The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Kanye Needs a Conservatorship

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 217 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Public Discourse Media Critique
  1. Some people may struggle with mental health to the point they can't handle their own lives. This can lead to harmful actions or behaviors.
  2. Kanye West has made several controversial and hate-filled statements online, including antisemitic comments. This pattern of behavior raises concern about his mental well-being.
  3. There have been repeated incidents where Kanye has expressed extreme views, suggesting a need for oversight or support to ensure his safety and the safety of others.

The State of the Culture, 2024

The Honest Broker • 121016 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Arts Technology Social Issues Addiction
  1. The entertainment industry is facing challenges like Disney in crisis, Paramount laying off employees, and a decline in TV shows, showing a shift towards a post-entertainment culture.
  2. The culture is transitioning towards a focus on distraction and addiction, with tech platforms using stimuli to create addictive cycles, impacting people's brains and happiness levels.
  3. As our culture evolves into a dopamine-driven society, it becomes essential to be mindful of our consumption habits, unplug from technology at times, and appreciate the real world around us.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 10, 2025: "California Fires and America's Competency Crisis"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1662 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Disasters Public Policy Climate change Social Issues
  1. Los Angeles is currently facing severe wildfires, and the situation is critical with no containment in sight. This highlights the growing threat of natural disasters in the area.
  2. The fires raise questions about the preparedness and response of local leaders and public services. Many believe that better planning and resources could have helped manage this disaster.
  3. While some attribute these fires to climate change, it's essential to recognize the area's historical vulnerability to wildfires. There are lessons to be learned about living in disaster-prone regions and the responsibilities of local government.

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the Art of the Smear

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Celebrity Justice Social Issues
  1. Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and claimed he organized a smear campaign against her. This has sparked widespread discussion and sympathy for her situation.
  2. The case brings up questions about the complexity of such accusations, especially given how media often portrays men as villains and women as victims in Hollywood.
  3. Amid all the drama, it's important to remember that there are often multiple sides to every story, and not everything is as clear-cut as it seems.

Was the UHC assassin a "pro"?

Read Max • 4215 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Media Violence Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. There is a lot of debate online about whether the person who killed the UHC CEO was a skilled professional or just someone angry with the company. This shows how people are fascinated by the idea of hitmen and assassins.
  2. Most of the discussions about assassins come from movies and TV shows, not real life. Many people who talk about being 'cool gun guys' often have no real experience but love consuming action-packed media.
  3. The myth of hitmen being like the ones in movies may influence some to try and act like them. However, real-life hitmen are quite different from fiction, and trying to hire one is likely to lead to trouble.
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Criminal Minds

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts True Crime Social Issues Mental health Political Commentary Cultural critique
  1. Child abuse is a major factor in violent behavior, as suggested by the case of a young murderer. It's important to understand the home environment of troubled youth.
  2. Society is facing a decline with issues like street violence and controversial influences in media. These problems make it harder for people to feel safe.
  3. There's a mix of unusual news topics and merchandise being advertised. It reflects the unique and sometimes bizarre culture we are living in.

Happy New Year. Our Society Is Every Bit As Diseased As You Suspect It Is.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2114 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Social Issues Media influence
  1. Many people sense that society is deeply troubled, but they disagree on the reasons behind it. Everyone feels something is off, but the solutions aren't clear.
  2. Powerful people are manipulating our thoughts through hidden propaganda, making us believe we are free while keeping us controlled. Most people don’t even realize this is happening.
  3. As frustrations with social issues grow, it’s important to help others understand the real problems. We should guide this frustration into clearer paths for change instead of letting it go to waste.

Program or Be Programmed - Launch Party

Rushkoff • 199 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Digital Society Social Issues Psychedelics Book launch
  1. There is a book launch party happening in NYC on November 3, celebrating the updated edition of 'Program or Be Programmed.'
  2. The event includes a conversation about the impact of psychedelics and digital society's future.
  3. Attendance is free for a limited number of people who RSVP, and it will also be live-streamed for those who can't attend in person.

The Online Sports Gambling Experiment Has Failed

Don't Worry About the Vase • 6451 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Public Health Economic Impact
  1. Legal online sports gambling has led to a big increase in bankruptcies, suggesting financial harm to many individuals. It seems like for every $70,000 made by sportsbooks, someone files for bankruptcy.
  2. Household savings rates are declining because people are using their money for sports betting instead of investing. This trend is concerning as it can hurt long-term financial stability.
  3. There is a link between sports betting and increased domestic violence. When sports teams lose, incidents of domestic violence rise, showing the negative social impact of gambling.

