The hottest Social justice Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

The National Science Foundation and the fine line between anti-discrimination and flat-out racism

Heterodox STEM • 249 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The National Science Foundation's GOLD program was created to boost diversity in geosciences but has faced criticism for possibly promoting discrimination instead of true inclusion.
  2. There have been incidents where events limited participation based on race, raising legal concerns about civil rights violations under federal law.
  3. Many diversity initiatives funded by the government need better oversight to ensure they don't violate civil rights, and it’s important for people to report any discrimination they encounter.

Rolling the DEI

Heterodox STEM • 234 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Bias is present in academia and is often not unconscious. Many feel that men struggle to gain recognition in this environment.
  2. Data suggests that award processes in universities may not truly reflect merit and can be influenced by gender and diversity initiatives.
  3. The academic focus on diversity and inclusion sometimes leads to a lack of male representation in awards, raising questions about the fairness of these systems.

Lee Lakeman and The Whoredom of the Left

The Chris Hedges Report • 317 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Lee Lakeman believes prostitution is a form of economic slavery, reflecting the failures of capitalism. Many women and girls engage in it not by choice, but out of desperation.
  2. The fight against prostitution is also a battle against dehumanizing neoliberal capitalism. Lakeman emphasizes that true activism should focus on protecting vulnerable individuals rather than accepting the status quo.
  3. There is a deep division within the left regarding issues of women's rights and exploitation. Lakeman argues that without acknowledging these issues, the left becomes ineffective in truly supporting all marginalized groups.

Welcome to the Oligarchy

antoniomelonio • 250 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The U.S. has always been a place where a small number of wealthy people hold most of the power, which is called an oligarchy. This system is getting more obvious as many are unbothered by it.
  2. Voting may feel like we're making a difference, but it's really just a way to make us feel involved while the wealthy keep control. They are the real decision-makers behind the scenes.
  3. Real change can't happen just by waiting for elections; it needs a collective awakening where people demand better from the system. Otherwise, the oligarchs will continue to profit and ignore the real needs of the public.

A Shameful History, Part 3

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 179 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Genetic Justice

Parrhesia • 799 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🔬 Science Social justice
  1. Polygenic scores can predict genetic traits but work better for populations they are 'trained' on.
  2. Social justice advocates stigmatizing genetic research may hinder opportunities for certain ethnic groups.
  3. Taboos around genetic research on traits like intelligence can limit the use of polygenic scores for reproductive decisions.

Neo-White Supremacy and the Assumption of Black/Brown Inferiority

Journal of Free Black Thought • 70 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Neo-white supremacy often masks itself as a form of 'antiracism,' but it still holds onto the idea that Black and Brown people are inferior. This means that those who claim to help might actually be keeping the same oppressive structures in place.
  2. Many people who identify as 'white saviors' still impose their views on Black and Brown individuals, treating them as projects rather than equals. This creates a false narrative of support while undermining their true voices and experiences.
  3. Real anti-racism should reject the concept of the white savior. We should be treated as equals, not as people in need of saving, and it's crucial to recognize and question any benevolence that still carries underlying biases.

Trees and Politics

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

READING: Martin Luther King, Jr. (1958): Out of the Long Night

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 192 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Nonviolent resistance is a powerful way to fight for justice. It focuses on love and understanding instead of anger and violence.
  2. The struggle for freedom and equality will keep going until everyone is free. People who face injustice have a strong desire to fight for their rights.
  3. It's important for everyone, especially churches, to stand against racism and inequality. Many people stay quiet, and that can be just as harmful.

Why I wrote an article questioning the prevalence of white supremacy in psychology

Heterodox STEM • 170 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social justice
  1. The American Psychological Association apologized for its past role in racism, highlighting the need for change in the field. Psychologists must acknowledge history while moving forward to support all communities.
  2. A detailed critique of clinical psychology accused it of harboring racism and called for an anti-racist approach. The authors believe that psychology must evolve to be more inclusive and fair.
  3. The response to the critique showed mixed feelings, with some supporting it and others opposing it. This indicates a deep divide in psychology on how to address racism and maintain scientific integrity.

