The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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This Dystopia Depends On Hiding Inconvenient Truths

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Government reform Media Control Public Policy Human Rights
  1. Our society often ignores uncomfortable truths to maintain a sense of normalcy. This hiding helps keep people from realizing the suffering that exists in the world.
  2. Inconvenient realities, like waste disposal and poverty, are often pushed away from our view. By doing this, we avoid facing the consequences of our actions.
  3. The truth eventually comes to light. Sooner or later, we will have to confront the realities we've been avoiding and take responsibility for them.

Images From the Violent Protests in Downtown L.A.

KERFUFFLE • 51 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Social Issues News Coverage Photography Public Sentiment
  1. There were violent protests happening in downtown Los Angeles recently. The situation seems intense and chaotic.
  2. Photographs were taken to capture the events of the protests. Images can provide a different perspective on what's happening.
  3. The person sharing these images has complicated feelings about the protests. They plan to share more thoughts on the matter later.

No, this isn't normal

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 463 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Policy Urban Development Social Issues Political Economy
  1. Many people argue that housing costs have always been high, but this isn't accurate. In the past, housing prices were much more stable compared to the rapid increases we've seen in the last few decades.
  2. High housing costs today are not just due to demand. There's a complex web of factors that includes limited housing supply and economic changes, which makes it harder for people, especially those with lower incomes, to afford homes.
  3. The impact of rising rent prices isn't felt equally. While wealthier areas may see rents that align with income growth, poorer communities face much higher rent increases, making it challenging for families to maintain their living situations.

German political crisis deepens as protests against the CDU continue and suddenly no major party wants to govern with anybody else

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 267 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Elections Political parties Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Germany's political scene is in chaos. Major parties are refusing to form coalitions or work together after new migrations plans were introduced.
  2. The CDU party is facing backlash for its sudden hardline stance on migration, making it hard to find potential partners for a government.
  3. There are fears that the political deadlock could lead to a more extreme right-wing approach, as no clear path to a stable government has emerged.

Understanding Inequality: Can Gini Coefficients Be Fruitfully Demystified? (Revised and Expanded)

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Economics Policy Analysis Social Issues
  1. Gini Coefficients are complex measures of inequality that many people struggle to understand. It might be better to use simpler measures based on income percentiles, which are easier for people to relate to.
  2. When discussing income disparity, it's important to connect the data to real-life situations. Relating income differences to the average income helps individuals grasp the extent of inequality more easily.
  3. Income inequality affects people's experiences and social interactions. Understanding this can provide insights into how economic differences impact relationships and feelings of envy or spite among different economic classes.
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Gov. Wes Moore leads the way

Of Boys and Men • 250 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Social Issues Public Policy Education Mental health
  1. Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland is focusing on supporting boys and men, highlighting their challenges like low job participation and rising suicide rates. It's important to uplift all genders, and he believes addressing men's issues can benefit everyone.
  2. Moore’s approach is not just to help one gender but to ensure opportunities for both boys and girls. He aims to create solutions that support the growth of young boys while also caring for young girls.
  3. Other governors have shown interest in similar initiatives, but Moore's commitment is seen as the most serious so far. His leadership may encourage more political action on these important issues.

Nothing To Add

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Domestic Policy Government Accountability Social Issues Terrorism
  1. There is a growing concern about violence and terrorism in the U.S., especially involving individuals with military backgrounds. This raises questions about the military's culture and training.
  2. New Orleans, while known for its resilience and charm, struggles with significant issues like crime and inadequate public services. Many believe the city needs better leadership and resources to improve safety and education.
  3. The concepts of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) are criticized for being ineffective and harmful. There is a belief that they distract from addressing important societal issues.

Are you high agency?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3642 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Social Issues Political trends Employment
  1. The term 'high agency' is trending in Silicon Valley, describing people who seize opportunities and take action.
  2. This phrase hints at a strong individualistic mindset, which can overlook various challenges people face in life.
  3. The struggles of journalists like Miranda Green highlight serious issues in the media industry, emphasizing the need for independent reporting.

Life in The Age of Moral Panics

OK Doomer • 129 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Social Issues Civil Rights Government Power Public Discourse
  1. Moral panics often happen in society, where people blame others for their problems. This can lead to targeting vulnerable groups instead of addressing real issues.
  2. History shows that powerful people use scapegoats to distract the public from bigger problems. This tactic has been around for a long time, similar to the witch hunts in the past.
  3. The patterns of moral panic are still present today, and they show that society hasn't really changed. Instead of learning from history, we seem to repeat the same mistakes.