October 2024 Q&A

Glenn Loury • 238 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Policy Elections Social Issues Cultural Commentary
  1. There is a Q&A session where people can ask questions and get answers from experts. It's a good chance to learn more about specific topics.
  2. Viewers are encouraged to leave their queries in the comments so they can be discussed later. This makes it interactive and engaging.
  3. Subscription options are available for more content, including a free trial for new users. This allows people to explore more without immediate commitment.

This Week's Podcast Ep is REALLY Good + Friday Open Chaos Thread

Culture Study • 1679 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Media Social Issues Lifestyle Human behavior
  1. Therapy speak is becoming more common in conversations, especially on social media, and includes terms like 'boundaries' and 'shadow work.'
  2. The podcast discusses how to approach New Year's resolutions in a balanced way, avoiding extremes of hustle culture or vague therapy language.
  3. An Open Chaos Thread allows people to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a supportive, yet freeform, environment.

What I'm Reading, Post-Election

Culture Study • 6104 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Reflection Social Issues Politics Identity
  1. Reading helps process complex feelings. It doesn't mean you agree, but it can spark important thoughts and emotions.
  2. Misogyny and economic issues are intertwined in politics. Many voters may prioritize financial gain over women's health and safety.
  3. The political landscape is tough and complex. People can engage with issues that matter to them without needing to fix everything at once.

More Odds and Ends

David Friedman’s Substack • 170 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economics Political polarization Social Issues
  1. Tariffs can raise revenue for a country but may not be the best tax choice compared to broader taxes. A high tariff rate would require taxing a major portion of imports, which isn’t practical.
  2. Bigotry can stem from people's rigid mental models not matching reality. When someone or something doesn't fit cleanly into these models, it can create discomfort and irritation.
  3. Political polarization is increasing, and it might help if political parties were less sorted. Encouraging issues that don’t follow the typical left/right divide could lead to more cooperation between parties.

The way we live in the United States is not normal

Changing The Channel • 33626 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Healthcare Economics Culture Society
  1. In the United States, there is a sense of normalcy around high costs for education and healthcare, which contrasts with other countries where these are considered basic human rights.
  2. The social dynamics in the US make casual, spontaneous interactions with friends difficult to maintain, unlike in some other parts of the world where daily connections are more common.
  3. The increasing expenses, especially in housing, in the US are leading to a situation where even successful professionals find it challenging to afford a balanced life, pushing many towards burnout and dissatisfaction.

‘Am I a Racist?’ Is Brilliant. More Importantly, It's Funny

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 456 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Cultural critique Media Analysis Race relations
  1. Matt Walsh's documentary 'Am I a Racist?' uses humor to criticize the DEI industry and its practices. It shows how some people profit from creating racial tensions.
  2. The film exposes the contradiction in some anti-racist beliefs, where individuals are seen only through their group identity. Walsh highlights the absurdity of these ideas while making the audience laugh.
  3. Alongside the mockery, the film also presents positive examples of people who view others as individuals, suggesting a more constructive way to address racism.

Anti-Jew Bigotry Will Not Be Tolerated Here

Disaffected Newsletter • 3337 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Free speech Social Issues Community Standards
  1. No anti-Jewish bigotry will be allowed. This means any hateful comments or discrimination against Jewish people will not be tolerated.
  2. There's a difference between discussing issues related to Jewish identities and promoting bigotry. It's important to have rational conversations without being hateful.
  3. If someone breaks these rules, they will be asked to leave. There won't be chances for explanations or discussions about it.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 55

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Events Food Social Issues
  1. Thomas Keller, a famous chef, asked a food critic to leave his restaurant, which led to an unexpected three-hour wait that turned into a memorable experience for the critic.
  2. A launch video for Sam Altman and Jony Ive's new device is amusing, but it features odd random quotes. Ive recently sold his company for a huge sum of $6.5 billion.
  3. José Mujica, known as the world's 'poorest president', passed away. He always believed that true poverty comes from wanting more and being in a constant race for material things.

NYC’s Mayor Gets His Eyebrows Done

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 783 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Political Leaders Public Policy News Coverage Social Issues
  1. Mayor Eric Adams got his eyebrows done to show off how much the Queens neighborhood has improved.
  2. A few months before, the area was overrun with crime and had a lot of illegal activities, making locals feel unsafe.
  3. His visit symbolized a fresh start for the community after efforts to clean it up and make it more civil.

Were You 'Cancelled'? Or Are You a Sheltered Elite Who Faced Consequences for the First Time In Your Priviledged Life?

