The hottest Social movements Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
Read Max 14516 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. The Soy Right has emerged as a new group within Trumpism that emphasizes a sensitive and emotional style, contrasting with earlier, more aggressive right-wing attitudes. They often complain about feeling oppressed and seek validation.
  2. This group combines elements of online culture like meme-making and social media engagement with a political platform that mirrors the traits they once mocked in liberals. It's a blend of corniness and a demand for social approval.
  3. There are strong parallels between the current Soy Right and the past Gamergate movement, as both display similar attitudes of victimhood and entitlement while engaging in cultural conflicts. They represent a shift in the focus and style of online right-wing discourse.
The Chris Hedges Report 147 implied HN points 22 Feb 25
  1. Both Republicans and Democrats serve the interests of the rich, not working people. We need to stand up for workers' rights against both parties.
  2. Major billionaires like Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg are harming workers and are anti-union. Their actions show they don’t care about the rights of everyday people.
  3. It's crucial to create a new working-class movement that is independent of the current political parties. This movement should aim for better healthcare, housing, and an end to military funding.
Joshua Citarella's Newsletter 457 implied HN points 29 Oct 24
  1. Young people are often seen as the future of social change. But we need to think about whether they really will lead the revolution.
  2. There are new efforts by the Republican party to support workers. It's important to consider if these changes are genuine or not.
  3. A lot of educated people are struggling to find jobs, which raises questions about what happens next in our society.
Campaign Trails 5064 implied HN points 04 Oct 24
  1. Many people support Trump's idea of making America great again, but it's mostly based on nostalgic feelings about the past. They often don't really specify what that 'great' time is.
  2. Trump's idea seems to relate to the 1890s, a time known for wealth for a few and poverty for many. Most people were struggling to get by while a small number of rich people thrived.
  3. The 1890s also had serious issues with racism and restrictions on people's rights. For many, that period was quite harsh, showing that Trump's vision might not be good for everyone.
The Octavian Report 8 implied HN points 25 Feb 25
  1. Settler colonialism is a theory that explains how some societies have replaced indigenous populations. It highlights a history where settlers took land and resources, often causing harm to native peoples.
  2. The term 'settler' now includes not just the original settlers but anyone who lives in those areas and isn't indigenous, which can lead to complicated discussions about who belongs where.
  3. Many people today use the idea of settler colonialism to criticize modern issues like inequality and environmental exploitation, seeing them as ongoing results of historical injustices.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
antoniomelonio 170 implied HN points 28 Feb 25
  1. The Left is seen as weak and disorganized, lacking a clear vision or plan for the future. Instead of leading change, it often gets caught up in fighting itself.
  2. Historical movements, like communism and anarchism, have struggled to create lasting successes and often became absorbed by the systems they aimed to challenge.
  3. The rise of artificial intelligence might pose a threat to capitalism, but the Left is mostly unprepared and lacks a unifying strategy to address these changes.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 4595 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that peace and security in Israel were important for democracy. He emphasized that Israel needed a sense of safety to thrive.
  2. King was known for his powerful speeches and moral courage. His words continue to inspire people to work towards justice and equality.
  3. Despite his tragic assassination, King's vision for a better future lives on. He motivated many to strive for a promised land of freedom and justice.
The Truth Fairy 1074 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. An executive order was signed to stop the federal support for child sex transition treatments, which many see as harmful. This change aims to protect vulnerable youth from potentially life-altering medical procedures.
  2. There was a widespread belief that medical science should be trusted without question, leading some parents to allow their children to transition. Many of these parents were just trying to do what they thought was best for their kids.
  3. The debate around gender identity treatments has involved many professionals and institutions, but it often lacked robust scientific evidence. This has raised concerns about the safety and necessity of these treatments for young people.
Noahpinion 13470 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. RFK Jr. has been a strong opponent of vaccines, which may influence U.S. vaccination policies if he takes a leadership role in the government. This could lead to less public support for vaccinations.