Movie Review: Anora

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2766 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Art Humanities Social Issues Entertainment
  1. The movie 'Anora' tells a unique love story between a sex worker and a rich young man, highlighting their genuine connection amidst the chaos of their lives.
  2. The film explores themes of acceptance and the complexity of feelings related to sex and relationships, challenging the idea that sex work is simply a job without emotional weight.
  3. The characters bring humor and depth, especially with comedic elements surrounding family dynamics and cultural clashes, making it a fun yet thought-provoking watch.

Coming to America

Wrong Side of History • 251 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Immigration Social Issues Cultural critique Historical Analysis
  1. Many people feel that guilt from past events influences current decisions, sometimes leading to harmful consequences for future generations.
  2. Diversity and trust are important topics, but there often needs to be more focus on actual studies and facts rather than just personal opinions.
  3. The issue of social housing is complex, and current systems may not be benefiting those they are meant to help, leading to socio-economic challenges.

Canton Follow-Up Post

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban planning Economic Trends Zoning Laws Social Issues
  1. Canton is facing a serious housing issue, with a big decline in new single-family homes being built. This drop is linked to strict zoning laws that make it difficult for families to create more housing options.
  2. Rents in Canton have grown faster than inflation, which is making it hard for residents. Even though buying a home could be cheaper than renting, many people can't get mortgages due to those same zoning restrictions.
  3. The U.S. has a widespread housing crisis, not just in wealthy areas like New York City but everywhere. If cities make it easier to build new homes, they could become more affordable again.

Donald Trump, the Smokers’ President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Social Issues Health Policy Consumer Rights
  1. Some people see nicotine as a popular choice and want to defend it against government rules. This has made smoking a topic that some conservatives rally around.
  2. A new cigar company recently launched and did really well, showing that there is still interest in nicotine products, despite overall sales being down.
  3. Media figures like Tucker Carlson argue that nicotine can actually improve life, pushing back against efforts to regulate its use.

Defeat Racism by Heightening the Contradictions

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3706 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Nationalism Far-right Identity politics Social Issues
  1. There are two types of people in white nationalist groups: some are smarter and focus on ideas, while others are just angry and uneducated. This creates a conflict in their beliefs.
  2. A lot of the smart people might avoid extremist groups because they don’t want to associate with those who have more basic racist views. They care about progress and quality.
  3. Talking about these contradictions can help people see that there are better ideas out there. Engaging with their views might not win over everyone, but it can show some there's no future in extreme identity politics.

Do You Have Aura—or Are You Mid? A Gen-Z Slang Dictionary.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 927 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Youth culture Slang Literature Social Issues Language
  1. Gen Z is often thought to lack ambition and social skills, but many young people want to challenge those stereotypes. They feel connected to past generations and want to fight for causes they believe in.
  2. A recent essay contest revealed that Gen Z has unique perspectives on communication, especially through their slang. Young people believe these terms help unite them across different backgrounds.
  3. Understanding Gen Z slang can be tricky for older generations, but it's an important part of their identity. Words like 'rizz' and 'slay' are not just casual language; they reflect the culture and experiences of young people today.

The Ultimate Guide to Trump's Day 1 Executive Orders

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3389 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Immigration Energy Policy Social Issues Government Regulation
  1. Trump's Day 1 executive orders focus on making energy production easier. This means fewer regulations on things like oil and gas, which could lead to more energy available for everyone.
  2. He signed orders to end 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' programs in government, which many believe unfairly prioritize certain groups over others. This shift aims to promote hiring based on merit instead.
  3. Trump also took a tough stance on immigration, changing rules around citizenship and tightening enforcement. This includes declaring that children born to non-citizens in the U.S. might not be granted citizenship.

Gen Z’s Jerry Springer show

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3194 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Trends Social Issues Entertainment Youth culture
  1. Jubilee Media aims to promote empathy and healthy discussions through social experiments and debates. They want to show different viewpoints but need to be careful with misinformation.
  2. The format of Jubilee's videos can sometimes lead to controversial discussions, making some critics think they're just trying to create drama for views.
  3. The rise of technology, like AI and video sharing at fast speeds, is changing how we experience media and interact, like using QR codes at weddings instead of hashtags.

Did Trump Just Take the First Steps Toward Civil War? & Backlash for NYT Essay Speculating on Taylor Swift’s Sexuality

kareem • 8982 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Legislation Social Issues Media Critique Cultural analysis
  1. Donald Trump is seen as both a flawed individual and a symbol by his followers.
  2. Historians support Colorado's effort to bar Trump from running, citing the 14th amendment.
  3. Speculating on someone's sexuality without clear evidence can be harmful and irresponsible.

