The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture 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.

One simple trick to reverse the falling birth rate

Men Yell at Me • 693 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Roles Maternal health Social Issues
  1. More men need to help at home or families will struggle. When men share the load of caregiving, women can focus more on having kids.
  2. Policies that push women back home to raise children don’t really help birth rates. They often backfire and don't support families at all.
  3. True change starts with how people treat each other at home. Helping loved ones and sharing chores builds stronger communities and can lead to a better future.

Why California Took So Long To Crack Down On Crime

Michael Shellenberger • 1582 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy Government Political Debate Social Issues Public Opinion
  1. California took a long time to address crime because many believed in being more lenient with laws and focusing on empathy for offenders. This approach aimed to reduce the number of people in prison and decriminalize certain actions.
  2. Over the years, the focus shifted from protecting victims to understanding and helping those who commit crimes, which some argue led to increased lawlessness.
  3. Now, there are signs that California might finally be changing its approach to crime, moving away from past policies that created challenges for public safety.
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Enjoying Trans Women, the End of Race Science, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 950 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics Social Issues Media Critique Literature
  1. The writer has changed their view on using pronouns and now feels more positive about people who are trans. They still express strong feelings against trans men, naming their preferences in a hierarchy.
  2. There's a new online bot based on the writer's ideas that offers a fun way to engage with their content. They hope it will improve over time and reflect their outlook more accurately.
  3. The writer encourages fans to join a Reddit community for discussions and shares a special subscription offer, highlighting the increasing engagement with their audience.

Wellesley College, Patriotism, Social Anxiety

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1420 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Opinion Patriotism Social Issues
  1. Many people feel proud to be American and see the U.S. as a land of opportunity. This belief is especially strong among non-white voters.
  2. The differences in values about patriotism and crime among voters show a divide between party messaging and what many common people feel. It suggests that certain messages may not resonate with everyone.
  3. Open plan offices can increase stress and negative mood, leading to more sick days compared to traditional cubicles. This impacts worker well-being and productivity.

I'm going to run for president

Basta’s Notes • 81 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigning Public Policy Consumer Rights Social Issues
  1. Consumer goods packaging is often really hard to open, and people are tired of it. Many everyday items come with frustrating seals and tabs that don't work properly.
  2. The packaging issue seems to come from companies not caring about their customers. Some brands even do a great job, showing that it is possible to make easy-to-open products.
  3. Basta's campaign idea focuses on fixing packaging to make it user-friendly. It taps into a common frustration shared by many people, making it a relatable issue.

Of olfactory ethics and oaf-factory hysterics.

Philosophy bear • 286 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Social Issues Cultural criticism
  1. Dr. Ally Louks is facing criticism online for her PhD topic about the social meaning of smell. Some people find her work pointless and label it as 'woke'.
  2. There is a divide in intellectual circles over what it means to be smart or knowledgeable, with some critiques focusing on how certain ideas are oversimplified or misrepresented.
  3. The online discussions often trend toward name-calling and dismissive attitudes instead of engaging with the actual arguments and ideas presented.

Infinite Loops, The Economist, Gut Feelings

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1250 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Psychology Social Issues Media Education
  1. Spending money can lead to more social connections, especially for men, compared to saving. It seems that being open to spending might attract more partners.
  2. Being with a spouse can significantly boost happiness and make activities feel more meaningful. This shows how important companionship is in our lives.
  3. Dog lovers tend to be more extroverted and organized, while cat lovers might be more open to new experiences. This suggests that our pet preferences can reflect our personalities.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 1600 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Social Issues Current Events Activism
  1. It's important to read quality journalism to understand lessons from recent elections, rather than relying on social media.
  2. Supporting organizations like the Women's Emergency Network can make a difference in helping women access necessary healthcare, especially during tough times.
  3. Finding joy in small moments, like a child's birthday celebration, can provide a much-needed morale boost amid challenging news.

Black Lives Matter Killed 8,682 Black People

Handwaving Freakoutery • 1482 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Crime Rates Protests Public Safety Racial Disparities
  1. Murder rates in the USA rose significantly in 2020, the biggest single-year increase ever. This spike in violence coincided with the protests related to the Black Lives Matter movement.
  2. Using historical data, an estimate suggests that about 8,682 extra black people were killed due to the rise in murder rates connected to these protests. This number reflects the additional deaths beyond what might have been expected.
  3. The impact of protests suggests that social movements can have serious real-world consequences, influencing crime and safety in communities. It's important to consider how actions taken during advocacy can affect the very people they aim to support.