  2. Beliefs can be useful for creating group unity, even if those beliefs are not based on facts. Sometimes, being a part of a group means accepting ideas that might not be true in reality.
  3. The tension between what is real and what people believe can impact society. It shows how important it is to balance scientific facts with how communities view and accept those facts.
Yascha Mounk 5095 implied HN points 01 Aug 24
  1. America used to be a place where people felt hopeful about their country and its future. Now, many people seem more cynical and distrustful of public figures.
  2. In the past, popular culture embraced humor and self-awareness, allowing for discussions about important issues without taking everything too seriously. Today, there's a sense of censorship and a judgmental attitude towards differing opinions.
  3. Despite the current negativity, there's still hope for America. The country has a history of bouncing back from difficult times, and there's a chance that a cultural renewal could happen in the future.
Unpopular Front 252 implied HN points 04 Feb 25
  1. The tech billionaires shifted from being liberal to reactionary as they felt their social power decline. They realized their wealth didn't guarantee control, prompting a backlash against social progress.
  2. Class struggles have evolved in the digital age, similar to those in industrial capitalism. Digital platforms can unite people for both progressive activism and reactionary movements.
  3. The growing divide between the tech elite and the general populace is fueled by a perceived threat from social changes. This leads to an increased focus on nationalism and anti-democratic sentiments among some tech leaders.
The Discourse Lounge 5052 implied HN points 22 Nov 24
  1. Some people believe modern feminism blames men for societal problems, which may affect how certain men vote. There seems to be a divide where many men support anti-feminist views, while women tend to support feminist-leaning candidates.
  2. A personal experience in a feminist class revealed that the course didn't promote hate towards men but rather focused on broader social issues like economics and inclusivity. The class provided a more nuanced understanding of feminism that counters online stereotypes.
  3. The negative perceptions of feminism among some young men often come from online content rather than actual feminist theory. Engaging directly with feminist education can help dispel myths and offer a better understanding of gender issues.
Points And Figures 852 implied HN points 30 Jan 25
  1. RFK Jr. raised valid questions about the medical system and vaccines. It's important to scrutinize vaccines and the reasons behind certain medical practices.
  2. The agricultural system is heavily influenced by government regulations and subsidies. To foster innovation, we need to reduce government control over farming.
  3. Allowing farmers more freedom to manage their land can lead to better practices and more creativity in food production. Letting the market decide which methods work best could benefit everyone.
Unpopular Front 145 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. 'Vibe shift' often acts like a trend in the stock market, where people want to align politically or culturally with what's popular at the moment.
  2. Media and leaders sometimes push specific vibes as a way to validate their actions, regardless of potential negative effects.
  3. It's important to think critically about these changes instead of just going along with them; we should question why and how these cultural shifts are happening.
The Future, Now and Then 195 implied HN points 07 Feb 25
  1. Elon Musk's management of Twitter, now called X, has not gone well. Despite some people still supporting his approach, many see that things have clearly gotten worse since he took over.
  2. Activist strategies need to adapt to a changing political landscape where media and social platforms wield less influence than before. This means finding new ways to create impactful confrontations and inspire collective action.
  3. Curtis Yarvin may not have as much real influence as some believe. His popularity among certain powerful people reflects their own views more than it indicates he is shaping political direction.
Global Inequality and More 3.0 951 implied HN points 28 Dec 24
  1. The historical view of the assassination in Sarajevo changed over time depending on political climates. Initially, it was seen as justified but later viewed negatively as political perspectives shifted.
  2. The Young Bosnia movement was driven by a mix of national unity desires and social injustices. Many members came from impoverished backgrounds and sought change, inspired by various revolutionary ideas.
  3. Literature and poetry significantly influenced the Young Bosnia activists. They saw themselves as heroes and believed in dramatic actions because they felt the political system was against them.
antoniomelonio 246 implied HN points 05 Feb 25
  1. Many people act like they don't want war, but deep down, some crave the chaos and excitement it brings. War can feel like a thrilling action movie where there are heroes and villains.
