • 314 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Policy Critique Social Issues Cognitive Bias
  1. People often struggle to accept shocking information because it feels too unbelievable. This is called cognitive dissonance, where their brain wants to reject things that don't fit their understanding.
  2. Normalcy bias can make us overlook serious problems because we think things like that don't happen. It's hard for us to see when something is way outside of what's normal.
  3. Free speech and access to truthful information are crucial for social change. When individuals start to question and learn, it can lead to a broader awakening in society.