The hottest Social justice Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Rest is Resistance

Laetitia@Work • 216 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🎭️ Culture Social justice History Identity Wellness
  1. Rest is not just self-care but a political subject, with the potential to disrupt the current world order.
  2. The Nap Ministry advocates for rest as a form of reparation and ancestral connection, challenging societal norms that prioritize productivity.
  3. Daydreaming during rest is important for making novel connections, generating ideas, and shaping one's sense of self and future trajectories.

It's a bit hellish for women at Hell's Gate in Rotorua, NZ.

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Women's Rights Public Policy Social justice Activism
  1. A social rule used to keep men out of women's spaces created a safe environment for women. This changed when some men started claiming to be women and accessing these spaces.
  2. Some women are misled into believing that men entering women’s changing rooms are genuinely women, which makes it uncomfortable for those who truly identify as female.
  3. Rallies are planned for women to express their concerns and demand to be heard on this issue, highlighting the importance of women’s rights and spaces.

What Elites Do To Others...

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 90 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social justice Government Policy Wealth Inequality Civil Rights
  1. Elites often make tough decisions that primarily hurt those who are less privileged. They don't usually consider sacrificing their own benefits to help others.
  2. The current climate crisis is getting worse, with potential environmental disasters looming. Action from wealthy individuals and leaders is essential, but they often prioritize their own interests.
  3. Many billionaires believe they cannot be taxed effectively. There are ways to change this, but it requires strong policies and willingness to take action against the wealthy.
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Affirmative Action: A Primer, & A Finger Exercise

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 315 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Meritocracy Inequality Social justice
  1. In a society with structural racism, even a good meritocratic system can unfairly advantage privileged groups and disadvantage marginalized ones.
  2. Meritocratic tests can also perpetuate structural racism, leading to unfair outcomes in job selection.
  3. Choosing the best people for a job involves considering and addressing structural racism in both access to resources and the testing process.

Gratitude Redux

Gideon's Substack • 16 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Gratitude Ethics Existentialism Social justice Personal Growth
  1. Gratitude is about focusing on the good things in life, even when there are also bad things happening. It helps us see the positives without having to judge everything.
  2. Even tough experiences can teach us valuable lessons and help us grow. Feeling gratitude doesn't mean we ignore the bad; it just helps us appreciate the good that can come from it.
  3. Gratitude and justice are different but can coexist. We can be thankful for what we have while also recognizing the injustices in the world and working to make it better.

A Shameful History, Part 3

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 179 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Racism Education Social justice
  1. Teaching accurate and unvarnished history, including the dark and painful parts, is crucial for understanding and preventing the repetition of past atrocities.
  2. Lynchings were not isolated acts but bold, public events that affected whole communities and reinforced systemic racism.
  3. By learning about and acknowledging the history of lynching, we equip ourselves to recognize and address present dangers, ensuring a better future for all.

Trees and Politics

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Urban Development Climate change Public Health Social justice
  1. Seattle has a history of cutting down trees for economic gain, starting from the days of early settlers.
  2. There is a recent shift towards valuing trees and nature for their benefits to both the ecosystem and human health.
  3. The city council is revising the Tree Protection Ordinance, but the proposed changes may not be strong enough to protect trees and support the community effectively.

How democrats went from woke movement to fascist (esque) regime | article

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Party Dynamics Social justice Activism Ideology
  1. The woke movement started as a way to fight against injustice and support marginalized groups. It was meant to bring people together and raise awareness about discrimination.
  2. Over time, some leaders of the woke movement have been accused of not helping those in need. Instead, they've been criticized for misusing funds intended for important causes.
  3. It's important to genuinely support the values of equality and kindness, not just preach about them. True advocacy requires action and honesty.