  2. War is often used as a tool by those in power to distract the public from real issues. It unites people under a common cause, allowing leaders to maintain control and profits.
  3. Even in peaceful times, there's a restless feeling among people. This boredom can lead to the desire for conflict, which simplifies complex problems into a fight between 'us' and 'them.'
Erik Torenberg's Thoughts 195 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Climate change is becoming a more urgent issue, leading to stronger regulations and changes in public perception about capitalism and insurance companies. People are starting to question whether opposing climate change will protect their homes.
  2. The conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is shifting, with some wanting to return to earlier practices focused on equal opportunity rather than forced outcomes. There's a belief that many current DEI approaches are leading to division and inefficiency within organizations.
  3. The political landscape is evolving, with the potential for a coalition of Republicans and Democrats against tech companies. Some predict that as technological advancements affect jobs and wealth distribution, public anger may increasingly target tech leaders.
Philosophy bear 228 implied HN points 30 Jan 25
  1. Young men often feel excluded from the left because they don't see it as a moral community where they belong. To change this, the left needs to show that it values all people, including men, by building strong connections based on shared goals.
  2. The idea of heroism is important to many people, especially those engaged in politics. People want to feel that they can make a difference and be part of something greater, and the left can attract more young men by embracing this desire.
  3. The left has a unique opportunity to redefine what it means to be heroic in a way that isn't about individual glory but about collective action for a better world. It's about showing how everyone can contribute to a cause that benefits all.
Unsafe Science 907 implied HN points 17 Dec 24
  1. Over the last few years, many people have felt pressured to censor themselves due to fear of backlash from others. This fear often came from their peers, rather than any single leader or group.
  2. The culture of intolerance has created an environment where speaking out against popular opinions can lead to serious personal and professional consequences, making many people afraid to express their true thoughts.
  3. This situation has led to what some term a 'spiral of silence,' where the majority of people feel they can't speak up because they believe they are alone in their views, even when they actually share those views with many others.
Erik Torenberg's Thoughts 533 implied HN points 26 Dec 24
  1. In 2016, major political events made many people, including Marc, rethink how they understand both the left and right sides of politics. It showed that the way people behave in politics can change in surprising ways.
  2. There's a debate about whether people's actions are driven more by their ideas or by their interests. Sometimes people's emotions take charge, and they move in a certain direction, which then influences the ideas that follow.
  3. We need a new understanding of what it means to be part of an elite class. New leaders should focus on results and unite people instead of dividing them along political lines.
Wood From Eden 2016 implied HN points 04 Nov 24
  1. Civil wars often have deep political or ideological divides. In Finland's case, it was the working class versus the upper class, which led to a very intense conflict over power.
  2. The formation of armed groups was crucial in the lead-up to the Finnish Civil War. Both the workers and the upper class created their own forces, which escalated tensions.
  3. Post-war, Finland struggled with the aftermath of the violence but eventually unified. A process of reflection and an amnesty helped rebuild society despite longstanding divisions.
The Ruffian 528 implied HN points 21 Dec 24
  1. Luigi Mangione, the man who committed a murder in a protest against healthcare, was from a wealthy background and had no history of being wronged by the system. His actions don't fit the narrative of fighting for the oppressed.
  2. Despite being celebrated by some leftist circles, Mangione was more of a liberal centrist with interests that aligned with rational thought and skepticism, which contrasts sharply with his violent act.
  3. The public's reaction to Mangione's actions shows a troubling acceptance of political violence. This could encourage more similar actions, leading to a dangerous cycle of justifying violence in political discourse.
OK Doomer 134 implied HN points 21 Jan 25
  1. In the early 1920s, there were extreme ideas about eugenics in America, like a proposal to ban marriage for anyone who wore glasses. This shows how some people believed certain traits made others a burden.
