The hottest Social Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Will this policy be the one which loosens the stranglehold of 'gender-identity affirmation' in NZ schools?

A B’Old Woman • 579 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Legal issues Advocacy Social Issues
  1. A new guide from Ethos Alliance in New Zealand offers a different approach to handling gender identity in schools. It suggests a method called 'watchful waiting,' which is about giving kids time to explore their feelings about gender.
  2. The guide is meant to provide clear information for schools and parents that isn't driven by specific ideologies. It aims to reassure concerned teachers and families about the options available regarding gender identity.
  3. There has been pressure on schools to support gender-identity affirmation without enough evidence that it benefits children. Ethos Alliance hopes their guide helps start a more balanced conversation around this issue.

Victim Vision: Episode 177

Disaffected Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Issues Fake news Social Issues Dark humor Legislation
  1. There are cases of people fabricating hate messages and blaming them on others, raising questions about honesty in discussions on race.
  2. A report on black Americans' feelings about race has been revised after complaints, highlighting how data can be influenced by outside opinions.
  3. Some groups are pushing to change traditional language and address controversial topics, like gender and parenting, in unexpected ways.

The Gnome Trail

Culture Study • 2936 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Community Social Issues Art Podcast
  1. There are many hidden trails on the island that offer unique and beautiful experiences for those who take the time to explore.
  2. Community, like the trails, requires ongoing maintenance and efforts to be inclusive and welcoming to all.
  3. The existence of gates, physical or metaphorical, in communities raises questions about access and the risk of exclusion.
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Social and Emotional Patronage

The J. Burden Show • 1557 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Social Issues Elections Governance Ideology
  1. Patronage in politics involves an exchange of power and support, seen throughout history with politicians granting gifts for votes.
  2. Social and Emotional Patronage explains why individuals support a regime for emotional and social status rewards, even if they don't see direct material benefits.
  3. The loyalty to a regime can be maintained through social and emotional rewards, rather than purely monetary gains, showcasing the power of status and belonging.

Saturday Commentary and Review #180

Fisted by Foucault • 199 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elections Foreign Policy Social Issues Economic Policy
  1. Populism is on the rise due to many people feeling left behind by the system. This is especially true for the middle class, who are struggling to maintain their living standards amid economic changes.
  2. The failures of liberal democracy have led to a distrust of elites and institutions. Events like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic showed that many people's lives are worsening, making them more receptive to populist ideas.
  3. Some political movements have broken away from traditional left-right ideologies. In many cases, both sides have ignored the working class, which has opened the door for new political expressions and movements.

The Enabling of Russell Brand

Letters from Suzanne • 2555 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Media Social Issues
  1. The author is tired of discussions around Russell Brand's behavior and the arguments being repeated
  2. There is criticism against how the comedy circuit enabled predators like Brand and the shift in alternative comedy
  3. The post discusses the intersection of sexual openness and sexual equality in the context of current feminist dialogues

Q&A: What Would You Do with $43 Million to Fight Racism?

Glenn Loury • 1845 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film History Racism Entertainment Social Issues
  1. The Center for Antiracist Research raised $43 million with little to show for it in terms of research on racism.
  2. One approach suggested to fight racism with $43 million was to start a center for the rigorous study of race in America with elite scholars and promising grad students.
  3. Another proposed idea was to use the money to fund a movie dramatizing the shift in black political thought in 1966, which would showcase how certain ideas contributed to present-day racial divisions.

On the "elite overproduction" problem

In My Tribe • 774 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Education Inequality Public Policy
  1. The idea of 'elite overproduction' suggests that there are too many people aiming for top positions, which leads to instability. However, many college graduates still find good jobs, showing this idea might not hold true.
  2. Mounk argues that while many pursue fame in arts and media, this ambition has always existed. It can't explain the current issues in society.
  3. There are concerns that some sectors, like nonprofit and education, prioritize their own status too much, leading to a misunderstanding of what 'elite' really means.

C-SPAN, Paranoia, Sleeping Babies

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 909 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Policy Media Studies Psychology Social Issues
  1. You can watch my C-SPAN interview about various topics related to public affairs. It's interesting to see how different subjects are discussed in media.
  2. I have a new lecture series on the psychology of social status, exploring why people seek status and how it influences behavior. This could help you understand social dynamics better.
  3. I shared some links to articles that discuss responsibility in society, paranoia, and modern issues. These readings could offer a deeper understanding of our current world.

Ex-Antifa member interviewed

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Social Issues Media Analysis Voting behavior Public Policy
  1. An ex-Antifa member discusses how family issues influenced his involvement in extremist groups. Understanding personal backgrounds can shed light on why people might join such movements.
  2. Society is becoming more accepting of unhealthy relationships, as shown by a video where a woman abuses her boyfriend. There seems to be a double standard when it comes to how we react based on gender.
  3. Euthanasia is expanding to include people who are not terminally ill. This raises important questions about who can decide when life ends and under what circumstances.