JoeWrote • 107 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cancel Culture Political critique Media Analysis Cultural Commentary Social Issues
  1. People often claim they face 'cancel culture' when they actually just face consequences for their actions. It's not about censorship, but about accountability.
  2. Cancel culture discussions mostly come from wealthy individuals who want to avoid facing the same social standards that impact ordinary people. They fear losing their privilege.
  3. The media often exaggerates cancel culture as a threat, diverting attention from real issues like political corruption and social injustices. This creates a false narrative to avoid addressing deeper problems.

The FDR era comes to an end

The Crucial Years • 4414 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Leadership Social Issues
  1. The recent election represented a major shift away from the values established during the FDR era. It feels like a significant connection to that time has been broken, which raises concerns about the future.
  2. Current challenges, especially regarding climate and energy, seem daunting, but there is an opportunity to rebuild our energy system. The focus on renewable energy could help create a more equitable and sustainable world.
  3. Local leaders need to act decisively on climate change policies. There’s a need for strong initiatives to reduce pollution and invest in green projects, which are critical to making meaningful progress.

God Save Us

Disaffected Newsletter • 2877 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Civil Rights Social Issues Conflict
  1. Some people are very concerned about the actions and beliefs of those on the left, feeling that they pose a real threat. It’s important to be aware and cautious about who you trust among friends and family.
  2. There is a belief that the situation could escalate to serious conflict, possibly a civil war, and some are preparing to defend themselves. Being ready is viewed as a priority by some.
  3. It’s suggested to put distance between yourself and those who hold opposing views, as they might not have your best interests at heart. Staying safe means creating boundaries with certain people.

I Met the Alleged CEO Assassin

The Prism • 1757 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Social Issues Criminal Justice Healthcare Cultural Commentary
  1. The individual named Luigi Mangione, once seen as a nice and thoughtful person, is now accused of murder. This raises questions about how people can show kindness yet still commit terrible acts.
  2. Luigi felt strongly about people losing their sense of agency and believed many were living on autopilot. He was eager to discuss ways to regain control over his life.
  3. There are dangers in attributing blame for societal issues to individuals. The healthcare system is complex, and scapegoating someone doesn't solve the bigger problems at play.

This is not a good way to fight racism in America

Noahpinion • 34882 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race relations Discrimination Diversity Social Issues Government Policy
  1. Creating a multiracial society requires deep societal changes and can't be achieved through quick fixes or shortcuts
  2. Forging a shared national identity in a diverse society is challenging but achievable through extended, cooperative contact between racial groups
  3. Efforts to combat racism through shortcuts like discriminatory practices or oversimplified diversity training often backfire and require long-term, thoughtful solutions

“Don’t put ‘gender’ into law - it’s a terrible idea”, the Women’s Rights Party & Mana Wāhine Kōrero tell NZ’s Law Commission.

A B’Old Woman • 1119 implied HN points • 17 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Human Rights Legislation Social Issues Activism
  1. Adding 'gender' to the law could harm women's rights. Many believe it could create confusion about sex-based rights.
  2. The process to submit opinions on this issue isn't fair. Not everyone has equal access to technology or the ability to express their views clearly.
  3. There's a call for more attention to the negative impacts of letting men identify as women in women's spaces, and a need for women's voices to be heard.

National IQs Are Valid

Cremieux Recueil • 809 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Social Issues
  1. National IQ estimates can be reliable and realistic even if they seem low, as they reflect a range of factors, including cultural and environmental influences.
  2. It's important to understand that an IQ score does not solely define someone’s abilities, especially in different cultural contexts where adaptive functioning matters more.
  3. Critics of national IQ data often misunderstand how mental retardation is defined and how IQ tests measure intelligence, leading to flawed arguments against the use of national IQ data.

The Real Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2980 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Social Issues Human Rights Conflict analysis Media Critique
  1. Many people are starting to understand the harsh reality of life in Israel and Palestine, which is very different from what is often taught. This includes seeing the conflict and its impact more clearly.
  2. There are serious allegations of violence and human rights abuses by Israel against Palestinians. These claims include attacks on civilians, including children, and targeting aid workers.
  3. The situation has made it clear that peaceful resolutions are needed, and many believe that real change can happen only when people prioritize human rights and compassion over conflict.

First draft thoughts on "the high road"

Disaffected Newsletter • 2198 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Government Policy Political Rights Cultural Conflict Social Issues
  1. Changing political and cultural views can lead to significant personal and social consequences. Many people experience pushback when they express alternative opinions or truths.
  2. Facing severe backlash—like losing a job or being labeled negatively—can increase feelings of isolation and mistrust among those who speak out.
  3. The idea of 'rising above' and not holding others accountable can feel unfair, especially to those who have been treated poorly for standing up for their beliefs.