  2. The concept of eugenics wasn't just a fringe idea in America; it had support from many educated people, including doctors and lawmakers. This widespread acceptance contributed to harmful beliefs in society.
  3. Eugenics in the U.S. had a significant influence on later ideas in Germany, which ultimately led to tragic events in history. It’s a reminder of how important it is to learn from the past to avoid repeating its mistakes.
A B’Old Woman 1159 implied HN points 19 May 24
  1. The UNSILENCED event in New Zealand brought people together to discuss concerns about gender ideology. Attendees were diverse, but united in wanting to protect women's and children's rights.
  2. Protests and high security surrounded the event, showing the heated opinions on both sides. Some attendees faced hostility, but they persisted in their discussions.
  3. Many speakers at the event shared their experiences, including a young woman who detransitioned. The atmosphere was charged and supportive, highlighting the importance of in-person connections.
JoeWrote 29 implied HN points 13 Feb 25
  1. _Squid Game_ reflects the harsh realities of capitalism and how it affects people's lives. The show serves as a warning about chasing wealth and the struggle between different classes.
  2. Despite its anti-capitalist message, many viewers misunderstand the show and view it as a celebration of capitalism. This shows how deeply some individuals can miss the real critique being presented.
  3. In the upcoming season, the characters will focus on fighting against the oppressive system. Their mistakes in planning a rebellion mirror real-life struggles faced by working-class movements.
Men Yell at Me 710 implied HN points 05 Feb 25
  1. Women are finding freedom and happiness after divorce, pushing back against traditional expectations. Despite struggles, there's growth and resilience among them.
  2. There is a growing divide in political views between divorced men and women, which reflects deeper societal anxieties. This divide is influencing political landscapes and responses to women's progress.
  3. It's important not to see women's independence as the cause of male anger. Instead, we should focus on supporting women's freedom without feeling the need to appease men's grievances.
A B’Old Woman 819 implied HN points 14 May 24
  1. The UNSILENCED summit in Wellington, NZ, is set to discuss gender ideology and its recent changes in society. It's a chance for people to express their views and break the silence around this topic.
  2. There has been pushback against the summit from some local officials and activists, highlighting ongoing tensions over gender issues. Despite this, the event organizers and supporters are determined to proceed.
  3. Lawyers and free speech advocates are involved to protect the event from cancellation, showing the importance of free expression. The summit is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about gender ideology.
Rob Henderson's Newsletter 928 implied HN points 03 Jan 25
  1. Identity politics can be used to create fear and control within groups. This can lead to people feeling pressured to conform to certain beliefs.
  2. Groups often engage in public shaming or 'struggle sessions' to enforce conformity. This method makes individuals afraid to speak out or be different.
  3. Understanding these tactics can help individuals navigate social pressures better. Knowing how fear works in group dynamics can be empowering.
Political Currents by Ross Barkan 65 implied HN points 28 Jan 25
  1. There is a shift in how political resistance works, moving from large protests to quieter, more organized actions. Many feel that the energy and fervor of past movements are not as strong anymore.
  2. Critics argue that cultural writing needs solid evidence to make its points, but understanding culture can be subjective and may not always rely on hard data. Feelings and personal experiences can be valid, even if they aren't quantifiable.
  3. The political landscape is always changing, and understanding today's culture requires looking at the current situation rather than relying on the past. It's important to ask questions about what is happening now instead of just referring to old patterns.
Fisted by Foucault 140 implied HN points 29 Dec 24
  1. Europe is facing a tough time with the rise of far-right politics, and things might get worse as economic problems grow. Many traditional left-wing parties are losing support and influence.
  2. The U.S. is in a strong global position as it hands off power to Trump, with a focus on maintaining military support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  3. In Georgia, political tensions are high with protests ongoing after a controversial election. The new president has divided opinions, and many are calling for a rerun of the elections.
Letters from an American 28 implied HN points 01 Feb 25
  1. Julia Ward Howe wrote the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' during the Civil War, capturing the fight for freedom and defining it as a holy cause. It became an anthem for the Union troops.