Radical Chic Continues

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Political Dynamics
  1. The book discusses how social justice movements in America have been influenced by elite capture, where elite groups divert grassroots movements to serve their agenda.
  2. The analysis delves into the concept of elite capture, where a smaller group of elites takes control of larger activist movements, potentially leading them off course.
  3. There is a call for a return to class-based politics to address issues of social and material justice, with a critique of the current trend of focusing too much on symbolic gestures rather than material conditions.

Stop it.

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Social justice Civil Rights
  1. The idea of creating more spaces for gender nonconforming individuals is seen as unnecessary. There’s a belief that society should not have to accommodate what some may consider delusions about gender.
  2. The push for inclusivity in spaces, like bathrooms or sports teams, is criticized for being costly and emotionally draining for others. It suggests that these efforts are not true kindness but rather complicity in a harmful agenda.
  3. There’s a strong opinion that accommodating these demands is a step toward losing personal boundaries and safety. The idea is that such actions are not for genuine concern but rather a means of exerting control over societal norms.

You Don't Know MLK

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
💾 History Civil Rights Social justice Activism Morality Ethics
  1. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. faced significant opposition and was hated by many Americans during his time, contrasting with his revered status today.
  2. King advocated for radical social change, including fighting against materialism, militarism, and economic injustice, aspects often overlooked in mainstream narratives about him.
  3. It's important to recognize the fuller picture of Rev. King's activism beyond just his nonviolent civil rights work, as he also promoted economic equality, critiqued capitalism, and spoke out against the Vietnam War.

How Black women gave me empathy for young men

Sex and the State • 18 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Racism Empathy Social justice Political Discourse
  1. Listening to Black women is essential for understanding complex social issues. They provide unique insights that can help broaden perspectives.
  2. There is a need to empathize with young men and learn about their struggles. Ignoring their voices can lead to misunderstanding their experiences.
  3. Tone matters in discussions about sensitive topics. It's important to focus on understanding others rather than getting defensive about their expressions of frustration.

A review of Matt Goodwin’s Values, Voice and Virtue

The Path Not Taken • 374 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Political Ideology Liberalism Social justice Economic Inequality
  1. Matt Goodwin argues about a new elite in Britain conflicting with working classes' values and interests.
  2. The book suffers from vague definitions, failing to engage with key debates and lacking focus.
  3. There's a need for deeper analysis of socio-cultural professionals and progressive ideology to present a more balanced view.

bell hooks: Living by an Ethic of Love

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 25 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social justice Feminism Masculinity
  1. bell hooks and Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of living by an ethic of love, prioritizing integrity and truth over natural niceties.
  2. hooks believed in the power of a love ethic as the basis of social justice movements and cultural analysis, contrasting young listeners who saw love as naive and weak.
  3. hooks addressed the damaging effects of patriarchal masculinity on men, urging them to embrace feminist masculinity characterized by compassion, sensitivity, and respect towards others.

The Untethering

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 13 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Politics Literature Social justice Music
  1. Politics and culture often clash, but they don’t always have to be mixed together. Good art can exist outside of politics.
  2. In the past, people pushed for art to always reflect certain political views, which limited creative freedom. Not all artists want to be activists, and that’s okay.
  3. Although we might see political ideas in art, the intense focus on social justice from the 2010s is fading. Art is likely to be viewed differently moving forward.

Faith, Hope, Love ... and Social Justice?

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 07 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social justice Activism Feminism Spiritual growth
  1. Love is crucial for social justice and can drive real change. Bell hooks believed that love is often seen as weak, but it can actually be a powerful and transformative force.
  2. Honest communication is essential in love and cannot exist in systems of domination. Patriarchy creates barriers, causing people to hide their true selves, which harms relationships.
  3. Spirituality can come from various traditions and doesn't have to be tied to organized religion. It's about valuing love and interconnectedness in our lives and communities.

bell hooks’ Labors of Love: Visionary Feminism

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Feminism Activism Social justice Intersectionality
  1. bell hooks' work emphasized the importance of caring about what you write, showing personal interest, and using respectful objectivity.
  2. She advocated for visionary feminism that targets sexism, exploitation, and oppression, aiming for transformation rather than mere reform.
  3. hooks urged for a deeper focus on economic class alongside race and gender issues, highlighting the interlocking systems of domination and the need to challenge classism.

