The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 16.01.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Foreign Policy Government actions Social Issues
  1. Trump is planning to reshape American foreign policy and control over territories like the Panama Canal and Greenland, showing a strong nationalist agenda.
  2. The war in Ukraine is having serious consequences for its youth, with proposals to lower the recruitment age amidst a dire manpower situation.
  3. Israeli and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal, with significant implications for both sides as they navigate the aftermath of prolonged conflict.

Escape from Mask Mountain

Disaffected Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Public Health Social Issues Political Commentary LGBTQ Rights
  1. There is a growing movement in some states that supports transgender medical procedures for children, which has raised concerns about parental rights and involvement.
  2. Certain areas, like Portland, are commemorating past public health measures like mask mandates even as they are relaxed elsewhere.
  3. There is a mix of news and commentary that highlights unusual or controversial social issues in current events.

Episode 109: War Footing

Disaffected Newsletter • 479 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Social Issues Political Commentary Mental health
  1. A new Vermont bill is controversial because it allows sex changes for children and provides free sex changes and abortions at colleges.
  2. Vermont is still following COVID-19 restrictions like masks and social distancing, which some find concerning.
  3. The host defends Matt Walsh for speaking against those influencing children in harmful ways, stating there is a growing anger among men about this issue.

Incredible India

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Economic Growth Geopolitics Social Issues
  1. India has recently surpassed China as the most populous nation and is experiencing rapid economic growth. It's now the fifth-largest economy, moving towards becoming the third-largest by 2030.
  2. The government has introduced biometric ID cards for citizens, which help people access many services efficiently. This has reduced corruption in aid transfers, benefiting the poorest citizens.
  3. India's geopolitical influence is growing, as it balances relationships with many global powers. With its economic strength and involvement in groups like the G20, India is becoming an important player on the world stage.
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Who Is My Neighbor?

Investing 101 • 69 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Local government Social Issues Faith
  1. People in some cities are against helping the homeless, especially when it comes to providing shelters during freezing temperatures. This fear and backlash show a real struggle between compassion and community concerns.
  2. It's important to remember that helping others, like the homeless, is a matter of humanity and kindness, not politics or religion. Loving your neighbor is crucial, regardless of beliefs.
  3. We should focus on doing good and helping others instead of just worrying about our safety or property values. Supporting organizations that help the homeless is one way to make a positive impact.

Canada: Politeness, Wokeness, and Assisted Dying

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 59 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Culture Policy Social Issues Immigration
  1. Canadians are often seen as very polite, with a focus on small talk and friendliness in social interactions. People generally acknowledge each other more on the streets compared to places like New York.
  2. The idea of 'wokeness' in Canada comes from a mix of left-leaning politics and a cultural emphasis on loyalty. Canadians tend to value group harmony over individualism, leading to a more collective approach to societal problems.
  3. The debate around assisted dying in Canada highlights a struggle between personal freedom and societal concerns. People generally want the right to decide about their own suffering, while others worry about the mental state and capacity of those making such decisions.

Many Such Cases: a formal relaunch

Many Such Cases • 559 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Social Issues Personal essays Online Communities Relationship Dynamics
  1. The newsletter focuses on exploring desire and how it affects our lives. It's about understanding our feelings and how they influence our interactions.
  2. There is a growing concern about the decline of sexual relationships and social connections in society. This change reflects a bigger problem with loneliness and isolation.
  3. The writer plans to share personal stories and thoughts regularly, and will also offer paid content with a community element. They want to engage with readers and help with their questions.

The Human Nature Election

From the New World • 86 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democrats Political Philosophy Voter Behavior Social Issues
  1. Democrats need to connect with human nature to appeal to voters. Being authentic and relatable is important for politicians.
  2. The rise of 'wokeness' has made noticing and discussing human nature difficult for the Democratic Party. This has hurt their connection with working-class voters.
  3. To attract a new generation of politicians, Democrats must redefine terms like racism and sexism to align with original meanings, thus moving away from current extreme definitions.

Living In The Dark Timeline: How Do We Find Hope?

Strange Wonder • 98 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Arts
  1. The world seems to be heading towards a dark and dystopian timeline with disturbing events unfolding.
  2. There is a decline in the stability and goodness of societies, with environmental crises worsening and political situations becoming bleak.
  3. Individuals can find hope by seeking out spaces of positivity and community amidst the chaos, even if large-scale change seems daunting.

Modern Manners

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Personal Growth Family Dynamics Media Critique
  1. Basic decency seems to be getting worse, especially for those who claim to be oppressed. People often think they can skip courtesy because of their circumstances.
  2. Some mothers may treat their sons in ways that seem too close or inappropriate, raising questions about boundaries. It's important to consider what a child truly needs in those moments.
  3. There are different types of narcissists, and recognizing them can be helpful. It's good to learn how to spot these traits in others, especially in online interactions.

