The hottest Social movements Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Doomscroll: Amber A'Lee Frost

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 457 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Social movements
  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.

I Almost Didn’t Survive ‘The Population Bomb’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 663 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. They were influenced by Paul Ehrlich’s “population bomb” ideas and worried a third child would derail the family’s upward mobility, but they never regretted having another baby.
  2. The unexpected pregnancy triggered an agonizing checklist about money and readiness — they were in their late 20s with two small kids, living in a cramped Upper West Side apartment and relying on unstable work.
  3. They were part of the late‑60s hippie scene—shaggy hair, a red Volkswagen bus, protests—and remained idealistic about making the world better even while handling family pressures.

The Greatest Tension Within 21st Century Progressivism Remains Unresolved

Freddie deBoer • 12066 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Many progressives oppose police power and mass incarceration in general, but also demand tougher prosecutions and punishments in high-profile sexual violence and discrimination cases.
  2. Pushing for harsher criminal responses in those specific cases tends to expand prosecutorial and sentencing power and predictably increases racial disparities and overpunishment for marginalized people.
  3. The left rarely confronts this contradiction openly, and must choose whether to build non-carceral supports and protect due process or to accept expanding the carceral state with its attendant harms.

If You Want Different Outcomes, You Have to Do Different Things

Freddie deBoer • 19090 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Anger and protest are justified but not enough; you have to pair righteous rage with clear thinking, ruthless self-criticism, and realistic strategy.
  2. Durable change depends on concrete policy demands and sustained political organizing, not just symbolic goals like abolishing an agency without fixing the wider system.
  3. Tactics matter: calls for violence or naive actions like a general strike can backfire, so prioritize disciplined plans that focus on measurable outcomes.

Make America Gilded Again

Campaign Trails • 5064 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.
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Activism, Uncensored: The War In Iran

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1634 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. The U.S.-Israeli strikes sparked immediate, opposing public reactions with both protests and celebrations happening within hours.
  2. Left-wing groups quickly organized emergency protests in multiple cities, with demonstrators directing anger at Israel and President Trump.
  3. The announcement that Iran’s supreme leader had been killed intensified the response, leading to on-the-ground celebrations and follow-up rallies.

Why Low Human Capital Obsesses over Pedophilia

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4949 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. An obsessive focus on pedophilia has become a central identity and political weapon for lower-status groups, who widen definitions and invent conspiracies to feel morally superior.
  2. That panic produces extreme punitive instincts and public shaming, treating sexual offenses as uniquely monstrous in ways that would be odd and disproportionate for other crimes.
  3. The hysteria causes real social harm by infantilizing teenagers, encouraging extended childhood and therapy culture, and letting both left and right forces use the issue to push coercive agendas, so it should be resisted.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is the Leader We Need

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5789 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
💾 History Social movements
  1. He emphasized our shared humanity and the power of love as the basis of leadership, a stance that crosses political lines and might be unpopular today.
  2. He accepted the risks and sacrifices of moral leadership, speaking with a prophetic sense of purpose and readiness to face danger for his cause.
  3. In a moment that feels rudderless and skeptical of spiritual authority, we still need leaders who combine moral conviction and compassion, and his example is important to pass on.

"Defund the Police" Failed Because We Have No History

Freddie deBoer • 7116 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. The idea that abolishing the police was the historic default of left politics is wrong. Treating it as settled history made the debate confused and ahistorical.
  2. The movement grew largely through online networks that produced many loose, ungrounded supporters who lacked political theory and organizing skills. That made it hard to form strategy, resolve disagreements, or sustain pressure.
  3. Nobody agreed on what “defund the police” actually meant, from modest budget reallocation to full abolition, and there were no concrete plans or strategic discipline. Without clear, actionable goals the 2020 energy couldn’t be translated into durable political change.