The health care injustices that Dr. King spoke about are still here. And growing.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health Inequality Healthcare access Public Health Social justice
  1. Healthcare inequalities that Dr. King talked about are still a big problem today. Many people, especially in low-income areas, can't get the medical care they need.
  2. Emergency departments are becoming overcrowded because people can't find regular doctors. This leads to dire situations where even minor issues turn into urgent needs.
  3. Despite the suffering in poorer neighborhoods, big health insurance companies are making huge profits. This creates a larger gap in healthcare access for those who need it most.

The End of the Public Intellectual

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 16 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Discourse Media Criticism Intellectuals Social justice Cultural Commentary
  1. Ta-Nehisi Coates is trying to speak out about the struggles of Palestinians in a way similar to how he talked about racial injustice. He wants to bring more attention to their situation.
  2. Despite his past influence and popularity, Coates' recent return to the spotlight does not seem to have the same impact as before. Many people are unaware of his work despite his prominent publications.
  3. The idea of the public intellectual is fading, which means Coates might struggle to create the change he hopes for, no matter how passionately he speaks about these important issues.

How to Tell if You are Truly Concerned About Fat People’s Health

Weight and Healthcare • 219 implied HN points • 30 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Body positivity Weight Stigma Fatphobia Mental health Social justice
  1. Truly caring for fat people's health goes beyond body size and includes addressing weight stigma and oppression.
  2. Using stigmatizing language like 'ob*se' or believing thinness can magically solve health issues perpetuates weight stigma.
  3. Recommendations for intentional weight loss may often lead to harm and supporting anti-fatness contradicts true concern for fat people's health.

Gussie Grips rips Scottish Parliament a new a-hole.

A B’Old Woman • 179 implied HN points • 26 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Social justice Political Commentary Protests
  1. A recent change in Scottish law makes it easier for people to change their legal gender. This has raised concerns about whether it will affect single-sex spaces.
  2. Elaine Miller protested against these reforms by making a bold statement in Parliament. She used a shock tactic to draw attention to her message.
  3. The protest sparked mixed reactions online. While some supported her boldness, others found it inappropriate, showing the divide on the issue of gender and sex rights.

On Traffic Fines

Something to Consider • 139 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Government funding Social justice
  1. Speeding is harmful because it puts others at risk, so fines are necessary to discourage it. Fines should be proportional to the danger caused, but not excessively punitive to allow for justified speeding in some situations.
  2. Traffic fines should not depend on a driver's income. A speeding rich driver harms others just as much as a poor driver, and fines should reflect that without deterring all speeding, especially in cases where it's efficient.
  3. Instead of relying on fines for profit, speeding should be treated like a toll based on the risk caused. This way, the focus is on protecting others rather than just generating revenue.

Gay men on "Team Terf"

Disaffected Newsletter • 279 implied HN points • 03 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism Social justice Conservative Views Identity politics
  1. Some gay men align with TERF views, but they may not be safe from backlash themselves. Being part of this group does not guarantee protection from criticism or attacks.
  2. The argument suggests that TERFs see men, including gay men, as tools for their own ideology. Men are viewed as accessories rather than equals in this perspective.
  3. Once gay men express views that contradict TERF beliefs, they risk being labeled as misogynists and face social media consequences. Their support can quickly turn to hostility.

From FDR to Coretta Scott King: Economic Rights and the New Poor People's Campaign

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Poverty Civil Rights Labor Rights
  1. In 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. initiated the Poor People's March to address economic impoverishment that affected African Americans and people of all ethnicities.
  2. Coretta Scott King highlighted that violence against poor people, neglect, and discrimination are forms of violence that require honest confrontation of institutionalized racism.
  3. Franklin Delano Roosevelt called for a 'Second Bill of Rights,' advocating for economic justice as essential for true individual freedom and security.

