The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Normies Of The World, Unite!

Michael Shellenberger • 2066 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Children are being rushed into gender-transitioning treatments without proper investigation, raising concerns about sterilization and medical abuse.
  2. Wokeism is compared to a powerful and dogmatic religion, uniting various social issues under one umbrella.
  3. There is a call for a united anti-Woke movement, bringing together liberal, libertarian, and conservative individuals to defend freedom of speech and reject harmful ideologies.

Alexandra Olympia Peristeraki: Enaboukaligala

Do Not Research • 139 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. The story features a 93-year-old retired factory worker from Greece reminiscing about his time in a highly toxic environment.
  2. Google Street View is used as a time capsule to show the remains of the worker's narration captured from 2009 to 2019.
  3. The narrative combines found footage from different industrial settings to showcase the struggles of the working class past and present.

Elevance's Q2 profits make Wall Street investors (and company executives) happy and wealthy

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 359 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Elevance's profits for the second quarter were better than expected, making Wall Street investors very happy. The company is on track to earn even more this year than previously thought.
  2. The company spent less on patient care compared to previous years, which boosted their profits. However, this came at the expense of providing necessary care for low-income and vulnerable populations.
  3. Elevance is growing mainly through its Medicare and Medicaid programs, while its private insurance enrollment is declining. The growth in revenue comes from premium increases and government subsidies.

the end of weaponized empathy

bad cattitude • 315 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Some people manipulate others by pretending to be fragile or hurt. This can make it hard for others to say no, even when they should.
  2. Over time, people start to notice when they are being used, which can lead to a breakdown in these manipulative tactics. The strategy stops working as people become less sympathetic.
  3. It's okay to not fix everyone's problems or feel guilty for their struggles. Recognizing this helps protect your own well-being.

Actual libel (not the fake kind)

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Libel is hard to prove, but it can be done if someone shows actual malice. This means they knowingly spread false information.
  2. A specific case was mentioned where calling someone a murderer could be legally risky, especially when the courts found them not guilty.
  3. Understanding libel law is important, especially for journalists, as it helps them avoid making false claims that can hurt people's reputations.
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The Death and Life of Great American Cities

The Jolly Contrarian • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. Jane Jacobs challenged 1960s urban planning policies that sought to reorganize communities from the top-down, advocating for a bottom-up approach that respects local knowledge and decision-making.
  2. Jacobs' observations highlighted the importance of streets over buildings, the negative impact of planned parks, the value of mixed-use spaces, and the benefits of incorporating diversity in communities to promote vitality.
  3. She emphasized that the richness and adaptability of a community depend on real diversity, which may conflict with the drive for efficiency and homogenization in modern management and city planning.

dispatch from lesbians being visible

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 255 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. Lesbian Visibility Day is celebrated with TV moments and reflections on representations.
  2. The cast of 'The L Word: Gen Q' at the White House highlights progress in LGBTQ+ visibility.
  3. Buzzfeed News shutting down shows challenges in journalism and the importance of supporting writers.

How to Fight Trump Mindfully

Nonzero Newsletter • 451 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. It's important to think carefully about how we react to political events, rather than just responding out of frustration. This way, we can lead more thoughtful conversations.
  2. Understanding why people support Trump, like economic changes and social media influence, helps us address deeper issues in politics and society.
  3. Fostering better mental health and understanding of tribalism can help reduce divisions. Connecting our psychological well-being with social improvements is key.

28.

Wild Holy & Free • 639 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. Trayvon Martin's death brought awareness to racial injustice in America.
  2. The fear of being unsafe is a daily reality for many Black individuals.
  3. Personal experiences can lead to a profound shift in beliefs and actions.

Are We Over-Politicized?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 136 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Many aspects of life, like sports and entertainment, have become overly influenced by politics. It's hard to find a break from political discussions nowadays.
  2. People often feel overwhelmed, wondering if there’s anything left to enjoy that isn't politicized. It leads to frustration and a longing for relief.
  3. There’s a shift in personal behavior; even those who used to keep politics at a distance now find themselves caught up in it, making it hard to escape the noise.

