The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Woke Have Won, and Decisively.

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 157 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political Ideology Media influence Cultural Institutions Public Opinion
  1. The phenomenon of 'wokeism' has similarities to religion and has captured cultural and sense-making institutions.
  2. Wokeism has succeeded by neutralizing liberals and exploiting social dynamics to crush dissent.
  3. Understanding that the 'woke' have decisively won cultural institutions is essential in fighting against this phenomenon.

Blackened and changed

Men Yell at Me • 248 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Social Issues Media Literature Interviews
  1. The book 'This American Ex-Wife' has sparked conversations about love, marriage, and relationships in American society.
  2. The author has received mixed feedback - from angry men questioning her views to women thanking her for the impact of her book on their lives.
  3. The author's book was reviewed by various publications and sparked discussions on important topics like divorce, marriage, and feminism.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The radical left has lost its moral compass

Heterodox STEM • 384 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Social Issues Ethics Cultural critique
  1. Postmodernism and nihilism have influenced academic institutions, leading to moral relativism and a shift away from open inquiry and tolerance.
  2. The push for 'anti-racism' has sometimes resulted in discriminatory practices, undermining merit-based systems and educational opportunities.
  3. A call to challenge and openly debate harmful ideologies that have infiltrated academic institutions and to reaffirm the importance of objective truth and moral clarity.

Social Inhibition and Isolation in the Digital World

Default Wisdom • 74 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Digital Culture True Crime Isolation
  1. Social media can lead to feelings of isolation, especially among young people. Engaging with online communities may fill a social void but can also prevent real-world connections.
  2. Some people may become intensely interested in niche topics, like true crime, to cope with loneliness. This can lead to deeper involvement in online discussions and communities.
  3. The transition from casual interest to active participation in online groups can have significant emotional impacts. It's important to explore how these experiences shape one's social life.

Le burnout racial

L'Atelier Galita • 339 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Race Mental health Society Emotions
  1. The concept of racial burnout is real and can be triggered by experiences of racism and marginalization.
  2. Emotional expression and validation can be challenging for marginalized individuals due to stereotypes and biases.
  3. Coping with racial burnout may involve taking breaks, distancing from triggering content, and seeking rest and relief.

Thinking outside "outside the box"

escape the algorithm • 159 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Philosophy Social Issues Art Literature
  1. Moving past traditional definitions of creativity allows everyone to grow and flourish in unique ways.
  2. Creativity can extend to maintaining and preserving things, not just inventing or designing them.
  3. Redefining creativity as a collective effort, nurturing life, and embracing destruction can lead to diverse and impactful creative outcomes.

Links to Consider, 1/19

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Policy Economy Gender Taxation
  1. Wokeness and victimhood culture are not just influenced by laws, but also by disparities in outcomes.
  2. Core gender beliefs have historically influenced societies and changes in those beliefs affected women's opportunities.
  3. Government benefit policies can inadvertently discourage work and incentivize receiving benefits, creating a cycle of dependency.

Good News and Bad News

Default Wisdom • 66 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Personal Community Creativity Social Issues
  1. The author is working on a difficult piece that has been in progress for years and feels a lot of pressure to finish it. The urgency comes from wanting to provide the detail it truly needs.
  2. Childcare challenges have made it harder for the author to keep up with tasks, including responding to others' messages.
  3. The post is shared with paid subscribers, highlighting a sense of exclusivity and possibly in-depth discussion of the author's experiences.

Maybe Appalachia is Secretly Pining for Elizabeth Warren

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Economic Policy Social Issues
  1. Democrats are really unpopular in Appalachia, where the Republican Party dominates. The shift from a blue to a red region shows there are big challenges for Democrats there.
  2. Economic populism is being suggested as a solution for Democrats in regions like Appalachia. Some believe that focusing on issues like corporate power might help regain trust with voters.
  3. However, there's doubt about whether voters truly care for populist policies like those of Elizabeth Warren or whether they just want good economic outcomes without the political jargon.

How much did lockdown and mRNA regret drive voters toward Trump?

Unreported Truths • 57 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Public Health Government Policy Social Issues
  1. Many blue states with strict lockdowns saw a big move towards Trump in the latest election. This shift was most noticeable in places like California.
  2. People are starting to question the COVID-19 vaccines, especially after experiencing severe health issues post-vaccination. This growing skepticism may have influenced their voting decisions.
  3. There appears to be a connection between regrets over vaccination and political choices, suggesting that frustration with health policies could drive voters towards Trump.

