The hottest Social justice Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Unsafe Science 134 implied HN points 14 May 23
  1. The APA has shifted towards Critical Social Justice, moving away from traditional social justice principles.
  2. Critical Theory aims to dismantle western society through attacking societal components like education, media, and religion.
  3. Psychological practice should focus on individual dignity and value, rejecting radical political ideologies that deny universal humanity.
Political Currents by Ross Barkan 9 implied HN points 30 Jul 25
  1. The author is hosting a book launch party for their new book on August 5th. It's a chance to hear about current political issues and enjoy some drinks.
  2. The book discusses important topics like the state of the progressive left and the 2024 elections. It looks at how political events are shaping America today.
  3. The author criticizes the media and centrist politics for not being honest about the challenges the country faces. They believe these issues contributed to the rise of Donald Trump.
Sex and the State 18 implied HN points 19 Feb 25
  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.
The Digital Anthropologist 19 implied HN points 14 Apr 23
  1. Social justice movements are growing in the digital age, and while they can be damaging, they are ultimately good for democracy and societal evolution.
  2. Communication technologies like social media have empowered social groups to gather, organize, and coordinate more effectively, even in authoritarian regimes.
  3. Despite the current turmoil and conflicts, the rise of various social justice movements is a normal part of human evolution towards more egalitarian societies, with digital technologies playing a key role in amplifying voices for equality and rights.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Letters from an American 17 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. President Biden warned that a rich and powerful elite, or oligarchy, is threatening democracy in America. This means that a small group is gaining too much control over the government and people's lives.
  2. Economic inequality has grown significantly since the 1980s, with more wealth moving to the top 1%. This shift has made it harder for everyday Americans to get ahead.
  3. The American public is increasingly unhappy about this inequality, as shown by recent events. People are starting to recognize the dangers of extreme wealth concentration and are looking for change.
Journal of Free Black Thought 49 implied HN points 12 Jan 24
  1. Booker T. Washington advocated for black self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.
  2. Washington believed in achieving progress through internal growth and skill rather than external forces like government intervention.
  3. Washington's principles on self-reliance and autonomy contrast with the modern social justice movement's emphasis on victimhood and political support.
Charles Eisenstein 7 implied HN points 21 Jun 25
  1. It’s important to understand that we may not have the power to stop a war once it's started, as many factors lead to these conflicts. Instead of trying to be a hero and fix everything, we should focus on building communities dedicated to peace.
  2. Creating lasting peace requires inner work and a shift in how we think about conflict. We need to change the stories we tell ourselves about war and understand that many problems stem from past solutions that don’t work anymore.
  3. The urgency we feel during crises is a reminder that issues have always been present. Instead of just reacting to immediate conflicts, we should address the deeper reasons behind them and work continuously towards peace.
Critical Mass 5 implied HN points 03 Aug 25
  1. There will be 20 interviews released, featuring various authors discussing the problems in science and academia. The goal is to share ideas on how to address these issues.
  2. Topics include how social justice activism is affecting academic scholarship and the dangers of cancel culture. The conversations aim to spark important discussions about restoring science and free speech.
  3. The interviews and reflecting on the upcoming book hope to encourage awareness and prompt action to improve the current state of academia and scientific inquiry.
Letters from an American 17 implied HN points 30 Nov 24
  1. President Biden made a historic trip to visit Tribal Nations, highlighting significant federal investments aimed at improving Native American communities.
  2. Biden apologized for the federal Indian boarding school policies that harmed Indigenous children and their families, acknowledging the trauma caused by these practices.
  3. The Federal Boarding School Initiative aims to uncover the history and impact of these schools, suggesting that the U.S. government formally recognize and apologize for its role in forced assimilation.
Gideon's Substack 16 implied HN points 29 Nov 24
  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.
Letters from an American 15 implied HN points 11 Dec 24
  1. Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10th to remember the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This declaration sets a standard for basic rights every person should have.
  2. The UDHR emphasizes that all people are born free and equal, and it includes important rights like freedom of speech, equality before the law, and the right to education. These rights protect individuals from abuse.
  3. Today, the U.S. government reaffirms its commitment to human rights through various initiatives, including supporting women, LGBTQ+ rights, and those facing human rights abuses worldwide.
Who is Robert Malone 12 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Modern public health focuses more on preventing and treating diseases rather than promoting overall health. It often uses centralized plans that don't consider individual needs.
  2. The shift from health promotion to disease treatment is driven by social and political ideologies, like socialism, which prioritize equal health outcomes for the population over personal health choices.
  3. The principle of subsidiarity is important in healthcare. It suggests that decisions should be made at the local level by individuals and communities rather than by a distant authority.
steigan.no 5 implied HN points 04 Jul 25
  1. The U.S. Department of Justice is taking action against healthcare fraud, charging over 300 individuals in connection with schemes totaling $14.6 billion.
