The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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A Dinner in Berlin

Remarkable People • 519 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Democracy History Social Issues
  1. A dinner conversation in Berlin made someone reflect on how people responded to fascism in the past. It's important to think about our actions and choices in today's political climate.
  2. The writer felt a strong duty to resist negativity and support what they believed in, even if it meant facing backlash. They realized that standing up now is important for future generations.
  3. Everyone should consider how they will explain their actions to their grandchildren someday. Will they be proud of their decisions to defend democracy or regret not speaking up?

The End of DeSantis?, Moms for Liberty Dumb Down America, Hollywood Is Quiet-Quitting Diversity, Books I'm Reading, Steven Feifke Plays Jazz

kareem • 6210 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Campaign Policies Social Issues Conservative Politics
  1. DeSantis' latest attack ad is receiving criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for its mixed messaging and homophobic undertones.
  2. The ad campaign by DeSantis tries to associate him with traditional masculinity while attacking LGBTQ+ rights, leading to condemnation and backlash.
  3. Moms for Liberty faced protests in Philadelphia, showcasing a division in political ideologies and public opinions.

Shakespeare the economist.

The Common Reader • 992 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Shakespeare Economics Human nature Social Issues Debt
  1. Shakespeare understood economics really well. He used themes like wealth and trade in his plays to show how money affects human relationships.
  2. His work highlights the moral issues of money, like debt and lending. For example, in The Merchant of Venice, the harsh realities of financial need lead to serious conflicts.
  3. Shakespeare's stories reflect the changing social dynamics of his time. The rise of the middle class and trade had a big impact on society and he captured that in his writing.

POSIWID and the Moderate Liberal Meltdown

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 3478 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Policy Civil Rights Political Discourse
  1. POSIWID principle emphasizes that the purpose of a system is what it does, leading to accountability and prevention of excuses.
  2. Political discourse on the right is increasingly incorporating the POSIWID principle to analyze and address complex system-level issues.
  3. There is a disconnect in moderate liberal views, as they advocate for meritocracy while ignoring the actual results of policies and systems, highlighting the importance of honesty in addressing societal issues.

The Titanic Sub Saga, Jim Jordan's Remark Backfires, DeSantis' Street Poop, Dan Crenshaw Wants Biden to Dive for Debris, Lawyers Use AI Fake Cases, Fox News Alters Quotes, "Fiddler on the Roof" Sings

kareem • 5975 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Politicians Media News Social Issues
  1. The story of the Titanic submarine tragedy reveals societal value placed on lives.
  2. Blaming the Titanic sub deaths on 'wokeness' was misguided.
  3. Different perspectives on faith and science emerged from the Titanic sub and Greek shipwreck tragedies.
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New! The Weekly Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Fashion Social Issues Food
  1. There's a feeling that popular music has changed for the worse, becoming more aggressive and lacking melody. It used to connect more positively with listeners.
  2. Many people feel nostalgic for past times when quality and competence seemed better in society, from everyday goods to music and interactions.
  3. Some want to preserve their childhood memories as they are, without looking them up online or experiencing them again. They fear losing the magic of those memories.

Family was never the problem

Disaffected Newsletter • 3836 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Family Identity Social Issues Mental health Parenting
  1. Not all families are the same, and many people come from backgrounds that are abusive and damaging. It's important to recognize that these experiences can shape how we view family.
  2. A loving and stable family is necessary for healthy child development. When children experience abuse, it not only affects them but also society as a whole.
  3. It's possible to change our views and support good family values, even if we had difficult pasts. Focusing on building positive family structures can lead to a better future.

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.

The Internal Republican Fight Over Immigration Isn’t Really About Racism

Public • 247 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Republican party Economic Policy Political Conflict Social Issues
  1. Critics of both low-skilled and high-skilled immigration often focus on economic concerns, not racism. They worry about how it affects wages and jobs for American workers.
  2. Many conservatives believe opposing mass immigration makes them targets of accusations about racism, even when their reasons are economic.
  3. The conflict within the Republican Party about immigration policy shows the challenge of balancing different views while keeping a united front.

Why increase fertility when you can just allow more immigration?

Sex and the State • 33 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Economic Policy Demography Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Low fertility can hurt economic growth, which affects many aspects of life. When fewer young people enter the workforce, it can slow down innovation and increase challenges for society.
  2. Relying solely on immigration to solve the problem of declining birth rates isn't a long-term solution. Eventually, countries may run out of people to bring in as global fertility rates fall.
  3. Simply allowing more immigration can also cause societal tensions and may not be popular among locals. It's important to think about how to support both current residents and look for ways to encourage higher birth rates.