February 11, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Elections Political parties Social Issues
  1. Abraham Lincoln believed that government should help people do things they can't do alone, like building roads and schools. He thought a strong government could support democracy and protect everyone's rights.
  2. Progressive leaders, like Theodore Roosevelt, expanded government roles to protect people from big businesses that harmed them. They aimed to ensure individuals had access to education, health care, and a clean environment.
  3. Over time, some people began to reject the idea of an active government, claiming it was un-American. Today, there are ongoing debates about how much the government should help everyday people versus the interests of the wealthy.

Outside's lazy, fragile editors embrace ignorance and irresponsibility while blaming the world for their self-imposed anxieties and mental disarray

Beck of the Pack • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media Mental health Fitness Social Issues Critique
  1. Outside editors are criticized for embracing ignorance and blaming others for their mental issues
  2. Corporate publications aim to shift blame for psychological distress onto external factors
  3. Critique is given on the quality and messaging of mental health articles published by Outside publications

Are LGBTQ Activists Just Nasty People?

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 138 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender identity Activism Culture Workplace dynamics Social Issues
  1. LGBTQ activists can be perceived as intolerant and aggressive when enforcing their beliefs on others in professional settings.
  2. The narrative points out the manipulation and power strategies employed by some activists in the LGBTQ community.
  3. The story highlights the increasing polarization and challenges in maintaining tolerance towards diverse perspectives in modern society.

The Wokish people of running are hostile, cowardly, and ruthlessly stupid even by the standards of the faith

Beck of the Pack • 137 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Sports Media Social Issues Political Commentary
  1. The post criticizes certain behaviors in the running community, highlighting issues like cancel culture and extremism.
  2. It discusses the impact of Wokism on different aspects of society, such as running, journalism, and societal norms.
  3. The text shares personal anecdotes and opinions on specific individuals, shedding light on conflicts and controversies within various communities.

What I've been reading

Kvetch • 48 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature History Social Issues Philosophy Education
  1. Human evolution is influenced by various genetic factors, and recent research shows that specific traits, like blue eyes and dry earwax, evolved due to strong selection methods in different populations.
  2. The book _Common Ground_ explores the lives of three Boston families and illustrates the complexities of race and class in America, especially during school desegregation efforts in the 1970s.
  3. In _Churchill, Hitler, and the Unnecessary War_, the author argues that Britain played a key role in causing World War I and II by making choices that escalated conflicts, raising questions about the impact of those decisions on history.

Introducing: Something

Sex and the State • 19 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Democratic Party Social Issues Gender Politics
  1. It's important to create content that respects and connects with all people, including those who feel left out. Everyone deserves to feel valued and heard.
  2. There is a need for better messaging and communication in political discussions, especially when addressing diverse groups. Clear communication can help bridge gaps and foster understanding.
  3. Listening to different perspectives is crucial, even if you don't fully agree. Engaging with varied opinions can lead to richer conversations and more inclusive ideas.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 15.12.2024

steigan.no • 9 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Government Policy International relations Social Issues
  1. There are many empty houses in Norway that could become homes for people. Using these buildings can help people find affordable places to live, especially in rural areas.
  2. High electricity prices in Norway are leading to financial struggles for both businesses and individuals. There is a call for the government to find better solutions instead of just providing temporary support.
  3. Georgia is becoming a focal point in international politics, with the U.S. using it as a strategy to weaken Russia. This situation reflects a greater trend of nations being used in geopolitical conflicts.

HELP us stand up for kids!

Disaffected Newsletter • 459 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Social Issues LGBTQ Rights Children's rights Free speech
  1. There's a big protest happening about children's rights regarding gender identity. People are concerned about how kids can be harmed by medical transitions.
  2. The protest is supported by a group that wants to separate the LGB community from transgender activism. They believe there are different interests and issues at stake.
  3. If you can't attend the protest, you can support it by watching it online and spreading the word. It's important to many who feel strongly about these topics.

Canada Is Stealing Senior's First Pension Check!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Social Issues Pensions Legal Actions Healthcare
  1. The Canadian government delays seniors' first pension check, which is seen as unfair and harmful. This system leaves many seniors struggling financially right at the start of their retirement.
  2. Low-income seniors are already burdened by taxes on their pensions, making the delayed payment even more difficult to accept. Many people believe this policy shows a lack of care for seniors in Canada.
  3. There are concerns that government policies, similar to those in the U.S., ignore the needs of vulnerable groups like seniors. This raises questions about the ethics and priorities of political leaders.