Wading Into The HB1 Visa Controversy

Points And Figures • 799 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Economic Analysis Law enforcement Labor Market Social Issues
  1. There's a lot of misunderstanding about immigration, especially regarding the HB1 visa. Instead of emotions, we need to look at data to create better immigration policies.
  2. Charging for immigration can fix many issues. If people pay to immigrate, they may invest more in their new country and assimilate faster.
  3. High-skilled immigrants can benefit America without causing social costs. By removing political influence from the immigration process, we can make it work better for everyone.

What Does Sleeping with 100 Men in One Day Do to the Soul?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1001 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sex work Documentary Mental health Social Issues Art
  1. Sex work is often framed as just a job, but it raises deeper questions about the impact on one's soul and identity. It can feel like a trade-off between physicality and personal essence.
  2. A recent documentary explores the extreme lengths some will go to in the sex work industry. It shows a real-life attempt to engage with 100 men in one day.
  3. The documentary reflects on how selling your body can mean disconnecting from your own feelings and well-being. It highlights the emotional and psychological costs that aren't often discussed.

The Ad That Radicalised Me

The Ruffian • 1511 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Ethics Healthcare Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. The debate around assisted dying brings up strong feelings. Some people see the law as a way to help those who are suffering, while others worry it could hurt vulnerable people.
  2. Critics argue that individual choice shouldn't come before community values. They believe allowing assisted dying could lead to a slippery slope where life is devalued.
  3. It's important to talk honestly about the trade-offs involved. Opposing the bill means accepting that some people will continue to suffer, which is a tough reality to face.

Trump Committing Genocide In Gaza & Attempting To Kill Putin, Is Why, L.A.!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Foreign Policy Social Issues Political Conflict
  1. The writer believes that recent political events, especially involving Trump, are distracting people from serious issues like the situation in Gaza and Ukraine. They suggest that these distractions are part of a bigger plan.
  2. They argue that America's voting system is flawed and may be manipulated, making elections untrustworthy. This problem has been ongoing and impacts voters' confidence.
  3. There's a strong sentiment that wealthy elites should pay higher taxes to help society. The writer feels this is necessary for innovation and improvement in the economy.

This Green and Pleasant Land

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Current Events Censorship Gender Politics
  1. In the UK, people are facing legal troubles for what they think and say online. Authorities are treating certain posts as thought crimes, which many find alarming.
  2. There seems to be a growing conflict between men and women, with each side feeling misunderstood and oppressed. Some women feel like men are not facing enough consequences for their actions.
  3. The episode covers various topics including humorous takes on current events and social issues, showcasing a mix of satire and commentary.

Friday Thread: OPEN CHAOS THREAD

Culture Study • 1923 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Online behavior Mental health Community Engagement Cultural Trends
  1. There is a lot of tension and stress in the air right now. It seems people are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about various issues.
  2. When people get upset or anxious, they often take it out on others online. This shows how intense the emotions are right now.
  3. Having a space to share and discuss these feelings could help let off some steam. It's good to talk about what's bothering us.

We are going to get pro-DEI backlash

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 170 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Social Issues Diversity Initiatives Education reform
  1. DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, has faced criticism for not being fully inclusive of all viewpoints. It's seen as favoring certain groups over others, creating a backlash.
  2. Many people feel overwhelmed by mandatory DEI training that can feel shaming or pointless. There's a desire for more meaningful conversations about inclusivity that actually lead to change.
  3. There's concern that, after a political pushback against DEI, it could come back even stronger. The future might bring more strongly enforced DEI measures in workplaces and schools.

Health NZ puts the ‘men’ in menstruation.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 31 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Health Policy Social Issues Activism
  1. Health NZ's new policy claims that menstruation is not just for women, stating that people of all genders can menstruate.
  2. Many people are surprised and upset by this policy, feeling it's confusing and not in line with most people's understanding of gender.
  3. There are concerns about how this affects cultural beliefs, especially in Māori culture, which emphasizes the sacredness of women's experiences.

Substack, Nazis, Free Speech, and Me & Trump Is Popular Among Black Voters?

kareem • 7802 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social Issues Presidential Election News Activism
  1. Kareem emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with love and respect, striving for a world where exploitation doesn't exist.
  2. Substack is under scrutiny for allowing hate speech content, sparking debates about free speech and censorship.
  3. Effective protest movements online can lead to positive changes in platforms' policies, demonstrating the impact of public activism.

MAGA Has TDS—Taylor Derangement Syndrome

Bulwark+ • 7350 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Conspiracy Theories Elections Celebrities
  1. Some within the MAGA movement believe in conspiracies involving Taylor Swift and the Super Bowl, alleging fixed events to push a political agenda.
  2. MAGA supporters express strong negative feelings towards Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, criticizing their endorsements and public displays of affection.
  3. There are concerns within the MAGA community about Taylor Swift's potential influence in the 2024 election, stemming from her past political actions and large social media following.

