The hottest Social justice Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 963 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Change can come suddenly, like the amendments to promote a cohesive and inclusive military force.
  2. A law bans using federal funds for certain divisive ideologies in the military, sparking optimism for change.
  3. Elimination of certain diversity-related positions and the restriction on funding for specific programs signal a shift in defense priorities.

When to Suppress Speech

Fake Noûs • 389 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Suppressing speech can sometimes seem necessary, especially if it's harmful or based on lies. However, there's a big risk that the people doing the suppressing might be wrong.
  2. Avoiding disagreement can make problems worse. When people suppress opposing views, it often leads to those views becoming more extreme and people becoming more isolated in their beliefs.
  3. Engaging with harsh or unreasonable ideas through conversation can lead to positive change. Real dialogue helps challenge hate and bad ideas, rather than silence or suppression.

Against Intersectionality

Tracing Woodgrains • 687 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social justice
  1. Intersectionality can be limiting by focusing only on different forms of perceived oppression
  2. Analyzing identity factors as solely oppressed or not creates blind spots towards genuine advantages
  3. True intersectionality should address identity groups in all their complexity and richness

Why women and girls need single-sex spaces - because it now needs to be explained.

A B’Old Woman • 939 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Women and girls need safe spaces to feel secure, especially in environments like bathrooms where they want to avoid harassment or discomfort.
  2. Many women feel more comfortable in single-sex spaces as they provide a chance to connect and learn from each other, without the presence of men.
  3. Public services should listen to women's voices about their needs for single-sex spaces, even if there aren't obvious complaints being made.
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What makes a woke theory "Critical?"

Keep your Wokal_distance • 845 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🚌 Education Social justice
  1. Critical Social Justice Theorists focus on being 'critical' to analyze concepts and theories within the realm of wokeness.
  2. The term 'critical' holds different meanings in the enlightenment liberal tradition of critical thinking and the woke social justice tradition of critical theory.
  3. Woke activists view truth and knowledge through the lens of power dynamics and social inequalities, rather than objective reality.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 1

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Wokeness emphasizes empathy for marginalized people, but it's important to recognize that individual empathy doesn't solve large social issues. What works for one person may not work for a whole group.
  2. John Rawls' idea of the 'veil of ignorance' suggests people will choose fair principles for society without knowing their own future position, but this theory has limitations. People have their own biases and preferences that can't just be ignored.
  3. Studies show that when given choices, people often don't prioritize the needs of the worst-off as Rawls suggests. Instead, they tend to make decisions that maximize the average welfare of society.

The part of my quote Piers Morgan doesn't want you to see

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1313 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Media often simplifies and twists comments to create drama. This can lead to misunderstandings about what people really mean.
  2. People may feel joy or relief about systemic issues being highlighted, not about individual tragedies. It's important to focus on the bigger picture.
  3. The public should question the media's motives and not just react to headlines. It's crucial to think critically about narratives pushed by powerful figures.

Chartbook 328 An economics Nobel for Biden's neocon moment. On AJR's "Whig" philosophy of history.

Chartbook • 1473 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The recent Nobel Prize in economics was awarded to three economists who stressed the importance of societal institutions in achieving economic prosperity. Their work highlights how fairness and rights can drive economic growth.
  2. The Biden administration supports this view, aligning their economic strategies with the theories of these Nobel winners. They believe government policies can help bridge gaps like inequality and support innovation.
  3. The traditional ideas of free-market economics are becoming less popular, and the current trend leans towards more government intervention in the economy. This shift reflects a broader skepticism about past economic policies.

Where did our millennial ambition go?

Men Yell at Me • 452 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Many millennials feel disillusioned with the American Dream because the systems they trusted have failed them. They’re realizing that success is often elusive, despite hard work.
  2. Instead of chasing individual ambitions, some are shifting their focus to community goals. They want to advocate for systemic change and help others succeed.
  3. There's a growing conversation among millennials about redefining ambition. They’re questioning what it means to be successful and seeking happiness beyond traditional measures.