Two End-of-Year Talks: bell hooks' Labors of Love and the Power of the Humanities

Humanities in Revolt • 119 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Humanities Feminism Social justice Education Public Speaking
  1. bell hooks emphasized the importance of love as a transformative force in social justice movements, but faced skepticism, especially from younger audiences.
  2. Upcoming presentations will focus on bell hooks' contributions to feminist thought and the power of humanities in understanding existential priorities.
  3. The talks will be open to the public, offer insights into human oppression, and emphasize the value of humanities in shaping our perspectives on living well.

Show Me Stupid

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 09 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political critique Government Policy Public Health Gun Control Social justice
  1. Missouri, once known for its common sense, has shifted politically and now struggles with logic and skepticism in its governance.
  2. The state's government, particularly under Governor Mike Parson, has been criticized for rejecting science-based measures like mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  3. High-profile pardons for controversial figures, like the McCloskeys, highlight a disparity in justice, where wealthy individuals receive leniency while others face harsh penalties.

The Politics of a Great Unconformity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Issues Political History Geology Public Policy Social justice
  1. Seattle's Light Rail stations display a mix of very old and relatively new rocks, creating interesting geological features called unconformities.
  2. In 1989, a decision to use stone from South Africa led to a controversy concerning the ethics around apartheid, making local officials reconsider their choices.
  3. The fallout from the stone controversy resulted in a resignation at Metro, highlighting how political and ethical decisions can impact public projects.

In Defense of Artificial Reproduction

The 21st Century Proletarian • 59 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Technology Feminism Social justice Women's Health
  1. Feminists like Shulamith Firestone have argued for technological advances in reproduction to challenge gender stereotypes and hierarchies.
  2. Rejecting the natural connection between women and motherhood is important to move towards gender equality and eliminate gender distinctions.
  3. Advocating for responsible use of artificial wombs can lead to progress in gender equality, but it should be approached cautiously with a focus on societal well-being.

Commentator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 26 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Abortion rights Political Debate Social justice Foreign Policy
  1. The Dobbs ruling changes the political landscape around abortion, leading to more intense debates and potential loss of legal rights for women. It suggests we may see chaotic battles over reproductive rights in the coming years.
  2. The #MeToo movement is evolving, with a growing concern over 'cancel culture' in schools. Young people are being harshly judged, and the social media backlash can lead to extreme consequences for minor mistakes.
  3. Climate reparations raise complex questions about responsibility for global warming. It's tricky to determine who should pay, but the debate is getting more attention as a response to environmental damage and historical injustices.

#103 Justice by design

Design Lobster • 179 implied HN points • 21 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Social justice Chocolate Book Quote
  1. Design can be used as a tool for social justice and equity, as demonstrated by initiatives like Creative Reaction Lab and their 'Equity-Centred Community Design Field Guide.'
  2. Companies like Tony's Chocolonely are using design in their products to convey powerful messages and promote social change, like highlighting issues of slavery in the chocolate industry.
  3. Design justice involves challenging normative models and amplifying diverse voices and knowledge through design practices, as emphasized by Sasha Costanza-Chock in their book 'Design Justice.'

Policing the Cops

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 03 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policing Legislation Gun Control Social justice Drug policy
  1. Policing in America has become very militarized, often lacking proper training and accountability. Many officers are poorly trained and some act with bias or aggression.
  2. The increase of video evidence from smartphones and body cameras is pushing for accountability in police actions. Public scrutiny is growing, and each police incident is likely to lead to protests and demands for change.
  3. To reduce police violence, America needs to focus on better training for officers, civilian oversight, and treating drug issues as health problems rather than criminal ones. There are examples in other countries that could provide a better model.