The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Understanding the Jewish x Italian Handshake

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 412 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎭️ Culture Cultural Commentary Film Identity History Social Issues
  1. The Jewish x Italian Handshake is not a formal agreement but a natural evolution in casting over time.
  2. The concept allows for actors of one heritage to convincingly play characters of another heritage.
  3. Closeness between Jewish and Italian communities in America has influenced cultural exchanges, such as in casting choices.

Big racks

quite useless • 412 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Inequality Social media
  1. Arms races can lead to inefficiencies and waste, like in economic and beauty standards competition.
  2. Positional social competition can create pressure and dissatisfaction even among winners.
  3. Implementing progressive consumption tax can help reduce material and digital arms races by altering spending behaviors and neutralizing competitive dynamics.
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Disinformation aplenty from the aptly named Disinformation Project.

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Trans rights Hate Speech Public Policy Social Issues
  1. There is growing online hate towards trans people, especially after certain events that sparked this backlash. This highlights ongoing tensions in discussions around trans rights.
  2. The argument that there is 'no evidence' of trans people being violent is seen as misleading. Critics say that this overlooks the need for better data collection on the impacts of trans policies.
  3. Some believe that allowing trans women into women's spaces increases risk to women and girls. This viewpoint stresses the need for careful consideration around policies involving gender identity.

And I'm not sorry

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Cultural critique Social Issues Gender Studies Media Analysis Public Discourse
  1. Some people feel upset about direct talk on tough issues. It's okay to speak your mind, even if it annoys others.
  2. There are mixed feelings around responsibility in relationships. Everyone should own their actions without blaming others.
  3. Sharing honest thoughts can sometimes lead to being seen as irrelevant. But staying true to your beliefs is important.

Maureen Binienda’s revenge tour is off to a bad start

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 216 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Government Controversy Social Issues
  1. Maureen Binienda's revenge tour faced opposition and setbacks at a recent school committee meeting.
  2. The Worcester Knitty Council faced unnecessary scrutiny from city councilors, highlighting misplaced priorities.
  3. Questions were raised about the capacity of the RMV shelter to provide a safe space for transgender individuals.

How Did Blocking Stuff Become Left-Coded?

I Might Be Wrong • 14 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning Housing policy Political Commentary Social Issues Infrastructure
  1. Many people feel frustrated with the slow processes that delay housing and infrastructure projects. They want things to move faster so that communities can improve.
  2. There's a concern that building new housing might change the character of some neighborhoods. People worry about gentrification and displacing existing residents.
  3. More housing could help make neglected areas more livable. It could also lower rents and improve safety instead of letting decay continue in those neighborhoods.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 115 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Nostalgia Internet Social Issues Trends
  1. People often think that current times are not as good as the past. This feeling might come from the changes we see around us.
  2. There is a sense of nostalgia for what many call 'the good old days.' It's common to long for simpler or happier times.
  3. Despite the changes, it's important to appreciate the present and find joy in current moments. Every era has its own unique qualities.

A Surgical Safe Space

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Social Issues Government Public Debate
  1. Josh had a nice and normal talk with younger people, showing that understanding can bridge age gaps.
  2. New laws in Vermont could lead to serious problems for children's safety, raising concerns about their welfare.
  3. Research suggests that boys with gender identity issues might have mothers with certain personality disorders, hinting at complex family dynamics.

Is there a Crisis of Masculinity?

The Great Gender Divergence • 373 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎭️ Culture Masculinity Gender Equality Media influence Gender Dynamics Social Issues
  1. Misogyny is declining, and there is increased support for gender equality among young people worldwide.
  2. Modernization in patrilineal societies like China, Korea, and India has led to a crisis of incels due to imbalanced sex ratios.
  3. China's government is repressing female freedoms to address the issue of frustrated incels and social instability.

Curator

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Liberalism Progressivism Social Issues
  1. Ibram X. Kendi's antiracism center faced serious management issues and the fall of his reputation raises questions about the integrity of institutions that supported him. Some people feel a sense of schadenfreude, while others see it as a sign that these institutions failed to critically assess what they were promoting.
  2. Critics argue that a central problem is the way ideas about racism and anti-racism have been oversimplified and sensationalized, leading to a pessimistic view of progress in America. This shift has made discussing genuine progress much harder, as some now view racism as an inescapable reality.
  3. The conversation about marriage's role in happiness sparks tension, as some view the emphasis on marriage as a right-wing distraction. However, data suggests that married people report higher satisfaction, indicating that the benefits of marriage should not be easily dismissed in debates about family and societal values.

I’ve invited Elon Musk to New Zealand for Kellie-Jay Keen’s ‘Let Women Speak’ rally.