Tim Scott is a Threat

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 4416 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Political Figures Ideology Social Issues Government
  1. Barack Obama and Tim Scott have diverse backgrounds but different views on race and opportunity.
  2. Democrats are worried about Tim Scott's message resonating with black voters and potentially shifting them towards the right.
  3. Tim Scott is seen as a threat to the Democratic coalition by advocating for hard work over victim mentality.

Open Thread #34 - This One's On You

Fisted by Foucault • 88 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International Public Policy Elections Social Issues
  1. People are making predictions about major world events for 2025, like the situation in Ukraine and the conflict in Syria. It's interesting to hear different opinions on what's coming up.
  2. There's also a focus on US politics and issues like immigration and the influence of 'wokeness.' These topics can shape the political landscape significantly.
  3. In personal news, people are reflecting on their New Year's resolutions and what entertainment they're looking forward to. It shows how individuals set goals and enjoy life as the new year begins.

Episode 172

Disaffected Newsletter • 459 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Public Discourse Social Issues
  1. There was a heated conflict in the House involving Jasmine Crockett, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, which was discussed in a lively manner. It's like a sports commentary on a political debate.
  2. A young Black Marine was arrested for planning a violent attack, while three white teens successfully sued their school for being expelled over wearing an acne mask, which the school wrongly labeled as 'blackface.'
  3. The episode also highlighted some bizarre news stories, including strange political antics and unusual celebrity features, pointing to the odd happenings in the current world.

Maybe young men need compulsory military service

Sex and the State • 27 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Social Issues Youth Engagement Civic Responsibility
  1. Many countries have some form of compulsory military service, which can help young men gain structure and skills. It's becoming more common again after a period of decline.
  2. Compulsory service can benefit young men by promoting social responsibility and providing positive adult role models, which is important for their development.
  3. However, there are drawbacks to conscription, like disrupting education and work opportunities, and it can sometimes create inequalities in who is called to serve.

"You're both wrong"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Online behavior Morality Bullying Communication
  1. Kindergarten teacher morality is about not recognizing who the real aggressor is in a conflict. It's like saying both kids in a fight are wrong, even if one started it.
  2. Some people, like Mr. Calm and Collected, don't see the whole picture and often side with the aggressor. They might think they’re being fair, but they actually dismiss the real issues.
  3. This type of perspective can let bullying continue unchecked online. It shows a lack of good judgment and can make the situation worse for the person being targeted.

Top Links 631 US labour market churn in historical perspective. The decline of retail jobs. Writhing Leviathans & the business of deportation.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Market Economic Policy Employment Trends Social Issues Migration policy
  1. The US labor market has seen a lot of changes over time, with many people switching jobs frequently.
  2. Retail jobs are declining, which impacts many workers and the economy.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about the business of deportation, highlighting important social issues.

What if societies were (deliberately) built to learn? (part one)

Brain Pizza • 794 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🚌 Education Learning methods Social Issues Public Policy Behavioral Science
  1. An 'experimenting society' uses real-life experiments to solve social problems. Instead of guessing solutions, we can test ideas to see what really works.
  2. Complex issues like poverty and health don’t have easy answers. We often need deep expertise and careful study to find effective solutions instead of relying on common sense.
  3. Learning from mistakes is important. If societies are built to learn, they can adapt and improve over time by evaluating what strategies succeed or fail.

A few rough, random and spicy thoughts on crime, justice and justice systems that I've been chewing over

Philosophy bear • 135 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Justice Ethics Crime Social Issues Rehabilitation
  1. Even people who commit serious crimes deserve some understanding and support. They shouldn't be completely cut off from social connections because it can hurt their chances of rehabilitation.
  2. It's important to differentiate between punishing someone for their actions and recognizing that they could still be a part of the community. Sometimes, society pushes people away too harshly, making forgiveness seem impossible.
  3. There should be protections against unfair convictions, even when laws seem clear. If a reasonable person thinks a conviction is unjust, there should be a way to challenge it in court.

Hidden Open Thread 355.5

Astral Codex Ten • 894 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Philosophy Traditions Social Issues
  1. This is an open thread for subscribers to discuss various topics. It's a space for people to share their thoughts and engage with one another.
  2. The post is meant for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content. This means only those who support the platform can participate.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share the post, which helps increase visibility and engagement. Sharing can also foster a sense of community among subscribers.

What will become of the Sensitive Young Men?

Wrong Side of History • 432 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Cultural analysis International relations Historical context
  1. Sensitive young men feel a strong connection to political figures like Trump. They believe that attempts to stop him reflect a broader struggle against their own experiences in society.
  2. There is a growing discussion about how sexual repression might play a crucial role in building civilizations, rather than causing issues as commonly thought.
  3. Political changes often arise from crises. People are more willing to accept big changes when they're facing hardship, making them more open to new ideas.