Ministry of Health NZ discards the word 'women' in favour of inclusive language, but men are still ‘men’.

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. New Zealand's Ministry of Health is using terms like 'pregnant people' instead of 'women', which some people find confusing. Despite this change, they still refer to men as 'men'.
  2. The Plain Language Act was created for clear communication, but many feel that using terms like 'pregnant people' does not meet this goal. People want clear language that everyone can understand.
  3. There are concerns that some people in government, especially those focused on academic language, may not understand everyday people's needs. This leads to communication that doesn’t always make sense to the general public.

Top Links 569 Is College fee inflation back? China in LatAm & China in Hungary. Exploding tankers in the dark fleet and Sudan's death toll.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. College tuition fees are rising again, and they are going up faster than general inflation. This could be a concern for students and families who are trying to afford education.
  2. China's influence in Latin America and Hungary is growing. It’s important to watch how this changes both regions and their relationships with other countries.
  3. There are serious issues happening globally, like exploding tankers and increasing death tolls in places like Sudan. These events highlight ongoing conflicts and crises that need more attention.

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

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  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.

The soul of an anti-woke intellectual: Jamie Q. Roberts

Philosophy bear • 143 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. Jamie Q. Roberts feels a strong desire to fight against what he sees as unfairness in society, which he believes is often driven by personal experiences of suffering and bullying.
  2. He sees Elon Musk as a symbol of taking real action in a world full of talk and wants to return to a sense of physical reality, where actions have clear results.
  3. Jamie believes that 'wokeness' perverts meritocracy, allowing less qualified people to gain power without fighting for it, which he thinks undermines true accomplishment.

Dingus of the Week: Nancy Mace

Men Yell at Me • 412 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Nancy Mace introduced a bathroom bill targeting trans women, specifically aimed at new Congress member Sarah McBride. This move appears to prioritize political gain over inclusivity.
  2. The author criticizes Mace for claiming to protect women's spaces while potentially harming vulnerable groups, highlighting the hypocrisy in her actions.
  3. During a time when real issues, like rising costs and safety, need attention, Mace's focus on bathroom laws seems misplaced and not beneficial to the public.

Toxic Empathy

Polymathic Being • 119 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Social Issues
  1. Empathy is important for connecting with others, but too much of it can actually overwhelm us and create fear instead of love.
  2. When empathy is unregulated, it can be used against us, causing us to lose our identity and react out of fear rather than understanding.
  3. Finding a balance in empathy involves being mindful, taking responsibility for our feelings, and not letting ourselves be controlled by the emotions of others.

Jabs for the rich, moralising for the poor

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. We need to talk about fairness in healthcare, especially when it comes to rich people getting better access to treatments than poorer people. It feels unfair when the rules seem to change based on your income.
  2. The government's new app may seem simple, but it's a big step in changing how the British state works. This could mean more digital services in the future.
  3. There's a problem with how we build and supply housing in cities. Finding ways to fix these bottlenecks is important for making sure everyone has a place to live.

Good At Sex Slutsquad AMA

Knowingless • 945 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. The blog is hosting its first AMA session for open questions and answers.
  2. They are seeking suggestions for a new name instead of 'slut squad'.
  3. The 'slut squad' consists of three women with different backgrounds in sex work and psychology.

Why you can't bring a roast to a rally

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 427 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. Comedy works best in the right context. A roast at a comedy club is different from jokes at a political rally. The audience needs to understand that it’s supposed to be funny.
  2. Intentions behind jokes matter, but so does the setting. If the environment is charged with negativity or hostility, jokes might not land well.
  3. Fame can be tricky in comedy. Just because someone is popular online doesn’t mean everyone knows them. This disconnect can change how people react to their humor.

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 Social Issues
  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.

Links to Consider, 11/14/2024

In My Tribe • 394 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Social issues are becoming more relaxed, and many activities that were once illegal are now accepted. This change shows a shift in American values, as old social norms are less effective.
  2. The recent elections showed that voters are focused on inflation, which influenced their choices. Many people felt dissatisfied with the Democratic candidates, especially Kamala Harris, leading to a shift towards Republicans.
  3. Traditional media like TV is losing younger audiences, while platforms like podcasts and social media are gaining popularity. This shift reflects a changing media landscape where people seek different ways to get their news.