Our Leaders Couldn't Fix Our Problems If They Wanted To (And They Don't Want To)

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2137 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Social movements
  1. Those in power aren’t capable or willing to fix our deepest problems — they’re motivated by profit, control, or staying in office, not by ending poverty, war, or ecological collapse.
  2. Many people comfort themselves with a paternalistic belief that authority will protect them, and that mindset leads to excusing brutality and avoiding harsh realities.
  3. Meaningful change requires taking the steering wheel away from the current ruling class and replacing the system with one that serves ordinary people, or else things will keep getting worse.

The America of Yesterday

Yascha Mounk • 5095 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Feeling cautiously optimistic about American democracy

Noahpinion • 44824 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Recent protests showed strong support for American values, with many people carrying flags and emphasizing peace. This suggests a united front against authoritarianism and a desire for democracy.
  2. The protests were mostly peaceful, and this nonviolent approach helped maintain public support. It's important to present a calm alternative to anger and chaos to keep the focus on core issues.
  3. Despite challenges, people's approval of Trump's handling of key issues is changing. There's a growing need for the Democratic party to offer a clear vision for the future, beyond just opposing Trump.

Things Worth Remembering: MLK’s Final Act of Faith

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1678 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
💾 History Social movements
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers, showing personal courage and solidarity even when it was risky and unpopular.
  2. By 1968 his public influence and support were fading, but he kept speaking out against injustice, economic inequality, and the Vietnam War.
  3. His final speech was a deliberate act of faith in freedom and the nation’s ideals, affirming moral conviction even as the country turned on him.

The nature of mass demonstrations

Maybe Baby • 975 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Joining a general strike is a way people show solidarity with a specific cause or place and use collective action to draw attention.
  2. Skipping usual posts or links can be a deliberate choice to avoid driving traffic to ad-funded sites and to make actions match principles.
  3. Mass demonstrations often get criticized for being underprepared or unrealistic, even when participants believe the action is the right thing to do.

Jewish Americans are feeling unsettled

Noahpinion • 14823 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Many Jewish Americans are feeling anxious due to rising antisemitism and political tensions. Recent events have made them more aware of their safety and acceptance in society.
  2. There's a noticeable increase in antisemitic incidents and hate crimes, especially after significant global events related to Israel and Palestine. This has led to fears among Jewish communities about their security.
  3. Jewish Americans are feeling squeezed between extreme political movements on both the left and right. This situation is causing them to reconsider their place in America and, in some cases, even think about moving or changing their lives.

Resistance 101 Documentary Trailer (COMING FEB. 21)

The Chris Hedges Report • 216 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Social movements
  1. Italian dockworkers have organized strikes and large demonstrations to block arms shipments to Israel in response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
  2. Their actions are a direct response to international institutions and governments that have refused to confront the violence.
  3. These industrial disruptions are offered as a model of resistance that could spread to other countries and possibly influence efforts to end the genocide.

Everything was Rational and Nothing Vibed

Never Met a Science • 66 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. The Effective Altruism and Rationalist movements rightly pushed AI and epistemic reform to the center of public life, building impressive institutions and tools. But their culture often feels cold and morally certain, which makes them seem out of touch and ‘vibes-off’ to many people.
  2. A new cultural split is emerging between ultra-rational, rule-driven groups and messy, vibe-first scenes like Dimes Square or Urbit. If the rationalists want lasting influence they’ll need media-theoretic and aesthetic fixes — more human-scale vibes, not just better logic.
  3. The movement’s energy and institutions are powerful but risky: they can create epistemic closure, enable moral or financial failures (as seen around FTX), and over-rely on tools like prediction markets and AI. Their choices will strongly shape the coming decade, but the ultimate outcome is uncertain.

Nonviolence in a Violent Age: Coleman Hughes Live at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 403 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
💾 History Social movements
  1. A live conversation on March 9 in Atlanta will bring Coleman Hughes together with Andrew Young and Jonathan Eig at Ebenezer Baptist Church to discuss nonviolence.
  2. They’ll explore whether Martin Luther King Jr.’s strategy of nonviolence can still help heal polarization and address rising political violence today.
  3. The event is part of an America at 250 series, with limited VIP tickets (including a pre-event reception) and a paid-subscriber presale available until Feb 3 at 3 p.m. ET.