Beautiful Queenstown NZ is proposing to expand the area where sex trade activities can occur.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Women's Rights Public Policy Social Issues Local Governance
  1. Queenstown, New Zealand is looking to expand areas where sex trade activities can happen. This proposal has raised concerns among local groups and residents.
  2. The Women’s Rights Party opposes the expansion, arguing it will worsen economic issues like low wages and unaffordable housing that push people into prostitution.
  3. Critics believe that normalizing prostitution by treating it like a small business ignores the dangers and exploitation involved, which they think should be highlighted more.

How to Fight Trump Mindfully

Nonzero Newsletter • 451 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Trumpism Government Political Psychology Social Issues
  1. It's important to think carefully about how we react to political events, rather than just responding out of frustration. This way, we can lead more thoughtful conversations.
  2. Understanding why people support Trump, like economic changes and social media influence, helps us address deeper issues in politics and society.
  3. Fostering better mental health and understanding of tribalism can help reduce divisions. Connecting our psychological well-being with social improvements is key.

From Latchkey Kids to Helicopter Parents

Polymathic Being • 92 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Generations Parenting Social Issues Nostalgia Identity
  1. Gen X was raised as independent latchkey kids but has become overly protective helicopter parents. They want to shield their kids from dangers they faced but may be hindering their growth.
  2. The world is safer now than in the past, but Gen X unintentionally creates a fragile generation by trying to prevent all risks and trauma for their children.
  3. Gen X still holds onto their tough, rebellious image, but this can blind them to their parenting shortcomings and lead to contradictions in their beliefs and actions.

Does child abuse cause homosexuality?

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 05 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Mental health Education Public Discourse Cultural Commentary
  1. The discussion explores the link between child abuse and homosexuality. It suggests that there might be connections worth investigating.
  2. Joseph Sciambra, who speaks from personal experience, highlights existing research on this topic. He emphasizes that there's literature supporting his views.
  3. The talk also touches on the behaviors seen in protests and violence at American colleges, linking those to psychological dynamics.

I have a problem: a desistor's manifesto - part 4

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 1768 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Social Issues Government Influence Cultural impact
  1. Trans ideology has sinister agendas like profit-making and promoting sterilization of vulnerable individuals.
  2. The trans movement intersects with groups like pedophiles, satanists, and drag queens, leading to concerning implications.
  3. Criticism of the trans movement includes concerns about authoritarianism, hypocrisy, and its roots in Marxist ideology.

The plane crashed because of…DEI!

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 641 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Tech industry Cultural critique Media Landscape
  1. Some people blame their problems on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) instead of taking responsibility. It's become a catch-all excuse for various issues, making it a controversial topic.
  2. Many tech leaders seem silent or unwilling to comment on political issues, raising questions about their priorities. They might be more focused on their profits rather than ethical or social concerns.
  3. Wealth does not always equal intelligence. Just because someone is rich doesn't mean they are smart or deserving of their success, as shown by failures in both tech and sports leadership.

Our First Trump 2.0 Test (and How to Pass It)

Nonzero Newsletter • 372 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Public Opinion International relations Social Issues
  1. Many Republicans and Democrats change their views on election fairness based on whether their side wins. This shows how closely tied our beliefs are to our political outcomes.
  2. The Biden administration is still providing military aid to Israel even though they didn't meet certain requirements. This decision suggests a complex relationship between the U.S. and Israel, despite past expectations for accountability.
  3. Top AI companies are struggling to create more advanced models. There are concerns that they might be running out of high-quality training data, which could slow down progress in AI development.

Anthony Fauci Is Almost Certainly Getting Away With It

Unmasked • 69 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Government Health Policy Political critique Social Issues
  1. The Biden administration faced criticism for its early COVID policies, which many viewed as extreme and unnecessary. Many felt that pushing vaccines on young children was not justified.
  2. States that lifted mask mandates did better than those that kept them, showing that some COVID restrictions may not have been effective. This sparked debates about the effectiveness of mandates.
  3. There were significant efforts to censor opposing views on social media regarding COVID, and some policies, like vaccine passports, created controversy and division among Americans. Many were frustrated with these approaches.

Did Taylor's man Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) kneel during the national anthem? Is this the same moron, the same reckless punk to endorse Pfizer mRNA (Malone, Bourla, Bancel, Weissman et al.) vaccine?

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1631 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Healthcare Athletes
  1. Questioning Travis Kelce's actions during the national anthem.
  2. Criticism of Kelce endorsing the Pfizer mRNA vaccine.
  3. Speculating on the responsibility of Kelce and others for deaths related to the vaccine.