Radical Chic Continues

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  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 Social justice
  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.

In Sanctioning Amy Wax, Penn Targets Truth

Heterodox STEM • 234 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. There's a clash in universities between those who believe in objective truth and those who focus on social justice. This disagreement is affecting how knowledge is produced and shared.
  2. Universities are increasingly favoring identity-based policies over merit in admissions and hiring. This means some qualified candidates may be overlooked because of their race or background.
  3. The case of Amy Wax highlights the tensions of this debate. She faced sanctions for her views while other controversial opinions on campus seem to be ignored.

You Don't Know MLK

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
💾 History Social justice
  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.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.2. Neoliberalism & After

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 215 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The Neoliberal Order focused on free markets and individual freedom but often failed to create a fair society, leading to fear and inequality. This has caused people to look for new solutions and ideas.
  2. People are starting to care more about their local communities and how policies affect their immediate surroundings. There's a desire for changes that help create opportunities right where they are, instead of relying on moving to find better chances.
  3. There is a rising demand for leaders who truly represent and fight for the common people's interests. Many feel that the current system favors the rich, and they want someone to disrupt that status quo.

Why I Am No Longer Woke

Skeptic • 203 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The idea of being 'woke' started as a way to be aware of social injustices, but it has now become a term used to criticize extreme leftist ideologies. People who once identified with the woke movement may feel disconnected from it due to its transformation into something else.
  2. A key issue with the woke movement is its belief that humans are a 'blank slate.' This means that it assumes all inequalities stem from social discrimination rather than differences in abilities or personal responsibility.
  3. Many moderate thinkers believe in a 'Realistic Vision' of human nature, which acknowledges that people vary in abilities and that social systems should take these differences into account rather than trying to enforce equal outcomes.

One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This (w/ Omar El Akkad) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 146 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Language can hide the truth about violence and suffering. It helps people look away without feeling guilty, making it easier to ignore what's really happening.
  2. Those living under oppression have their own ways to resist, and it's not fair for outsiders to dictate how they should fight back. Resistance comes in many forms, and often there's no right way to do it.
  3. Acts of love and solidarity are happening every day, even in difficult times. These small actions remind us that we are connected and that caring for one another is essential, despite the harsh realities around us.

Letter to Young Americans

American Dreaming • 555 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Young Americans are expressing disillusionment and cynicism towards the US and the West.
  2. These attitudes are linked to a school of thought called postcolonialism, which can lead to left-wing fascism under the guise of social justice.
  3. The author urges young Americans to reevaluate their views and emphasizes the value of freedom of speech in America.

No, Rent Management Software Didn't Make Phoenix Expensive

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 147 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The high rent prices in Arizona aren't caused by rental management software. There's a belief that the software is to blame, but that's not the real reason.
  2. A real cartel would limit production intentionally to raise prices, but landlords are actually trying to build more apartments.
  3. Local factors and regulations can stop new apartment projects from happening, which might be a bigger issue affecting rents.

Enduring the Trauma of Genocide (w/ Gabor Maté) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 171 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Trauma affects everyone, not just the victims. It's important to recognize how painful experiences can impact our hearts and minds.
  2. People can lose their moral compass when they're hurt. Understanding and compassion can help heal these wounds and improve how we treat others.
  3. It's vital to connect with others and take care of ourselves. Sharing feelings and practicing self-care can help us cope with the pain we see in the world.

DRAFT: The Democratic Party Is too a Party Dedicated to Securing for the Workers by Hand & Brain the Full Fruits of Their Industry

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 176 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. The Democratic Party is seen by some as not fully representing workers anymore. There's a belief that it has shifted focus to areas like digital change and globalization.
  2. Critics argue that Democrats support ideas like untrained immigration and globalization without enough caution. Others question what 'woke' ideas really upset the traditional worker base.
  3. There's a debate about who qualifies as a worker today. It's important to think about diversity in the worker identity beyond stereotypes of race and education.

bell hooks: Living by an Ethic of Love

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 25 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social justice
  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.