Resistance101: Forging a New Movement for Palestine in Italy DOCUMENTARY

The Chris Hedges Report • 144 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Social movements
  1. Italian dockworkers have organized strikes and mass demonstrations to halt arms shipments to Israel in response to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
  2. These actions are a direct challenge to the inaction of governments and international institutions, showing grassroots workers stepping in where authorities refuse to act.
  3. The port disruptions are framed as a model of industrial resistance that could spread to other countries and potentially shape efforts to stop the violence.

The wretched of the earth I believe?

Wrong Side of History • 398 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Social movements
  1. Many Western leftists and intellectuals supported the 1979 Iranian Revolution believing Khomeini would lead to socialism or an anti‑imperialist alliance, and they underestimated the clerical leadership’s ability to seize and hold power.
  2. The revolution resulted in a brutally repressive theocratic regime that persecuted minorities, executed socialists and communists, and committed severe human‑rights abuses.
  3. The revolution’s rhetoric—invoking the “disinherited of the earth” and echoing Fanon’s language—helped convince progressives to see common cause, illustrating the danger of allying with religious conservatives.

Soy Right ascendant

Read Max • 14516 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

March 6, 2026

Letters from an American • 31 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
💾 History Social movements
  1. The Bloody Sunday attack on peaceful marchers in Selma exposed brutal voter suppression and helped galvanize national support that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  2. Jesse Jackson moved from a young marcher to a national leader who tied voting rights to economic justice through Operation Breadbasket, Operation PUSH, and the Rainbow Coalition.
  3. Jackson’s life and recent memorials underscore a call for inclusive, multiracial coalitions and active civic engagement to defend democracy and equal rights rather than give in to cynicism.

Chris Hedges Live Documentary Q&A TODAY: Forging a New Movement for Palestine in Italy

The Chris Hedges Report • 81 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Social movements
  1. There's a live Q&A today at 3:00pm ET about the new film 'Resistance 101: Forging a New Movement for Palestine in Italy'.
  2. Questions will be taken from the Substack comments and the live YouTube/X stream, so keep them direct and brief because long paragraphs won't be read.
  3. The post is public on Substack and invites subscriptions and sharing to support the work.

The alternate reality of RFK and the antivaxers

Noahpinion • 13470 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

The 51 biggest American political moments of the 21st century

Silver Bulletin • 479 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Donald Trump’s rise and the Obama era reshaped American politics. Trump's 2016 and 2024 victories were watershed moments that changed party dynamics and political norms.
  2. Major crises — 9/11, the Iraq War, the 2008 financial crash, COVID, and mass protests — drove big policy shifts and altered public priorities. These events had lasting human and political consequences that shaped elections and legislation.
  3. Institutional and cultural shifts — contested elections, Supreme Court rulings like Dobbs, the January 6 attack, and changes in media — weakened norms and intensified polarization. Together they changed how power is contested and how Americans engage with politics.

UNSILENCED – a day to remember when voices against gender ideology in New Zealand were heard.

A B’Old Woman • 1159 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

When No One Can Take an L, Or the Upside of Enclave Politics

Freddie deBoer • 3527 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Enclave politics is when people with similar beliefs stick together to feel safe and accepted. This helps them find community but can prevent them from making real change in the wider world.
  2. Being in an enclave makes people more aware of their positions and challenges, which can sometimes lead to a sense of powerlessness. However, it also encourages honest discussions about politics and reality.
  3. While extreme views can come from staying in these enclaves, being too disconnected from public sentiment can lead to ineffective activism. It's important to balance holding strong values with understanding the current political climate.

Uh-Oh! Political Antisemitism Smears Have Stopped Working!