Marriage is down because it’s bad for women

Sex and the State • 50 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Socioeconomics Feminism Social Issues
  1. Marriage rates are dropping because many women feel it's a bad deal for them. They are reassessing what marriage offers compared to being single.
  2. Women in the lower half of income and education often find their potential partners don't offer enough benefits in a marriage. These women are realizing they are better off remaining single.
  3. In general, marriage tends to benefit men more than women. This imbalance is particularly pronounced in marriages involving lower-income men, making marriage less appealing for women.

We rise together

Of Boys and Men • 250 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Equality Philanthropy Mental health Education Social Issues
  1. We need to help both boys and girls to achieve true gender equality. Supporting boys and men doesn't mean we stop supporting women and girls; it's about helping everyone together.
  2. Boys and men face serious challenges that often get overlooked, like educational struggles and mental health issues. Addressing these problems is important for them and for society as a whole.
  3. Philanthropists and advocates should consider investing in boys and men's unique issues, especially in mental health, education, and fatherhood. This will help create a better balance and improve the lives of all genders.

Sometimes People Are Just Stupid

Holly’s Newsletter • 3154 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Opinion Social Issues Media Politics Entertainment
  1. There are conservative influencers targeting an artist and her relationship, sparking debates and theories about the implications of her endorsements and impact on voting demographics.
  2. The artist in question has messages of traditional love and relationships in her work, facing criticism and scrutiny from various political perspectives.
  3. The discussions around this artist's personal life and potential endorsements highlight broader cultural tensions and divisions, reflecting the complexity of celebrity influence and political narratives.

Why American Cities (Actually) Suck

The Discourse Lounge • 1348 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Policy Crime Rates Infrastructure Gun Control Social Issues
  1. Many American cities struggle because of poor political support and funding for urban infrastructure. Unlike some other countries, America often neglects its cities, leading to issues like poverty and crime.
  2. Increased policing alone won't solve the problems in American cities. Issues like gun violence and bad transportation systems need to be addressed holistically.
  3. To make cities better, America could learn from European and Asian approaches to urban planning and social welfare. Improving community support and organizing urban services better could lead to healthier, safer cities.

2024

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1382 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Writing Memoir Social Issues Personal Stories
  1. The newsletter has grown significantly, from 7,000 subscribers in the first year to over 67,000 now. This shows that consistent effort in writing can really pay off.
  2. The book 'Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class' performed well, receiving recognition and even being turned into a potential movie. This highlights how personal stories can resonate with readers.
  3. The author now lives in New York City, which symbolizes a new chapter in their life. It reminds us that change is often part of personal growth.

Clownfish Carnival

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Media Analysis Social Issues Psychology Cultural Commentary
  1. Some states are changing how we label criminals, calling them 'justice-impacted individuals' instead. This shift might confuse the moral understanding of victims and criminals.
  2. A new NBC documentary called 'Queer Planet' is being discussed, which features people talking about gender and sex. A psychoanalyst will explore what this means for our society.
  3. There's concern about the younger generation lacking proper upbringing or 'home training.' People wonder how this will affect society in the future.

Black Culture and the Euro-American Collective Brain

Journal of Free Black Thought • 53 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🎭️ Culture Integration Identity Racism Social Issues
  1. It's important for black culture to connect with the broader Euro-American culture. This connection can give people more opportunities and knowledge.
  2. Historical injustices have caused some to view the Euro-American culture as hostile, which can lead to self-imposed limitations on growth and progress.
  3. Embracing a mix of identities and knowledge can empower black Americans to overcome obstacles and achieve success in society.

Paul Graham's error

Gray Mirror • 134 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues History Politics Philosophy Education
  1. History is complex and cannot be easily understood through simple narratives. It often feels messy, like trying to find a solid footing in a pit of unclear meanings.
  2. Wokeness can be seen as a new and intense version of political correctness that emerged in the late 20th century. Understanding its origins helps to analyze how social norms shift over time.
  3. Different eras in history can look very different based on our perspective. It's important to recognize that each time period has its unique challenges and is subject to change, just like ideas about morality or justice.

Modern taboos and social media

Disaffected Newsletter • 3716 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Media influence Family Dynamics Morality Public Discourse
  1. Some people feel strongly that surrogacy is wrong because it separates children from their natural parents. They believe that the child's needs should come first in these situations.
  2. There are many theories about what causes homosexuality, but discussing these ideas can be difficult because of social pressures. Some people believe that past experiences or genetics might play a role.
  3. Social media often makes real conversations hard because people might react emotionally and try to score points rather than have genuine discussions. Some prefer platforms where they can share their thoughts without fear of negative backlash.