Yes, speech is often violence or morally on par with it

Philosophy bear • 121 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Social justice
  1. Speech can be as harmful as violence, especially when it leads to negative actions like war or unjust policies. If someone argues for a harmful action, they share in the moral blame for its consequences.
  2. Even when people argue for policies they believe are justified, those discussions can still be seen as participating in violence, given the potential for real harm. The intention behind the argument doesn't fully absolve the speaker from responsibility.
  3. Words can cause significant emotional and psychological harm, often comparable to physical violence. Speech has power, and we should be careful and considerate with how we use it, recognizing its potential impact.

Universities That Target Their Students’ Free Speech Should Have To Pay A Public Price For It

Singal-Minded • 935 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Universities sometimes punish students for their social media posts, claiming they are unprofessional. This can happen even if such posts might be protected by free speech laws.
  2. Kimberly Diei fought back after her university threatened to expel her over her social media posts and won a $250,000 settlement, showing that students can prevail against unfair treatment.
  3. Many universities act out of fear of offending others and worry more about public perception than protecting their students' rights. They often only do the right thing when it becomes too costly to do otherwise.

The Problem of the "New Elite"

Paroxysms • 798 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social justice
  1. The term "elite" carries multiple and complex connotations, reflecting a historical evolution from positive to negative associations.
  2. New elites are often misunderstood and oversimplified, leading to challenges in addressing the broader issues they represent.
  3. The new elite class navigates complex dynamics of power, ethics, and cultural influence, reshaping corporate and institutional landscapes in response to societal demands.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 2

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The family functions very differently than larger societies. In a family, people support each other unconditionally, while in broader society, abstract policies cannot replace personal relationships.
  2. Kant's ideas about moral rules might work in theory, but they often fail in real life. What feels fair for small groups doesn't always make sense on a larger scale.
  3. Elinor Ostrom showed that cooperation can work in communities without government intervention, highlighting the importance of the community size when solving problems. What's right for a family or village doesn't always work on a national level.

Unstable women will stop at nothing

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Some women with specific mental health issues can make false claims about violence and abuse. It's a serious problem that affects many people.
  2. There are cases where therapists avoid female clients due to concerns about false accusations. This makes it hard for some women to get the help they need.
  3. It's important to speak out about these issues and not dismiss them as exaggeration. Sharing experiences can help others understand the risks involved.

Short Take: Reading "The Age of Entitlement", The left's Terrifying Vulnerability

Anarchonomicon • 668 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The left's focus on 'Social Justice' and 'Diversity' has gained significant institutional power despite the lack of explicit laws mandating it.
  2. America's rejection of 1960s ideologies led to political movements like Nixon and Reagan, challenging the post-political bureaucratic control.
  3. The US regime relies on an intricate web of executive orders and judicial interpretations, which could be disrupted by public demand for change.

Liberals v. Progressives

Castalia • 599 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Liberals believe the world has room for improvement but is mostly okay, while progressives feel everything is terrible and getting worse.
  2. Liberals see violence as an anomaly to be handled through legal systems, while progressives view it as a result of power imbalances that need moral commitment to fix.
  3. Liberals think progress is slow but happening, while progressives focus solely on social justice and need major changes to address past wrongs.

Who Is The Real Criminal? The New Issue Of JOHNSTONE Is Now Available

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 926 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The latest issue of JOHNSTONE magazine is available and focuses on the question, 'Who Is The Real Criminal?'. It's about uncovering deeper truths in societal issues.
  2. Public reactions to certain events, like the murder of a CEO, can reveal a lot about the feelings and frustrations of ordinary people towards the elite class.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about wars and conflicts, stressing the importance of recognizing the truth behind news narratives and how they impact real lives.

We Tried to Warn You

Unsafe Science • 739 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Academia has faced significant challenges due to its left-leaning politicization. This could lead to a backlash against academic institutions and funding.
  2. Dissident academics have been warning about the danger of mixing politics with education for many years. Ignoring these warnings has resulted in serious issues within academia.
  3. There is a growing divide and polarization between academics and political figures, which may weaken the credibility and influence of academic work.