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2887 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Antisemitism accusations seem to be losing their effectiveness in politics. This is seen with the recent success of a pro-Palestinian candidate in New York City.
  2. There is a noticeable increase in public anti-Muslim sentiment, which highlights a troubling shift in discourse. This can be linked to the political landscape and global events.
  3. Criticism of Israel is becoming more accepted in America. Some believe that pressing these issues may help prevent a potential conflict with Iran.

How the Yuppies Became Socialists

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2327 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. People who used to be part of the professional class are now leaning towards socialist ideas. It shows a big shift in how they view politics and society.
  2. Life in big cities like New York can feel very challenging, especially for those in the middle class. Many are afraid of losing what they have, which can lead them to more radical beliefs.
  3. The expensive living conditions and pressures of urban life create a sense of fear and uncertainty. This fear often pushes people to seek out new political solutions.

The upcoming 'UNSILENCED' summit in Wellington NZ, and the city councillor who tried to silence it.

A B’Old Woman • 819 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Magoon's Model of Radical Movements

In My Tribe • 425 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. A mentally troubled person can become a radical ideologue through a process called the psychological funnel. This means personal issues can lead someone to extreme beliefs.
  2. Radical movements have different players or roles that work together as a team. Understanding these roles helps clarify how these movements operate.
  3. When radical ideologies gain power, they often clash with reality, leading to their failure and collapse. This shows the risks of extreme ideas in practical situations.

Things Worth Remembering: The Zionism of Martin Luther King

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4595 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Have Man-Hating Feminists Gone Too Far?

The Discourse Lounge • 5052 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

On Democracy, Liberated Energy, and the Perfect Moment

The Crucial Years • 1863 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Now is a key moment to push back against authoritarianism. Protests like No Kings Day give people a chance to stand up for their rights peacefully.
  2. Clean energy is essential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which often lead to concentrated wealth and power. Harnessing solar energy can be a more democratic and accessible option.
  3. Big corporations are pulling back on climate promises, highlighting that we can't rely on them to save the planet. Communities need to take action and build sustainable solutions themselves.

Oranga Tamariki NZ (Ministry for Children), and the questions raised on how much gender ideology is embedded there.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

‘Capitalism Is Theft’: I Followed Zohran Mamdani’s Internet Trail

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1140 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Zohran Mamdani has a long digital history with more than 16,000 tweets, showing many sides of his personality and beliefs.
  2. He has shared strong revolutionary ideas, including calls to end the free market, defund the police, and change the prison system.
  3. As he prepares for a mayoral run, Mamdani is shifting his image to appeal to a broader audience, but his past reveals his true ideology.

Yeah, what is 'Post-Liberalism' anyway?

Unpopular Front • 207 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Post-liberalism is a movement that believes liberalism is harmful and wants to replace it with a focus on the 'common good' through conservative ideas.
  2. Critics argue that post-liberals contribute to the rise of bigotry and fascism by abandoning decent political practices and normalizing harmful behavior.
  3. There is a concern that abstract ideas like post-liberalism can excuse real-world tyranny, and it's important to face the moral issues in today's political context without avoiding responsibility.

Daniel Lurie Wants to Save San Francisco from Itself

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1126 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. San Francisco has tried many progressive ideas, like safe drug sites and reducing police funding, but these have led to negative outcomes like increased homelessness and crime.
  2. The city's new mayor, Daniel Lurie, is focused on reversing these trends and cleaning up the issues created by past policies.
  3. There's concern that other cities, like New York, may follow in San Francisco's footsteps with similar radical ideas, but many in San Francisco are watching closely to see the results.

The Revisionist History of Pride Month

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1085 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Pride Month celebrates LGBTQ+ rights and history, often with parties and events, but corporate involvement can feel superficial. It's a time for genuine celebration, regardless of outside pressures.
  2. There is a trend of historical revisionism around Pride, particularly focusing on figures like Marsha P. Johnson, which sometimes overshadows the contributions of many everyday LGBTQ+ individuals.
  3. The story of the Stonewall riots and the gay rights movement is complex, and while individual heroes are important, many regular people played vital roles in the fight for equality.