TBM 327: Hot Takes and Parochial Altruism

The Beautiful Mess • 674 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Tech Culture Work dynamics Innovation Social Issues
  1. Many people in tech show strong loyalty to their group but criticize those outside of it. This behavior can create division and blame against those who are seen as different or less capable.
  2. The tech industry is experiencing a lot of mixed emotions, with issues like job losses and pressure to perform leading people to cling to their own groups for support and validation.
  3. It's important to reflect on how our own biases shape our views of others. Being aware of our reactions and the impact of societal pressures can help us respond more thoughtfully to negative talk.

THE JC PENNEY DEBACLE

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 1316 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Social Issues Media Art Writing
  1. The author faced backlash and public condemnation for an article she wrote about JC Penney that was perceived as snobbish and cruel.
  2. The incident led to the author being publicly renounced by The New York Times, causing significant personal and professional consequences.
  3. Despite the backlash, some individuals supported the author and appreciated her humor and writing style.

The anti-woke hero's journey

Read Max • 2423 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Current Events Media Folklore
  1. Some high-profile individuals like Bill Ackman and Elon Musk have transitioned from generic liberalism to becoming prominent anti-woke figures.
  2. Both Ackman and Musk utilize their media presence and attention for their political campaigns, believing it symbolizes genuine power.
  3. Ackman and Musk approach their anti-woke campaigns with a logic similar to their investment strategies, showing a strong attachment to Twitter as a platform for discourse.

Scott Alexander's "Prison And Crime: Much More Than You Wanted To Know": My Thoughts

Philosophy bear • 200 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Justice Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Prison doesn't seem to effectively reduce crime overall. Instead, we should consider reducing incarceration since it often causes more harm than good.
  2. The costs of imprisonment go beyond just the economic side. They include suffering for prisoners and their families, and even increased crime within prisons.
  3. Even if people feel good about tough on crime policies, a cost-benefit analysis suggests that it's better to invest resources into alternatives to prison that can lead to safer communities.

Memo to Dems: Don't blame sexism

Of Boys and Men • 274 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Voting behavior Democratic strategy Men's Health Social Issues
  1. Democrats should not blame sexism for their election loss. If they do, they might miss understanding the real issues voters care about.
  2. Young men are facing many challenges, but they don't feel that the left is addressing their concerns. This can make them lean towards the right.
  3. Helping boys and men can also benefit women and girls. It's important for both sides to recognize each other's struggles and work together.

Return of the Zizians

Gradient Ascendant • 26 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime AI Ethics Law enforcement Social Issues
  1. There is a group called the Zizians, led by a person named Ziz, which is linked to some strange and violent events. They seem to have confused beliefs about reality and have been involved in serious crimes.
  2. Recently, there have been multiple murders associated with the Zizians, including some in different states that may be connected to each other. It raises questions about their motives and connections.
  3. The Zizians started from a specific community focused on AI and rational thinking, but their actions have now led to a media frenzy and comparisons to other well-known cults. This highlights how ideas can spiral out of control and impact society.

morning in america

bad cattitude • 344 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Public Policy Propaganda Social Issues Governance Mental health
  1. People have started to feel more hopeful and positive lately, even if the problems haven't fully disappeared. There's a sense that things might be getting better.
  2. Humiliation and constant control can really wear people down and make them feel helpless. When daily annoyances pile up, it can crush a person's spirit.
  3. Believing that tomorrow will be better can create a positive cycle. Hope can return when people feel like there's a chance for improvement in the future.

Odds and Ends #49: How bat protection regulations broke Britain's planning system

Odds and Ends of History • 536 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
💾 History Historical Events Cultural impact Social Issues Environmental Policy
  1. Bat protection rules in the UK have complicated the planning system, causing delays and issues for construction projects.
  2. Some areas in Europe are actually doing well in terms of economic growth, contrary to common beliefs comparing them to the US.
  3. Many Netflix films are made but quickly forgotten, as the platform produces a lot of content that doesn't stick with viewers.

New Zealand’s hate speech laws get kicked to the kerb; Rex Landy makes the news; and the woman who got trespassed from a supermarket for wearing a truth-telling t-shirt tells her story.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Legislation Social Issues Current Events Public Opinion
  1. New Zealand has decided not to proceed with its proposed hate speech laws, which many people welcomed. They felt these laws could lead to more problems than solutions, despite the good intentions behind them.
  2. Rex Landy made headlines for her frank comments during a governmental hearing about prisons. She criticized a current MP for not listening adequately, which sparked controversy and was labeled as an 'anti-trans rant' by media.
  3. A woman named Phillippa was banned from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that stated 'men are not women, even if you squint.' She shared her experience, highlighting her belief in free speech and planned a protest against the supermarket.

Problems of the Modern World

David Friedman’s Substack • 188 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Mental health Social Issues
  1. There are many problems in the modern world, like rising autism rates, obesity, and lifestyle changes, but their causes are not always clear.
  2. Different factors, such as environmental changes, political decisions, and lifestyle habits, might be contributing to these issues.
  3. Identifying the true causes of these problems is complex and might require more research to understand what’s really happening.