Places without women

Of Boys and Men • 171 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Social Issues Gender Studies Public Policy
  1. There's a growing trend where many U.S. counties have more men than women. This is particularly noticeable in the younger age group of 20 to 39.
  2. From 2003 to 2023, the number of counties with a majority of men doubled. This shift is significant and mainly seen in rural areas.
  3. Skewed sex ratios can affect various social issues like crime rates and relationship dynamics. It's important to study these trends to understand their impacts better.

Is WWIII Already Underway? Is Hegseth Toast? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2054 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Government International relations Social Issues
  1. There are serious questions about Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense, as he faces multiple allegations and public scrutiny. Even his own mother had to defend him on TV, which isn't a good sign.
  2. Young Canadians are increasingly dissatisfied with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, feeling financial pressure that is leading them to consider more conservative options. This shift is significant, as this generation once strongly supported him.
  3. Many young Russians are escaping to Bali to avoid being drafted into the Ukraine war. They express feelings of being caught in a conflict they don’t support and want to find a safe place away from the violence.

Mid Women Got Spanked Less (pt1)

Knowingless • 1931 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Psychology Gender Studies Family Dynamics Social Issues
  1. Women who consider themselves attractive often report growing up in higher class families. This shows a possible link between looks and economic background.
  2. Hotter women appear to have a better self-image and feel more powerful. They are also generally more extroverted and conscientious.
  3. Mid-range attractive women seem to have had loving families but were spanked the least as children, suggesting family dynamics could influence their self-perception.

Grading the World's Shortest Manifesto

Cremieux Recueil • 1944 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Healthcare Criminal Justice Social Issues Mental health
  1. The manifesto written by the killer does not support his actions and lacks logical reasoning. It fails to make a strong case for why he committed such a violent act.
  2. The killer misunderstands the U.S. healthcare system and its costs. Poor life expectancy in the U.S. is mostly due to factors unrelated to healthcare quality, like obesity and violence, rather than the system itself.
  3. Blaming 'corruption and greed' in the healthcare system oversimplifies complex issues. Good people can make bad choices in healthcare policy without being motivated by greed or corruption.

Facecrime

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Legal system Cultural critique Historical perspectives
  1. The UK is arresting people for how they appear during violent events, showing a serious issue in handling domestic violence.
  2. Older hippies still hold on to their past beliefs and are out of touch with current realities, which raises questions about their views.
  3. There are lessons in recognizing unstable people, highlighting the importance of being aware of our surroundings.

Meet the Indians Locked Out of the American Dream

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 728 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Legislation Social Issues Economics Labor Market
  1. Many immigrants find that the American dream feels unreachable due to strict visa regulations. These rules can make it hard for them to change jobs or start their own businesses.
  2. People like Atal Agarwal feel trapped by their immigration status, limiting their career choices and dreams. They often feel pressure to stick with jobs they may not want.
  3. Returning to their home country can feel like a loss of opportunity for some immigrants, especially when they have invested so much in their education and work in the U.S.

Mailbag #4, Plus Update on Tuesday Event

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 292 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Public Discourse Civic engagement Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. There is an event happening in DC on Tuesday with notable guests, and tickets are still available.
  2. The author is doing a Q&A mailbag, where anyone can ask questions but only paid subscribers will get answers.
  3. Questions will be prioritized based on likes from readers, but the author won't answer questions that have been previously discussed.

Doomscroll: Peter James Fowler

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Politics Culture Comedy Social Issues
  1. Young people can influence politics online, even starting at a very young age. It's surprising how a kid can run a political meme account with thousands of followers.
  2. The early internet had culture wars influenced by new atheism and the rise of conservative movements shaped by evangelical Christianity. These battles still affect us today.
  3. Our beliefs are influenced by our personal experiences and the political environment around us. It's important to recognize where our views come from.

In The Fight Against Tyranny, Don't Let Your Happiness Depend On Big Wins

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2184 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Activism Government Social Issues Mental health Philosophy
  1. It's important to find happiness outside of big victories. Relying on large wins can lead to disappointment and frustration.
  2. Your happiness can positively impact others. Allowing joy into your life can spread happiness to those around you.
  3. Cultivating happiness is a valuable skill. Learning to be happy can make you more effective in your efforts to make a difference.

🍼 Confronting global population collapse: A Quick Q&A with … demographer Nick Eberstadt

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Economics Political Economy Social Issues
  1. Global population is set to decline for the first time in history, mainly because people are choosing to have fewer children. This shift poses big challenges for governments worldwide.
  2. Unlike past population declines, like during the Black Death, today's situation is driven by personal choices rather than disease. We now face a situation of fewer births happening across different cultures and societies.
  3. The reasons for lower birth rates are complex. It's not just about wealth, as many poorer countries are also experiencing declining birth rates. People's desires for children play a crucial role in understanding these trends.