DRAFT: It Is Our Business Here in America Not to Repeat Old World Society-of-Domination Mistakes

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Land acknowledgments can be seen as a reminder of historical injustices, which some people may find annoying or overwhelming.
  2. There were many positive interactions between early colonists and Native Americans, and the population of Native Americans has actually grown since then.
  3. The benefits brought by the Columbian Exchange helped improve the lives of modern Native Americans compared to their ancestors in the past.

Ideology-Based Investigations, Myths, and Blind Spots in Academia and Society

Heterodox STEM • 163 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Ideology-Based Investigations (IBIs) are studies that lack scientific rigor and often rely on philosophical beliefs instead. These can create a false sense of credibility, leading to flawed conclusions.
  2. The oppressor-oppressed binary is a concept widely used in academia that can skew research and findings. This way of thinking has influenced many institutions and projects, often prioritizing ideology over factual analysis.
  3. Many thinkers and writers may criticize authoritarianism but fail to see the biases and pitfalls within their own ideological views. It's important for everyone to recognize these blind spots to promote a more truthful and open society.

Diversity Whack-a-Mole: Controversial DOD Employee Pops Back Up at Education Department

OpenTheBooks Substack • 146 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Kelisa Wing, who was involved in the controversial DEI efforts at the Department of Defense Education Activity, has moved to the Department of Education and is earning a higher salary. This raises concerns about her continuing influence on education policies for a wider audience.
  2. The Pentagon's DEI office was dissolved amid controversy, but a new DEI Steering Committee was created, suggesting ongoing DEI initiatives behind the scenes. There's frustration about the lack of transparency regarding these efforts.
  3. Federal education policies must be clearer and free from objectionable ideologies. There's a push for both transparency in government contracts and for ensuring that education content aligns with American values.

The asymmetry of giving

Men Yell at Me • 146 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. There is a strong need for support in abortion access, especially from smaller funds that directly help clinics.
  2. Big donations often go to larger organizations, which can lead to clinic closures and higher costs for patients.
  3. Even with political changes, real access to abortion remains limited, leaving many feeling hopeless.

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

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 07 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social justice
  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.

Affirmative Action: A Primer, & A Finger Exercise

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 315 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

bell hooks’ Labors of Love: Visionary Feminism

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Social justice
  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 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 UAW in Chattanooga

Labor Intensive Art • 58 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Volkswagen auto workers in Chattanooga are campaigning to join the United Auto Workers union.
  2. President Shawn Fain addresses corruption within the UAW and emphasizes democratic union leadership.
  3. Supporters gathered at Volkswagen to protest union-busting activity and show solidarity with workers.

Christopher Rufo and the problem of anti-wokeness

The Path Not Taken • 330 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Christopher Rufo's ideas are influential in conservative circles and may shape a new administration if Trump wins.
  2. Rufo's book focuses on anti-wokeness as a response to critical theory and the excesses of social justice ideology.
  3. Critics are concerned about the aggressive and vague language suggesting radical countermeasures against ideologies, advocating for moderation and maintaining liberal-democratic principles.

The Third Blow

Journal of Free Black Thought • 30 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice
  1. Federal Urban Renewal projects in the 1950s and 1960s destroyed many Black neighborhoods, taking away homes and businesses. This led to a loss of generational wealth for Black families who had worked hard to build it.
  2. These projects often pushed Black residents into overcrowded and poorer areas, creating pockets of concentrated poverty. This makes it really hard for families to improve their situation and find better opportunities.
  3. The problems caused by Urban Renewal are still affecting Black communities today. Many people struggle with high poverty rates because of these policies, and economic growth hasn't helped everyone equally.

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 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 Social justice
  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 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.