A B’Old Woman • 359 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Events Social Issues Public Discourse Free speech
  1. A person invited Elon Musk to a rally in New Zealand that's focused on women's rights. It seems like a playful idea meant to get attention.
  2. The rally is coming back after an earlier one was disrupted by a protest. People are excited and expect strong support this time.
  3. There was a past incident where a trans activist threw a liquid at the rally, which raised serious concerns. People want to make sure everyone feels safe when expressing their opinions.

Who They Are

The Better Letter • 294 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Behavior Beliefs Entertainment Music Social Issues
  1. Humans are not always rational and make decisions that defy traditional economic theory.
  2. We all have biases and tend to protect our deeply held values, making it difficult to accept new information.
  3. There is a rising trend of denialism and irrational beliefs that are not confined to a specific political ideology.

Higher Ed is a Woke Seminary

Bet On It • 110 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Political Bias Social Issues Podcasting
  1. Many people believe that American universities have a strong left-leaning bias in their teachings. This perspective has been noticeable for a long time.
  2. There’s a concern that so-called 'woke' ideas and beliefs from colleges may influence society and culture more than previously thought.
  3. The discussion around education and its political leanings is ongoing and important to understand the impact on students and the wider community.

Disaffected audio-MI 'hate speech' bill

Disaffected Newsletter • 479 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Free speech Civil Rights Social Issues
  1. Michigan is proposing a law that could criminalize misgendering, seeing it as a form of harassment. This could mean fines or even jail time for people who misgender others.
  2. The discussion around this law highlights the complexities and potential issues in defining hate speech and harassment.
  3. It's important to stay informed about such laws as they can impact free speech and how people communicate with each other.

"You are just bitter"

Men Yell at Me • 555 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Art Feminism Identity Social Issues
  1. Bitterness is often used to dismiss messages of pain or betrayal, shifting focus from blame-worthy behavior to the person expressing the pain.
  2. Bitterness, like anger, is a morally neutral emotion, and how it is used can determine its impact - as a cudgel to brush off ideas or as a force for uniting people.
  3. Swallowing bitterness can give clarity and power, enabling one to keep writing and speaking out against injustice.

Yeah, Yeah, The Sexual Revolution

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Sexuality Social Issues Relationships Media Critique
  1. The sexual revolution has raised questions about its success, with many arguing it has failed. Issues like high divorce rates and rising unhappiness, particularly among women, are often cited as evidence.
  2. Feminism has made strides, but it also faces challenges in the dating market. Women have gained more opportunities, but the realities of attraction and relationships haven't changed significantly.
  3. Society swings between periods of sexual liberation and repression. The hope is for a future where there's more acceptance of diverse sexualities without trying to return to the past's extremes.

Hanson-Caplan Dialogue on Cultural Drift

Bet On It • 110 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Studies Philosophy Social Issues Communication Media
  1. Cultural drift is a concerning issue that can affect society in various negative ways. It means that cultural values and ideas can change quickly and not always for the better.
  2. The topic has been a point of discussion and worry for some, indicating a need to address these changes in a healthy manner. It's important to reflect on what behaviors and ideas we want to keep or discard.
  3. Conversations about cultural drift can help raise awareness and encourage people to think critically about the influence of modern technology and trends on our culture. Talking about these issues is the first step toward understanding and possibly addressing them.

One day, when it's safe...

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Social Issues Human Rights Government Accountability Public Opinion
  1. People often only speak out against wrongdoing when it's safe for them to do so. This can lead to many being silent until it's too late to change anything.
  2. Historical wrongs and crimes can come back to haunt societies and countries. Actions taken for power and wealth don't just disappear; they often return to affect those who enabled them.
  3. The ongoing conflict and loss of life in places like Gaza show that history often repeats itself. The consequences of violence and neglect are felt long after the immediate events.

Changing Seasons

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Education Legal Cases Media Identity politics
  1. Megyn Kelly spoke out against the use of gender pronouns, suggesting they contribute to a harmful lie that affects women and children.
  2. A Vermont school district was ordered to pay a family $125,000 after punishing them for misgendering a student who made their daughter uncomfortable.
  3. Elon Musk publicly supported banning gender surgeries for children after a conflict with some Twitter employees about a related film promotion.

New Q&A Series, No. 1: Answering Some Extremely Easy Questions Asked By the Worst-Informed and Most Disingenuous Far-Right Billionaires on Earth

Proof • 84 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Political Commentary Public Policy Law enforcement Social Issues
  1. Just because someone has many arrests doesn't mean they committed a lot of crimes. A single incident can lead to multiple arrests for different charges.
  2. Most criminal cases don't involve prison time; people often face fines, probation, or other penalties instead of jail. Many arrests are for minor offenses.
  3. It's important for wealthy people to understand the real effects of tough criminal laws. Harsh policies can hurt families and increase crime in communities.