They’re Coming for Your Porn

American Dreaming • 61 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Civil Rights Social Issues Political Movements
  1. There's a growing movement in some states to criminalize pornography, and this could affect many people, including teachers and libraries. The laws are being pushed mainly by conservative groups who believe it harms society.
  2. Many states now require people to prove their age to access adult content, which raises concerns about online privacy and data security. This could lead to personal information being exposed or abused.
  3. Instead of banning porn, better sex education is needed to help young people understand relationships and sexual health. Open conversations about sex can help prepare kids for the realities of adulthood.

Episode 106: Das Ray-ciss!

Disaffected Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Surrogacy Criminal Justice Media Commentary Social Issues
  1. Some people believe it's okay for people of color to express racist views towards white people, and they argue that it's not actually racism.
  2. There are women attracted to men in prison, and they openly share their feelings about these relationships.
  3. The idea of commercial surrogacy is viewed by some as a form of human trafficking, and it raises concerns about the ethics of buying and selling babies.

OSD 304: The copycat effect and that which must not be named

Open Source Defense • 38 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Media influence Public Safety Social Issues
  1. Talking about violent events can sometimes lead to more similar events happening, known as the copycat effect. It's important to raise awareness but to be careful with how we discuss it.
  2. Media attention on mass shootings often makes the shooters more famous, which can inspire others to commit similar acts. Limiting this coverage may help reduce future incidents.
  3. When discussing tragic events, it's best to avoid sharing the names or details of the perpetrators. Instead, focus on the victims and positive actions taken during the crisis.

The Truth About Integration

Comment is Freed • 114 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Integration Education Immigration Policy Social Issues
  1. Integration challenges in the UK are being addressed successfully through education, leading to positive outcomes in academic performance and assimilation for immigrant communities.
  2. The UK stands out in Europe for immigrant students' academic success, suggesting the impact of education on integration is significant.
  3. Education plays a key role in reducing segregation over time, as seen in the increasing diversity in neighborhoods and schools, signaling progress towards greater integration.

Homicide is not the leading cause of death for pregnant women

Sex and the State • 19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Maternal health Public Health Reproductive Rights Social Issues
  1. Homicide is not the leading cause of death for pregnant women; in fact, most pregnant women are more likely to die from health issues like heart disease and blood clots.
  2. Media often highlights rare events, so if something makes the news, it’s likely not common; we should be cautious about believing it’s a widespread issue.
  3. There’s a lot we still don’t know about maternal mortality rates and what leads to them, but many deaths are preventable, and better support for healthcare is needed for expecting mothers.

Rampage Without End

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 08 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Indigenous rights Criminal Justice
  1. Intergenerational trauma affects many communities, especially indigenous peoples. It can cause long-lasting issues like addiction and violence if not properly addressed.
  2. Many indigenous people in Canada, the U.S., and Australia face high rates of incarceration and poverty. This stems from historical mistreatment and ongoing challenges in their communities.
  3. Effective solutions require recognition of the trauma and proper support. Successful interventions have shown that healing is possible through community efforts and focused recovery programs.

Who Is Owed a Job?

Marginally Compelling • 20 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment Education Social Issues Workforce Inequality
  1. Blaming individuals for job market issues is not fair. The social contract has changed, and many can't find jobs that match their skills.
  2. There's a concern over college graduates taking low-skilled jobs after investing so much time and money in their education. It feels wrong to work in food service when you studied for something more advanced.
  3. People are arguing about job choices but often misunderstand each other's views. Some think college-educated workers believe they are above other jobs, while others emphasize that all work is valuable.

Candidate profile: Bethany Mandel

Can We Still Govern? • 193 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Health Public Health Social Issues
  1. Bethany Mandel is posing as a Democrat for a predominantly Democratic region, even though she identifies as a Republican and campaigns in an anti-woke, right-wing style.
  2. Mandel raises concerns about legal fees in the school district yet is actively suing the school while also suing teachers for blocking her on Twitter, showing a lack of consistency.
  3. Mandel, despite not having her children attend school, is critical toward public services, misunderstands the social contract, flip-flopped on vaccines during the pandemic, and lacks tolerance for views diverging from her own.

Is Civil War Near?

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 06 Jan 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Political culture Historical context Social Issues Conflict
  1. The United States has not fully resolved issues from its first civil war. Many African Americans continued to face discrimination and disenfranchisement long after the war ended.
  2. On the anniversary of the Capitol riot, there's concern about escalating political tensions in America. However, the author suggests a new civil war is unlikely.
  3. The ongoing struggles for equality indicate that the country still has significant work to do. Addressing these issues is crucial to prevent future conflict.