  2. Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, is stirring up tensions with Russia to gain influence and potentially become a leader among Central Asian states.
  3. Israel is facing a backlash over its military operations in Gaza, having inflicted significant civilian casualties, raising questions about its long-term security goals.
Tumbleweed Words 14 implied HN points 21 Nov 24
  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.
Political Currents by Ross Barkan 16 implied HN points 08 Oct 24
  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.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 59 implied HN points 15 Sep 21
  1. A new coalition called Lower Out-of-Pockets NOW aims to reduce the high costs people pay out-of-pocket for medical care. This is to help stop families from going into debt because of medical bills.
  2. High out-of-pocket costs are a big reason why many people in the U.S. face bankruptcy, even if they have health insurance. Many are skipping necessary treatments or medications because they can't afford them.
  3. The coalition wants Congress to prioritize insurance reforms to lower these costs, especially for Medicare beneficiaries and those with low incomes or chronic conditions.
My Home Office Hacks 10 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Today is dedicated to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his impactful legacy.
  2. You can listen to or read his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech to reflect on his message.
  3. Taking a break to appreciate important figures can inspire and motivate us in our daily lives.
Political Currents by Ross Barkan 13 implied HN points 01 Nov 24
  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.
Sex and the State 13 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. Many people don't understand abuse very well. This ignorance leads to feelings of shame and can make it harder for victims to speak out.
  2. There's a common assumption that victims of sexual assault are women and perpetrators are men, which can limit our understanding of who can be affected by abuse.
  3. Blaming victims is dangerous and often comes from a place of fear. It's important to support victims instead of shaming them.
Critical Mass 3 implied HN points 02 Aug 25
  1. The interviews focus on serious issues affecting science and education today. They aim to encourage discussion about how to improve trust and integrity in academia.
  2. The authors discuss problems like cancel culture, ideological bias in science, and challenges to free speech in academic settings. These issues are seen as harmful to the progress of science.
  3. The goal is to raise awareness about current threats to scientific inquiry and scholarship. The hope is to unite people in restoring sound science and open conversation in universities.
JoeWrote 27 implied HN points 15 Jan 24
  1. The depiction of MLK in America has been whitewashed into a moderate figure, hiding the true radical nature of his activism.
  2. Dr. King's advocacy for nonviolent protest does not mean he rejected more radical approaches like those of Malcolm X; this misrepresentation perpetuates a racist narrative.
  3. The legacy of Dr. King involves not just fighting for civil rights legislation, but also challenging systemic economic injustices, emphasizing the need for continued work in both racial and economic justice.
Critical Mass 3 implied HN points 28 Jul 25
  1. A series of 20 interviews with authors from 'The War on Science' book will be released daily, starting from July 22. These interviews will cover serious topics about science and academia.
  2. The discussions highlight problems like ideological corruption in science, the impact of social justice activism, and issues related to gender and medicine. The goal is to spark conversation on how to restore trust in science.
  3. The book addresses ongoing internal issues in academia and calls for greater awareness and action to protect sound science against various challenges.
Sex and the State 4 implied HN points 06 Jun 25
  1. Naivety can be a strength because it encourages people to take action and try new things. When people know how hard something is, they might not even attempt it.
  2. The CIA reportedly supports left-leaning voices in arts and media, which can shape cultural perspectives. This might make some ideas less popular among the wider public.
  3. Addressing social inequalities is challenging because it's hard to see and understand the existing hierarchies. Making real progress requires careful thought and effort to avoid creating new problems.
JoeWrote 23 implied HN points 29 Feb 24
  1. Dr. King's choice to speak out against injustices even at the risk of backlash can guide us in making tough decisions in current times.
  2. Criticism of foreign policies can be interconnected with domestic issues, as seen through King's analysis of the Vietnam War and its impact on anti-poverty programs.
  3. It's crucial to prioritize universal justice and values over political alliances, as staying silent on important matters can betray the core principles of movements.
UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar 3 implied HN points 15 Jul 25
  1. Most deportations in the U.S. target Latino immigrants, who make up a significant portion of the undocumented population. This creates an unfair focus on certain groups while others are largely ignored.
  2. ICE tends to avoid high-profile targets like vacationers and is instead going after long-term residents working in specific jobs. This raises questions about who is really being targeted.
  3. The deportation process seems designed to change the racial makeup of communities, as it disproportionately affects people of color while leaving wealthier individuals and their employers untouched.
Symbolic Capital(ism) 59 implied HN points 01 May 20
  1. Universities rely on overproducing PhD candidates to cover undesirable teaching tasks, which leads to exploitation of contingent faculty.