Are You in a Virtuous or Destructive Cycle?

The Unabashed Observer • 99 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Lifestyle Self-help Social Issues Mental health Personal Development
  1. Identifying whether you are in a virtuous or destructive cycle is crucial for personal growth. Virtuous cycles lead to positive outcomes, while destructive cycles can be harmful.
  2. Breaking out of destructive cycles requires recognizing the problem and making a conscious effort to change. It can be challenging, but essential for improvement.
  3. Understanding oneself and being open to self-evaluation is key to recognizing and addressing the cycles we are in. Self-awareness is the first step towards breaking out of destructive patterns.

Elon Musk Aims to Start a Race War in the United Kingdom. Is the United States His Next Target?

Proof • 45 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Discourse Media influence Social Issues Activism
  1. Elon Musk is seen as a global threat, which could lead to violence. Many are worried about his influence over society.
  2. There are concerns about what Musk's potential actions might mean for race relations in the UK and possibly in the US too.
  3. The urgency of the message about Musk's impact isn't being acknowledged by many, putting people at risk.

Middle-class shoplifters and the butthole of the world

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Current Events Social Issues Satire
  1. A clown elected in Argentina claiming to speak with his deceased dog highlights the complexities in society and politics.
  2. The rise of middle-class shoplifting in the UK sheds light on societal issues that often go unnoticed.
  3. Challenges faced by progressive movements in Argentina showcase the impact of identity politics on concrete issues like poverty and crime.

OSD 309: You can’t ban things that have hit escape velocity

Open Source Defense • 38 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Economics Civil Rights Social Issues
  1. Once something becomes very popular and widely used, it's really hard to ban it. People may talk about banning things like TikTok or certain guns, but actually doing it is much tougher.
  2. Banning things is often just talk. Many who support a ban won't follow through if it means facing real consequences or backlash.
  3. Public opinion shifts as something becomes more popular. Just like with TikTok and guns, the more people that use something, the harder it becomes to take it away from them.

Luigi Mangione, Unabomber Redux

Skeptic • 61 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues
  1. Luigi Mangione, the suspect arrested for killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, seems to have been influenced by the ideas of Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber.
  2. Mangione expressed anger towards the healthcare system, claiming it is corrupt and that drastic actions were necessary to highlight these problems.
  3. His beliefs echo a dangerous perspective that violence could be a justified response to societal issues, which raises concerns about how some people interpret and act on such ideas.

An assassin for our time (PART TWO)

Unreported Truths • 52 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Mental health Corporate Influence Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Luigi Mangione had several health issues but chose to target a health insurance executive, suggesting his anger was more about feelings than specific grievances.
  2. His medical problems connect to a complex area of modern medicine, where physical and mental health often blur together, making treatment difficult.
  3. There are concerns about the potential role of cannabis and psychedelics in Mangione's decline, raising questions about their safety and impact when used frequently.

He'd Rather be a Killer than a Girl: What Halloween Costumes Can Teach Us About the Patriarchal Thinking Within Us All

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Social Issues Identity Patriarchy Ideology
  1. Halloween costumes play a significant role in reinforcing or combating stereotypes about gender roles and expectations.
  2. There is a sexist double standard present in Halloween costuming where it's more acceptable for girls and women to identify with male characters than for boys and men to identify with female characters.
  3. Patriarchal ideology influences costume options available for men and women, perpetuating narrow conceptions of femininity and masculinity. This limitation can lead to the internalization of gender stereotypes and unequal valuing of qualities associated with each gender.

Curator

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Media Theater Psychology Social Issues
  1. There's a cultural shift where therapy and acting classes are now influenced by performance, politics, and social justice, which can lead to people feeling pressured rather than genuinely understood.
  2. Art has become bland and unoriginal, often falling into the trap of needing to fit into institutional standards, instead of embracing creativity and individuality.
  3. The Great Resignation reflects a change in how people see work; many are valuing their time and personal interests more than just traditional job expectations.

How Not To Cancel Russia

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship War Social Issues International relations
  1. It's important to avoid blaming all Russians for their government's actions. Just like in other countries, people can have different views and shouldn't be judged solely based on their nationality.
  2. There are big debates about cultural boycotts and canceling works set in Russia. Self-censorship by authors can lead to extreme positions that don't really help anyone.
  3. Even during wartime, we should recognize individual bravery and the complexity of people's identities. Not every Russian supports the war and we need to see beyond stereotypes.

Joe Biden’s Parting Gift to America Will be Christian Fascism

The Chris Hedges Report • 266 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Partisanship Social Issues Government
  1. The Democratic Party failed to implement New Deal reforms to prevent Trump presidency and Christian fascism.
  2. Biden and the Democrats, alongside the Republicans, contributed to the erosion of the nation through deregulation and corporate servitude.
  3. Fear of Trump's return and Christian fascism is the last strategy Democrats hold, while ignoring and dismissing the economic challenges faced by the working class.