Things I wish the left got about economics

Philosophy bear • 801 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The left should focus on offering positive solutions to economic problems, rather than just criticizing the existing system. Proposals need to be practical and beneficial in real life.
  2. Understanding key economic concepts, like public goods and externalities, is crucial. This knowledge helps in crafting effective policies and regulations.
  3. It's important to recognize that regulations aren't free solutions and need thoughtful design and expertise. A well-organized government can make these regulations work better for society.

The social justice case for self-driving cars

Odds and Ends of History • 871 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social justice
  1. Self-driving cars are becoming more common and are already in use in places like San Francisco. Companies are offering autonomous taxi services that anyone can access through an app.
  2. The idea of abundant mobility means that, in the future, traveling will be much cheaper and easier for everyone. This could make life better for many people, especially those with lower incomes, by improving access to jobs, services, and social connections.
  3. While there are challenges and concerns with self-driving cars, like job losses and privacy issues, the overall benefits could lead to a more equal and accessible society, similar to how technology has improved living standards over time.

This is why race is always going to be held up as vital

Tilting At Windmills • 294 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Race continues to be a significant issue, especially when individuals use it as a shield against criticism.
  2. Some individuals exploit race to divert attention from their unethical behaviors and make themselves immune to accountability.
  3. There are people, like the mayor mentioned, who perpetuate racial tensions by leveraging race as an excuse for their actions, hindering progress towards a society where race is not a defining factor.

Snitching on ICE Goes Mainstream

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. There's a rise in community efforts to stop ICE by sharing agents' information online. People believe this helps protect immigrants from deportation.
  2. A new website called ICE List shares details about ICE agents, showing how individuals can fight against perceived injustice from afar.
  3. The increase in immigration arrests under the Trump administration is sparking more grassroots movements, like neighborhood groups and apps, to keep people informed and organized against ICE activities.

"Dear Lee, thank you for standing up for women, when none of the women did."

A B’Old Woman • 599 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Men who identify as women can pose a risk to women in single-sex spaces, and it's important to keep those spaces safe.
  2. Some arguments about determining who is a woman, like inspecting genitals, are not practical and ignore our ability to recognize gender clues.
  3. It's concerning when women's rights are compromised for the sake of accommodating men who identify as women, and there's a need for balance.

The neo-rainbow racket in New Zealand explained in the language of easy money.

A B’Old Woman • 339 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Some charities in New Zealand are accused of making money from their supposed support for vulnerable groups. They often focus on the need for funding rather than addressing real issues.
  2. Organizations like InsideOUT, Rainbow Youth, and Rainbow Tick are frequently mentioned in discussions about LGBTQ+ support, raising questions about their motivations.
  3. There is a concern that these charities prioritize their financial gains over the actual welfare of the individuals they claim to help. This raises important questions about accountability in the charity sector.

The End of Liberal Education?

Castalia • 539 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🚌 Education Social justice
  1. There is growing concern that elite universities like Harvard are losing touch with their traditional liberal values. Recent incidents have highlighted a divide between student activism and mainstream liberalism.
  2. The rising costs of education are making it harder for middle-class families to access top schools. This situation has led to a focus on superficial diversity rather than true socioeconomic representation.
  3. The environment on college campuses has shifted towards heightened sensitivity and protection of student feelings. This shift includes the use of concepts like 'safe spaces' and 'trigger warnings,' which some argue restrict open debate and dialogue.

"Murder" is the new inflation word

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 855 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The word 'murder' is being used more lightly these days. People want to express anger and make big statements, but it can dilute the real meaning of serious words.
  2. Using violence against individuals to protest bigger issues, like corporate greed, is not the right approach. It's better to change the system instead of targeting people.
  3. Political representatives often don't listen to what the public wants because they are swayed by big money from corporations. It's important to hold politicians accountable and push for real changes.

The Middle Kingdom

Men Yell at Me • 405 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The Midwest is a place rich in community and belonging, representing a complex mix of culture and history. People in both rural and urban areas once found a sense of hope and connection there.
  2. Dividing America into 'red' and 'blue' overlooks the rich stories and lives in each community, which are tied to the country's broader democracy. It's important to remember that personal experiences are part of the larger political picture.
  3. The upcoming book 'The Middle Kingdom' will explore what democracy should look like and how individuals and communities can come together in love and care, embracing all parts of society, including its flaws.