On journalism's dishonesty and moral rot

Unreported Truths • 99 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Social Issues Criminal Justice Political Commentary Cultural Commentary
  1. Some media outlets may not clearly condemn violent actions, leading to mixed messages about serious crime. For example, a writer seemed unsure if a murdered executive deserved sympathy.
  2. The way people are described in news articles can reflect biases and affect public perception. Terms like 'subway dancer' and 'ex-marine' can shape how stories are understood.
  3. There's a growing skepticism toward mainstream media, with more people turning to social media for different perspectives. This shift is making traditional news sources seem less relevant.

Episode 120: No Bridge Too Far

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Political Commentary Legislation Social Issues Healthcare
  1. A Texas Democrat courageously switched sides to support a ban on certain medical treatments for children, showing strong conviction on this issue.
  2. In 2023, it seems tough to maintain a morally respectable stance as a progressive liberal Democrat, suggesting a significant shift in political dynamics.
  3. An Australian malpractice insurer is refusing to cover doctors who provide gender transition treatments for minors, highlighting ongoing concerns about such practices.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Transport urges its staff to go vegan (no, not really).

A B’Old Woman • 319 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Social Issues Public Opinion Activism
  1. New Zealand's Ministry of Transport didn't actually ask its staff to go vegan; the title was misleading. It's important to check the facts before jumping to conclusions.
  2. The Ministry is criticized for promoting gender ideology and paying an outside group to influence its employees. This raises questions about the use of taxpayer money.
  3. Some people feel that pushing certain beliefs in the workplace blurs the lines between personal beliefs and professional duties. It can be hard to accept when facts seem to be ignored.

sunday memepool: the red wave red pill

bad cattitude • 121 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political trends Current Events Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. Change is a constant part of life, and it’s important to embrace it. Being open to new ideas can lead to growth and understanding.
  2. The last five years were marked by intense and sometimes overwhelming ideas. It shows how discussions and opinions can evolve and become more complex over time.
  3. Having a critical perspective on trends and ideas is valuable. It helps us navigate through confusion and make informed choices.

65 Years “Two Cultures” – Time for a Celebration?

Heterodox STEM • 92 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Academia Science Humanities Knowledge Social Issues
  1. There's a divide between the humanities and STEM fields, which can lead to a lack of understanding and cooperation. This split has been growing over the years and is sometimes seen as a 'culture war.'
  2. Non-knowledgeable behaviors, like group think and over-emphasizing feelings, are affecting how knowledge is developed and shared. It's important to stick to processes that encourage truth and understanding.
  3. In academia, different cognitive traits can be found in STEM compared to the humanities. Recognizing these differences might help us understand the ongoing issues in knowledge creation and communication.

We Just Felt Like It

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Education Social Issues Media Public Health
  1. The Washington Post reported misleading information about a Florida law, suggesting serious negative implications for minority health.
  2. A Minnesota lawmaker had an angry outburst in the House, demonstrating strong support for controversial medical treatments for kids.
  3. There have been protests in Germany regarding insufficient funding for Long Covid, and a teacher faced backlash for sharing LGBTQ-themed content in the classroom.

The Tinkerer

Unpopular Front • 98 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Civil Unrest Social Issues Ideology Historical context
  1. Luigi Mangione, the suspected killer, seemed like a normal guy from a good family, with a stable social life and a well-educated background. However, a serious back injury and frustration with the medical system might have pushed him towards violence.
  2. His interests were surprisingly typical for a young tech worker, like reading famous dystopian novels and discussing future tech, which doesn't usually lead to extreme actions. This shows how regular people can sometimes make shocking choices when feeling lost.
  3. The situation reflects a larger issue in society, where many young, successful individuals feel disconnected and frustrated with the current system. This emotional struggle can drive some to act out in desperate and dangerous ways.

The Growing Desire For Radical Change

Creative Destruction • 38 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Public Opinion Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. People are feeling a strong need for real change in their lives. It's important to address uncomfortable feelings instead of ignoring them.
  2. Sanewashing is when the media makes troubling issues seem normal. This is a problem because it can create a false sense of reality.
  3. Instead of escaping or getting distracted, we should engage with our feelings and the world around us. It's time to confront the truth, not shy away from it.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-11-27 We

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Political trends Political Economy Social Issues
  1. Zero-sum thinking is on the rise, where people believe that economic growth takes away from someone else instead of benefiting everyone. This mindset can lead to less motivation and lower innovation in society.
  2. The belief that changes in the economy will harm individuals' existing benefits is a growing concern. Many people are starting to think that opportunities for advancement are limited.
  3. Recent predictions suggest that the U.S. economy could surprise us with better growth than expected. This positive outlook contrasts with the general fears of economic decline.