The Year Behind and Ahead

Many Such Cases • 439 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Writing Travel Social Issues Self-reflection
  1. 2022 was a year of big changes, including getting laid off but finding freedom in freelance writing and traveling a lot.
  2. The author discovered new motivations in writing, focusing on how topics like sexuality reflect on society, not just interesting facts.
  3. In 2023, there may be more conversations about masculinity and sexual health online, which could lead to confusion about desires and habits.

DEI, Is Trump's New Code For Spic, Whore, Nigger & Fag!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Civil Rights Government Policies Racism
  1. There's a belief that the terms 'DEI' may be used to covertly express racist and sexist ideas, suggesting they're more about exclusion than inclusion. This implies that these words could hide harmful attitudes.
  2. Some argue that actions taken by figures like Musk and Trump are damaging the diversity in government jobs and that this could lead to serious legal challenges for discrimination. This raises concerns about fairness in hiring based on factors like race and gender.
  3. There’s a sentiment that the right-wing is intentionally undermining government functionality to push a political agenda. This could create a backlash where people hold leaders accountable for these perceived failures.

When Will Women Be Human?

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture History Science Social Issues Gender Studies
  1. Women in science, like the Morris sisters, often faced struggles for recognition and respect. Their hard work was sometimes overlooked because of the views society had about women's roles.
  2. Margaretta and Elizabeth Morris had to use clever strategies to get their scientific contributions noticed, like publishing anonymously and building relationships with influential men in science. They showed that persistence was key.
  3. Despite some advancements, women still had to fight for equality in scientific societies and other areas of life. This shows that the fight for women's rights is ongoing, and society needs to value women as equals.

Episode 111: A Republic If You Can Keep It

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Media Social Issues Political Commentary
  1. The government has been dishonest about the Capitol incident on January 6, and this has affected conservatives unfairly. They have hidden important information from the public.
  2. A city council in Burlington, Vermont is pushing new laws that seem to target specific groups. This has caused concern for some members of the community, including the local Republican Party chairman.
  3. The episode also includes a segment that mixes humor with current events. It offers a light-hearted look at serious topics.

Leaving the AMS

Heterodox STEM • 362 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policies Organizations Social Issues
  1. DEI statements as a required component for job applications can have a corrosive effect on the math community.
  2. Compelled speech in DEI statements may lead to a population of conformists in math departments.
  3. The AMS's lack of investigation into compelled DEI statements raises concerns about the impact on the math community.

It's the (Knowledge) Economy, Stupid

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 119 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Party Politics Voters Democratic Party Labor Unions
  1. The biggest divide in American politics is between knowledge economy professionals and those feeling like 'losers' in this economy, impacting the Democratic Party and the political landscape.
  2. Knowledge economy professionals have significantly influenced the Democratic Party, leading to a disconnect with the values and priorities of most other Americans, especially working-class voters.
  3. The focus on catering to the preferences of knowledge economy professionals has caused a shift in the style and substance of Democratic politics, moving it away from the concerns of ordinary Americans and towards more niche ideologies.

Consumption report

Vague Blue • 159 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Social Issues Entertainment
  1. The essay discusses the enduring legacy of Bruce Lee in American cinema and his charismatic mannerisms that captivate audiences.
  2. The post delves into the portrayal of unconventional and progressive relationships in classic Hollywood films, hinting at societal issues that continue to resonate today.
  3. It shares insights on the practice of 'microdosing cinema' by watching specific scenes from movies and shows, offering a unique way to appreciate media content.

Being "baby" is not anti-capitalist

The 21st Century Proletarian • 159 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Youth Identity Social Issues Generational Dynamics Self-development
  1. Recognizing and accepting the need for rest and vulnerability is important for well-being.
  2. Cultural infantilization can lead to adults feeling like passive objects instead of active agents in society.
  3. Instead of retreating into comfort, embracing responsibility and resilience is crucial for creating positive change in the world.

Friendship and politics | article

Tumbleweed Words • 17 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Discourse Public Opinion Identity politics Social Issues
  1. Political discussions between friends can change dramatically over time. What once felt open and easy can become tense or emotional.
  2. Common issues like the cost of living can become more important than identity politics for many people. Understanding this shift can help bridge political divides.
  3. Maintaining friendships during political disagreements requires good faith and understanding. It's important to listen and engage in respectful conversations.

The Schizophrenia of the GOP Platform

Banana Peel Pirouette • 158 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Liberalism Capitalism Social Issues Media influence
  1. The GOP platform shows a contradiction between social conservatism and economic conservatism.
  2. Under a capitalist system, traditional values are challenged by the free market's constant evolution.
  3. The emergence of new social dynamics, such as the decline in church attendance and changing family structures, can be attributed to the effects of capitalism.