  2. There is a lack of job opportunities for recent PhD graduates, creating a pool of desperate academics reliant on low pay and unstable positions.
  3. Reducing PhD admissions could improve placement rates and bargaining power for academics, but would require faculty to teach more basic courses and do additional work themselves.
Critical Mass 2 implied HN points 27 Jul 25
  1. A series of 20 interviews with authors from 'The War on Science' will be released, starting on July 22nd. Each interview focuses on different issues affecting science today.
  2. The authors discuss serious problems like the corruption of academia, free speech issues, and how social justice activism can interfere with genuine research.
  3. These conversations aim to spark important discussions about restoring trust and quality in science and scholarship at universities.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 17 Oct 24
  1. Pfizer's own documents reveal that the COVID mRNA vaccine was not effective at stopping COVID-19, contrary to what was claimed at first. It suggests that those vaccinated can still experience multiple infections.
  2. BRICS nations are accumulating gold to challenge the Western financial system, indicating a shift toward a new world economic order, while Western investors are beginning to see gold's value too late.
  3. The U.S. faces deep-rooted issues such as economic inequality, political polarization, and diminishing trust in institutions. These challenges could weaken the nation's stability and its position as a global leader.
DruGroup 19 implied HN points 17 Aug 21
  1. The future church will focus on making disciples, helping people grow in their faith. This shift is important after many years of just listening to sermons.
  2. Diversity will be key, bringing in more voices and perspectives from different backgrounds. This aims to reflect the real community we live in.
  3. Digital engagement will grow, with churches using online platforms for more than just streaming services. This includes building relationships in online spaces, like the gaming community.
Natural Selections 4 implied HN points 10 Dec 24
  1. Universities should adopt the Chicago Principles, which support free speech and allow everyone to express themselves without fear of backlash. This helps create a safer space for open discussion.
  2. Administrators and faculty should encourage respectful disagreement and avoid ruling with fear. They should treat students as partners in learning, allowing for mistakes and corrections.
  3. Students should embrace diverse ideas and experiences, rather than seek comfort in familiar beliefs. Engaging with different perspectives helps broaden understanding and growth.
Critical Mass 1 implied HN point 08 Aug 25
  1. The interviews focus on big problems in science and academia today. They discuss how social issues and activism sometimes hurt scientific progress.
  2. Many notable scholars are featured, each sharing their views on how to improve trust and free speech in universities. They hope these discussions can spark change.
  3. Even with new political challenges to science, the long-standing internal issues need attention too. The goal is to restore good practices and integrity in academic research.
Symbolic Capital(ism) 19 implied HN points 01 Apr 20
  1. The professional-managerial class heavily relies on low-paid workers for their comfort and convenience, often overlooking the harsh conditions these workers face.
  2. Urban elites benefit from and perpetuate inequality through their reliance on vulnerable and desperate people to fulfill their needs, such as domestic workers, delivery drivers, and sex workers.
  3. Individuals have the power to challenge inequality by examining their own behaviors and relationships with 'disposable labor,' inspiring change in their communities and beyond.
Exasperated Infrastructures 7 implied HN points 03 Apr 23
  1. Norman Garrick highlights the need for cities that prioritize people on foot over vehicles going at high speeds.
  2. He discusses the challenges of car dependency, especially in countries like Jamaica, and emphasizes the importance of transit, bike, and pedestrian planning.
  3. Garrick advocates for creating car-light cities that are free from the dangers, noise, pollution, and costs associated with cars, focusing on designing for people's quality of life and low-carbon urban environments.
Klement on Investing 1 implied HN point 21 Feb 25
  1. Rich people often believe they deserve their wealth and should pay less taxes, while poor people think wealthy individuals should pay more. This shows a big difference in attitudes based on personal wealth.
  2. When people become wealthy through effort, they feel they earned it and support lower taxes. Surprisingly, even those who get rich by luck, like winning a lottery, also argue for lower taxes on their wealth.
  3. After people become wealthy, they often stop considering ideas about sharing wealth or paying higher taxes. They tend to seek out information that supports their own views, ignoring arguments for helping those less fortunate.
Creative Destruction 5 implied HN points 17 May 23
  1. Irritation can be a useful tool for reflection and insight, even if it feels annoying and inadequate.
  2. Quantitative aesthetics, focusing on numbers and stats, can overlook important aspects of life and inquiry.
  3. The decline in food diversity due to mass scaling and globalization poses risks to our food systems and resilience.
Letters from an American 1 implied HN point 01 Nov 24
  1. On February 1, 1968, two sanitation workers in Memphis tragically died due to a malfunction in their garbage truck.
  2. This event sparked outrage among the 1300 Black sanitation workers, leading them to take action for better working conditions.
  3. Their struggle highlighted the need for labor rights and social justice during a critical moment in history.