We are all meaner and more conservative than we were 10 years ago

White Hot Harlots • 139 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. People are becoming more mean-spirited and conservative compared to a decade ago.
  2. In the realm of education, conflicts are arising due to the prioritization of emotional impact over intent and context.
  3. The push towards hyper-awareness and sensitivity can potentially restrict meaningful discussions and lead to increased divisiveness in society.

Mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 919 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🎭️ Culture Social justice
  1. Some people become social justice advocates because of childhood trauma. They may have taken on adult responsibilities too early, which can shape their views later in life.
  2. Logarithmic scales can be stressful because they keep increasing, making them feel out of control and overwhelming.
  3. Boiling water is a great way to clean cast-iron cookware. It helps remove stuck-on food easily, just like when making a sauce.

Smiley’s People

Heterodox STEM • 320 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. In Canada, many professionals feel they can't speak freely because of fear of losing their jobs for holding unpopular opinions. This is harming free speech in the workplace.
  2. Merit should be the most important factor when choosing people for jobs, but many institutions are prioritizing things like race and gender instead. This shift can hurt quality and excellence.
  3. There’s a concern that political correctness is influencing professions like medicine and education. People worry that real discussions may be stifled, leading to poor decision-making.

DEI versus Asians in STEM

Heterodox STEM • 185 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. DEI policies in STEM often discriminate against Asians because their strong math performance is used to justify limiting their representation. This creates unfair advantages for other groups instead of raising overall math standards.
  2. In sports, we celebrate diverse talent without enforcing racial quotas. Similarly, the focus in academics should be on merit and excellence without penalizing high achievers based on their background.
  3. Addressing educational disparities requires understanding the root causes of performance differences, rather than implementing policies that might reduce opportunities for successful students.

Anti-Trans Activists are Unprincipled and Depraved

American Dreaming • 246 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Anti-trans activists often focus on issues like fairness, but many times their real motives are rooted in bigotry. They don't actually care about the fairness they claim to fight for.
  2. The argument for banning trans people from certain spaces, like women's sports, is often contradictory. Critics worry about fairness but ignore that some activities, like chess, are not physically competitive.
  3. The rise of anti-trans sentiment has led to a dangerous environment where any dissent or different viewpoints are quickly attacked. This movement is growing in power and is becoming more aggressive in its approaches.

NZ’s biggest telecommunications company publicly disrespects women.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. A major telecommunications company in New Zealand has been criticized for not supporting women's rights. Many feel the company favors a specific group over women.
  2. The company publicly backed an activist known for stirring up anti-women sentiments, causing unrest during a women's rally. This situation sparked discussions on social media.
  3. Some customers are considering switching to other services due to the company's stance on women's issues. There are opportunities for businesses that want to attract customers unhappy with current corporate attitudes.

Social Justice Encroachment into Medicine

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Social justice
  1. The focus in medicine is shifting from just improving health to also addressing social justice issues. This change is influencing how doctors see their roles, making them more like activists.
  2. There's growing concern about how medical guidelines in gender care are established. Some recent textbooks promote a very one-sided view and may ignore crucial issues that need more research.
  3. Changes in policy around gender-affirming care show that discussions about healthcare are becoming more political and less focused on individual patient needs, which is troubling.

Why DNA Tests Can’t Decide Who’s “White”

Erik Examines • 268 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. DNA tests cannot precisely determine if someone is 'white' because they measure similarities to population clusters, not a specific racial identity. It's like finding groups that have common traits rather than strict categories.
  2. Human migration and mixing throughout history complicate the definition of race, as people often carry DNA from many different backgrounds. This blending means anyone's genetic makeup can reflect diverse ancestries.
  3. Using DNA tests to decide immigration or citizenship based on race creates problems, as different companies may interpret results differently. It's more about discovering ancestry than making clear boundaries between people.