Dingus of the week: Pete Hegseth

Men Yell at Me • 380 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Pete Hegseth, a nominee for a high military position, has a controversial history with accusations of misconduct and a toxic work environment. His qualifications for such a role are questioned.
  2. There are serious concerns about how the military treats women, especially considering that many report experiencing harassment and assault. Putting someone like Hegseth in charge could worsen this issue.
  3. The healthcare system is failing many Americans, leading to feelings of rage and frustration. People are struggling to access necessary medical care, and this creates a sense of violence in everyday life.

[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 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.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 97 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. People often deceive themselves and ignore the truth about their situation. It's important to recognize when this is happening.
  2. We live in a society where it feels like there is a lot of persecution for different beliefs and opinions. This can create a tense atmosphere where people are afraid to speak up.
  3. Finding humor and lightness in difficult topics can help us cope with serious issues. Memes and jokes are a way for people to express themselves and connect.

Love in the Machine Edition

As Ever • 30 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. Love shapes our identity and experiences, and it's important to understand how we can love the right things in the right ways. We are made to love and be loved, which influences how we interact with the world around us.
  2. Technology affects our lives deeply, especially in how it influences our love and connections. Understanding this relationship helps us navigate its role in our lives, deciding what to embrace and what to reject.
  3. Conversations about labor and technology remind us of the importance of personal connections over efficiency. Using tools with love and care can enhance our relationships and the world we live in.

Hidden Open Thread 368.5

Astral Codex Ten • 275 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. This is a space for people to share thoughts and engage in discussions. Everyone can pitch in and contribute their ideas.
  2. The post is intended for paid subscribers, which means it may contain exclusive content. This helps create a community among paying members.
  3. The thread encourages open communication and interaction among readers, promoting a sense of belonging.

Beloved liar, cheater, coward, and quitter Latoya Snell BAILS from ANOTHER race, collects ANOTHER sham medal, and belches out MORE nonsense from Scamtown

Beck of the Pack • 117 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues
  1. Latoya Snell is criticized for bailing from races and collecting medals under false pretenses
  2. The running industry is portrayed in a negative light regarding ethics and integrity
  3. The author expresses frustration with the lack of accountability in the running community

Safe Holidays

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Take a break and enjoy some time off during the holidays. It's important to relax and refresh.
  2. Consider supporting causes that matter, like donating to help Ukraine. Every little bit can make a difference.
  3. Stay safe while celebrating with family and friends. Prioritize health and well-being during this festive season.

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 Social Issues
  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.

The Conscription Comeback and the Social Contract

Phillips’s Newsletter • 138 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Social Issues
  1. Conscription is becoming a popular topic in Europe again. People are discussing its effectiveness in increasing military numbers.
  2. Some countries have a history of mandatory military service, especially for men, while women can join voluntarily.
  3. There is skepticism about whether bringing back conscription would actually solve current military challenges in Europe.

The Green Party MP and the cosy connection to a "radical right-wing Christian fascist"

A B’Old Woman • 299 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Julie Anne Genter, a Green Party MP, cycled to the hospital to give birth, showing her determination and strength. It's a unique story that highlights the lengths some people will go to during important life moments.
  2. The origins of the bicycle may be tied to European inventors, and some of their beliefs may not align with modern views on gender. This raises questions about how we view historical figures today.
  3. The use of terms like 'radical right-wing Christian fascist' can become common in certain circles, which might create barriers in discussions. It's important to be aware of how language can influence our understanding of different beliefs and opinions.

The 2028 Election

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Voters often select candidates based on what they dislike instead of what they like. This can lead to politicians misunderstanding the actual public sentiment.
  2. Democrats are facing challenges attracting diverse groups who are increasingly open to Republican ideas. They need to engage these groups as equals rather than treating them as inexperienced.
  3. The future political landscape will depend on people's economic feelings and the dynamics between masculine and feminine approaches in society. Both of these factors could shape the 2028 election.