MY ANNOUNCEMENT!

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 4658 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Government Social Issues Presidential campaign American history
  1. It's time for Americans to unite and initiate a season of repair for the country.
  2. We need to understand the historical struggles and principles that define America to create a positive vision for the future.
  3. It's crucial for the people to lead and push for systemic change to address economic injustices and reinvigorate democracy.

I have a problem: a desistor's manifesto - part 3

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 2456 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Activism Social Issues Media Youth
  1. Concerns about individuals bending gender to harm others in spaces like restrooms and prisons.
  2. Issues with men being awarded and competing in women's categories, affecting fairness and opportunities for women.
  3. Criticism of coercion to accept certain terms, limitations on free speech, and lack of logical debate in the context of trans ideologies.

Retrospective: Trump's Executive Order on Males in Women's Sports

House of Strauss • 38 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Social Issues Government Action Public Sentiment Political Opposition
  1. Trump's recent order restricts biological males from competing in women's sports, which has sparked varying reactions, especially from sports media. It shows a shift in the conversation around gender and sports.
  2. There seems to be a growing consensus among the public against the inclusion of trans women in women's sports, with polls indicating strong support for this stance.
  3. Some individuals feel uncomfortable joining activist movements, even if they agree with the cause, indicating a hesitance to publicly associate with political movements.

A Letter From the Office

antoniomelonio • 153 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Work Life Social Issues Mental health Collective action Office Culture
  1. Many people feel stuck in their jobs, spending countless hours on work that feels pointless. This can make them question if they're really living or just surviving.
  2. There's a strong connection between workers in different fields, like office jobs and manual labor. Instead of focusing on individual comforts, they could unite and support each other.
  3. The cycle of work can drain people's energy and passion. New employees often lose their enthusiasm quickly, showing how tough and unfulfilling work life can be.

I have a right to be here

Men Yell at Me • 949 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Identity Gender Fitness Social Issues Safety
  1. Running in public spaces can feel dangerous for women because of harassment and violence from men. This creates fear and anxiety about simply existing in those spaces.
  2. Women’s bodies in public are often sexualized and blamed for harassment, making it hard for them to feel safe. Society frequently tells them to stay inside or take precautions instead of addressing the root of the problem.
  3. Despite the threats, it's important for women to keep asserting their right to be in public spaces. Running and walking let them claim their freedom and say, 'I belong here.'

Trump is still lying about crime

The Watch • 557 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Crime Policy Public Opinion Social Issues Political Rhetoric
  1. Crime rates in America are mostly falling, but Trump claims they are rising to scare voters. This doesn't match with the actual data showing crime is stable or decreasing.
  2. Trump uses crime as a tool for political gain, which includes spreading fear about threats like migrant crime and gang violence. This strategy helps him justify strict policies against certain groups.
  3. Despite the evidence showing crime is low, Trump's rhetoric has convinced many people that crime is a huge problem. This focus on crime affects public opinion and can shape harmful policies.

Thanks to a Twitter Fight, MAGA Learns Marxism the Hard Way

JoeWrote • 186 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Political Conflict Political Ideologies Social Issues Race relations
  1. There's a big split in the MAGA group between those who focus on nationalism and those leaning towards capitalist interests. This conflict shows how complicated their alliances really are.
  2. Many MAGA supporters are starting to realize that leaders like Trump and Musk don't truly have their best interests at heart. Instead, they're more focused on making money and enhancing their own power.
  3. This ongoing fight among conservatives highlights the importance of workers' rights and class struggles against the wealthy elite who often disguise their self-interest with national pride.

A Meal for Mommie

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Current Events Political Figures Social Issues
  1. President Biden's mental state is becoming a bigger topic. Many are noticing his mistakes in public, and it's raising questions about how long Democrats will ignore this.
  2. Burlington's mayor, who has a good income, is accepting donations for food and gift cards, claiming it's because she's a working mom. This is stirring up discussions about support for working parents.
  3. The episode also features a light-hearted segment with funny clips and commentary on current trends and pop culture, showing a mix of serious and humorous topics.

My Number One Issue

In My Tribe • 1655 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education Intellectualism Social Issues Cultural critique Critical Thinking
  1. Higher education is facing an anti-intellectual trend. Many students are taught to think simply about identity, rather than critically.
  2. The growth of colleges and universities has led to a decline in intellectual quality. More students don't necessarily mean better thinking; it can create mediocrity.
  3. There's a need for new educational institutions for young people. Current colleges may not be fixable, and we need alternatives to support thoughtful learning.