  2. On February 1, 1960, students protested against segregation at a Woolworth's lunch counter, sparking the sit-in movement that led to desegregation in public spaces.
  3. February 1 was later recognized as the first day of Black History Month, but by 2025, the U.S. government's stance on diversity and inclusion programs showed the ongoing struggles for equality.
Fisted by Foucault 154 implied HN points 23 Dec 24
  1. The collapse of the Syrian government has surprising global effects, especially concerning China's security. The presence of Uyghur militants fighting in Syria poses a potential threat to China's Xinjiang region.
  2. In many Western societies, the traditional separation between government and private interests has blurred. This post-liberal shift often sees political agendas influencing both public opinion and private actions.
  3. European nations are currently facing significant challenges, including economic passivity and loss of sovereignty. This has led to a sense of pessimism and isolation among many Europeans as they perceive a decline in their collective influence.
bad cattitude 220 implied HN points 19 Nov 24
  1. People can mistake harmful groups for support, thinking they are safe when they are actually being isolated and manipulated.
  2. When a group only allows one opinion, it creates an echo chamber that cuts out other viewpoints, which is unhealthy.
  3. Those who tightly hold on to their beliefs may become more extreme and disconnected from reality, making it hard to communicate with those outside their group.
A B’Old Woman 439 implied HN points 27 May 24
  1. Oranga Tamariki in New Zealand is struggling to track how many children are receiving puberty blockers and other gender-related treatments. This lack of data makes it hard to understand the impact of these treatments.
  2. Many organizations and healthcare providers in New Zealand don't consistently record information about young people using these treatments. This makes it difficult to analyze trends or outcomes.
  3. The conversation highlights a growing concern among some groups about the influence of gender ideology in systems meant to protect children. Many feel it's time to address these issues more openly.
The Chris Hedges Report 151 implied HN points 05 Dec 24
  1. The U.S. plays a large role in influencing foreign elections and governments, often undermining leaders who promote democratic socialism in favor of its own corporate interests. This has been seen in places like Bolivia.
  2. The media often fails to expose the darker side of U.S. foreign policies. Instead of revealing the truths about interventions and human rights violations, they uphold narratives that support the idea of the U.S. as a benevolent force.
  3. Zionism and the Israel lobby heavily influence political discourse, particularly around Palestine. Criticism of this influence has increased, leading many to reconsider their views on colonialism and imperialism.
The Novelleist 781 implied HN points 07 Nov 24
  1. Anarchism is about creating a society without centralized power or authority. It acknowledges that people might still try to gain power, but the goal is to build a culture that resists such authority.
  2. There are questions about how to protect communities striving for anarchy while facing external threats. People are thinking about ways to create temporary spaces of freedom and coordinate efforts across different regions.
  3. For anarchism to flourish, there needs to be a shared global sentiment among people. It’s essential to imagine what an anarchist society could look like, as this vision can help guide the movement.
bad cattitude 249 implied HN points 22 Oct 24
  1. Many people feel that current academic systems are failing because they prioritize ideology over objective truth. This has led to a loss of trust in experts and their qualifications.
  2. A new group of builders and creators is emerging, ready to take charge and restore trust and functionality in society. They want to replace ineffective leadership with practical solutions.
  3. The division in society, often caused by political and social issues, is now being recognized as manipulated to keep people fighting each other. A united approach is needed to advocate for freedom and a better future.
A B’Old Woman 519 implied HN points 14 Apr 24
  1. A new petition in New Zealand is pushing for an investigation into midwifery practices, signaling a shift in how politicians view discussions on gender issues.
  2. An Australian court case is determining if someone who identifies as a woman should be allowed access to a women-only app, raising important questions about gender identity rights.
  3. The UK Cass Review found that puberty blockers were being used too liberally, sparking a call for more careful discussions about their use and the impact of gender ideology in healthcare.