My view on Trump

Disaffected Newsletter • 4076 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinion Political Leadership Political parties Elections Social Issues
  1. Donald Trump is a narcissist, but the author believes he's less dangerous than many think. He sees Trump as more like a child who needs flattery and doesn't have tyrannical ambitions.
  2. The author views many politicians, including other presidential candidates, as narcissists too. He thinks Trump's boldness makes him stand out, but not necessarily in a unique way.
  3. Despite his concerns about Trump, the author sees him as the better choice compared to Biden. He believes that Biden's actions have caused more harm, leading him to support Trump strategically as the lesser of two evils.

The truth about Elon Musk and anti-Semitism

Popular Information • 13247 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political speech Corporate Influence Digital Platforms Anti-Semitism
  1. Elon Musk threatened to sue the Anti-Defamation League due to criticism of his handling of Twitter.
  2. Musk reneged on promises to combat hate speech on Twitter and reinstated accounts with anti-Semitic content.
  3. Musk has a history of associating with and amplifying anti-Semitic speech, causing controversy and backlash.

Dreaming and Fighting

Animation Obsessive • 5112 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Animation Storytelling Social Issues Creativity
  1. Art isn't just a way to escape problems; it can inspire change and make a difference in the world. It can connect people and provoke thoughts about important issues.
  2. Artists throughout history have fought through tough times to create meaningful work. Their stories remind us that creativity can thrive even in challenging circumstances.
  3. The process of making art can be just as valuable as the final product. Different ways of telling stories and sharing ideas can open new paths for inspiration and understanding.

Paid content: Can women think?

Wood From Eden • 576 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Society Philosophy Equality Social Issues
  1. The topic discusses women's ability to think critically and independently. It's important to recognize and value women's perspectives and intellect.
  2. Challenging stereotypes about women's thinking can lead to more inclusive conversations. Everyone should have equal opportunities to share their ideas.
  3. Encouraging discussions about gender and intelligence can help break down societal biases. Open dialogue promotes understanding and respect among all individuals.

Yes, Prime Minister, bathrooms do matter on planet Earth, despite saying that anyone who thinks so is “on another planet”.

A B’Old Woman • 739 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Gender Rights Public Policy Social Issues Election Campaigns
  1. Some people believe that bathrooms are important and should be a topic in elections. Many feel uncomfortable about who can access these spaces.
  2. Once, women had more private spaces for themselves, but now there are concerns about safety with mixed-access policies.
  3. There are specific stories shared by individuals, like fathers worried about their daughters' safety in changing rooms, highlighting real-life impacts of these policies.

Bill Removing Trans Civil Rights Protections Defeated In Iowa; Hundreds Show Up Against

Erin In The Morning • 6368 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Legislation Transgender rights Activism Social Issues
  1. Hundreds showed up to protest against a bill removing trans civil rights protections in Iowa.
  2. The bill sponsor made derogatory remarks about transgender individuals during the hearing.
  3. The bill was defeated in the subcommittee with a 3-0 vote against passing it.

Aschaffenburg: Illegal Afghan migrant kills two and wounds three in the latest knife violence to afflict open-borders Germany

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 237 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Public Safety Social Issues
  1. An Afghan migrant in Germany committed a violent attack, which resulted in two deaths and several injuries. This event raises concerns about public safety in areas known for high crime.
  2. The attacker was in Germany illegally and had a history of criminal behavior but had not been deported. This situation highlights possible issues in the immigration and asylum system.
  3. Local groups organized a memorial to honor the victims and promote solidarity, while officials stressed the importance of not blaming entire communities for the actions of one individual.

What's wrong with Pride

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+ Social Issues Identity politics Cultural critique
  1. Pride started as a movement for legal rights, but it also involved a lot of partying and wild behavior among gay men.
  2. The gay community naturally had a mix of ideas that made it vulnerable to more extreme views from trans and queer groups.
  3. The changes in the Pride movement weren't forced from the outside; they were expected developments within the community.

Les bénéfices de mon CDI

L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Work Life Social Issues Personal Finance Career development
  1. A permanent job offers great financial security and strong social benefits. This means stable income and protection from hard times.
  2. Being self-employed can make you work harder than you should, as there's no one to tell you when to take a break. Some self-employed people might even forget to take vacations.
  3. Having a structured job means you have set times to interact with others and avoid feeling lonely. It also allows for a balance in your daily routine without forcing you into a rigid schedule.