Shut up About Race and IQ

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5144 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Ideology Policy Social Issues Political Movements
  1. Discussions about race and IQ often lead to the clash between differing ideologies, with individuals having strong motivations underlying their beliefs and interpretations.
  2. Accepting group differences doesn't rigidly determine an individual's political views; people can have diverse perspectives, even if they agree on certain facts.
  3. Implementing ideological changes in society often involves motivating individuals based on a larger vision or political agenda, rather than directly debating opposing beliefs.

Goblins

Disaffected Newsletter • 3617 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Mental health Identity politics Body Image Urban life
  1. There seems to be a growing visibility of individuals who challenge traditional gender norms and body sizes, leading to strong reactions from observers. This reflects a deep societal divide in understanding and acceptance.
  2. Some people feel a sense of distress when they see others who clearly struggle with their mental and physical health, leading to feelings of discomfort and resentment towards those individuals.
  3. The narrative suggests a belief that societal values around beauty and behavior are shifting, often leaving traditional views feeling out of place or invalidated in certain communities.

Chronicling the fall

Disaffected Newsletter • 1338 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Media Analysis Cultural critique Public Discourse
  1. There is a sense of hopelessness and despair, as the world feels increasingly frightening and chaotic. Many people are struggling with their own sadness and depression while also being affected by the broader issues happening around them.
  2. The idea of being 'woke' and its widespread influence suggests that no community or belief system is untouched by this mentality. It's a call to recognize that these societal shifts are pervasive and can't be ignored.
  3. The urgency to push back against these negative trends is emphasized, warning that if we don't act, we might lose the safe spaces we once had. It's crucial to engage in discussions and take action to change the narrative.

POSTPONED-Disaffected

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Psychology Cultural dynamics Social Issues Current Events
  1. Tech issues caused the postponement of the show to Sunday, May 5, at 9 pm. It's important to stay updated if you want to catch the episode.
  2. The upcoming show will discuss recent protests on American college campuses, focusing on their true motivations and implications. The host believes these protests are not genuinely about the issue of Gaza.
  3. The host connects the behavior on campuses to abusive dynamics seen in households. He aims to show how interpersonal conflicts are reflected in larger societal issues.

Housing affordability is a tremendous crisis for young men

Jeff Giesea • 519 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Policy Social Issues Cultural Issues Political Activism
  1. Housing affordability is a big problem for young men, especially in their 20s and 30s. It's harder for them to buy homes than it was before, with fewer places being affordable.
  2. This issue affects not just men, but it seems to hit young men the hardest. Many feel left out of the chance for a stable future with family and home ownership.
  3. Young men can make their voices heard by pushing for changes in housing policies. Working together to demand more affordable housing can help improve their chances of owning a home.

Dingus of the Year: JD Vance

Men Yell at Me • 660 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Elections Social Issues Public Figures Political Commentary
  1. JD Vance has been declared the Dingus of the Year for 2024 due to his controversial actions and opinions.
  2. The 'undecided voter' was also highlighted as a Dingus, often seen as indifferent to pressing social issues.
  3. Despite the negativity, there were some positive developments in 2024, including a significant fundraising effort for abortion access and the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand.

"Greatness" after the Bulldozer

Charles Eisenstein • 13 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Immigration Civil Rights International relations
  1. Human beings are all equal and deserve compassion. No matter where we come from, we all share the same fundamental worth.
  2. A nation's greatness can’t come from hurting others. We must remember that helping others strengthens our own society.
  3. The real change we need is about love and understanding, not just switching one group in power for another. We should focus on healing and forgiveness to create a better world.

Good God, I can't take it, this Freedom Fighting movement (many I have come to know) is such a FRAUD, such a farce, these people can't wait daily, they take a pee, they come to you begging for money,

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1454 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Political corruption Social Issues
  1. The author criticizes certain individuals in the Freedom Fighting movement for being fraudulent and constantly begging for money.
  2. There is a mention of people enriching themselves with donor money in a race to see who can beg first.
  3. Real estate agents are accused of profiting off the Canadian Truckers' situation without aiding the individuals they begged money for.

Trans activists make women terrified for their safety at the Let Women Speak rally in New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 5135 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Public Safety Political Rights Social Issues
  1. At the rally in New Zealand, many women felt scared due to aggressive protests from trans activists. This fear led to organizers feeling they had to abandon the event for safety reasons.
  2. There are strong concerns about how discussions around gender and women's spaces are being handled, especially the rights and safety of women in spaces meant only for them.
  3. Many women and parents are frustrated that their voices and concerns are not being acknowledged by the government or media. They feel they should be able to speak freely about these issues without facing violence or backlash.