The hottest Social movements Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

What's Next?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 42 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Social movements Civic engagement Political parties Cultural Shifts
  1. America is experiencing a cooling period after years of intense political activity. People are starting to reflect and think for themselves more than follow the loudest voices in politics.
  2. There's a growing shift in American culture away from traditional institutions. Many people now seek personal improvement and alternative interests instead of blindly following leaders or celebrities.
  3. The future of American politics is uncertain. While there’s still engagement and activism, there is also a trend where people may want to 'drop out' from typical political battles and focus on their personal lives and beliefs.

Feminists: tell me what you believe?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1278 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Studies Identity politics Social movements Cultural critique
  1. Feminism means different things to different people. It's important for individuals to share their personal definitions and beliefs about feminism.
  2. Supporting equal rights for women doesn't necessarily mean someone identifies as a feminist. Some believe those rights can be supported without using the term 'feminism.'
  3. There's a chance that arguments over feminism arise from misunderstandings of the term. People might think they disagree when their definitions are just different.

Commentator

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Elections Political parties Foreign Relations Social movements
  1. There's a growing divide within the Democratic Party between liberals and progressives, especially around the Israel/Palestine conflict. This split is becoming more visible as protests on campuses reflect differing worldviews.
  2. Protests are showing strong anti-Israel sentiments and are affecting US politics. These movements could add unexpected pressure on the current administration, similar to how unrest shaped past elections.
  3. Internationally, the situation in the Sahel is worsening as countries there are turning away from US partnerships and looking to Russia for support. This reflects a larger shift in global power dynamics.

Jimmy Carter, Neoliberal; Lind Agonistes; Heterodox Economists; The Order

Unpopular Front • 32 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Economic Policy Neoliberalism Populism Social movements
  1. Jimmy Carter's presidency is often viewed as a failure, but his policies led to a shift towards neoliberalism in the Democratic Party.
  2. There is a troubling connection between South African apartheid and modern American capitalism, highlighted by the views of tech leaders like Peter Thiel.
  3. Recent trends in the tech world show a dangerous ideology that suggests certain people should always be in power, echoing old systems of inequality.

Writing Prompt: What movement does the world need right now?

The Novelleist • 412 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social movements Philosophy Creative Writing Activism Community Building
  1. We are facing a time of change and uncertainty, and we have opportunities to shape the future. It's a chance to creatively think about what the world needs right now.
  2. Writing is important, but taking action is also necessary. We should focus on building movements that align with the changes we want to see.
  3. There are many areas to explore for creating change, like politics, economics, or philosophy. We should brainstorm actionable ideas to make those changes happen.
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Weird people doing good things

Samstack • 1768 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Philanthropy Community Ethics Social movements
  1. Effective Altruists do some weird things, like considering options like eliminating predators or flipping a coin with huge consequences.
  2. Effective Altruism is about using evidence to do the most good possible, even if some of the ideas seem strange or unconventional.
  3. Being weird is an integral part of doing good - the unconventional practices of Effective Altruists contribute to their impact.

Links to Consider, 10/26/2024

In My Tribe • 455 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Social movements Free speech
  1. Noah Smith emphasizes that police are important for public safety and crime reduction. However, he believes there are still ways to improve police practices.
  2. Greg Lukianoff notes that campus deplatforming is at an all-time high, with many attempts to silence differing opinions. It's a worrying trend for free speech.
  3. Aswath Damodaran questions whether breaking up big tech companies is beneficial, suggesting that it may hurt innovation and favor legal professionals instead.

Venting

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political Accountability Election Integrity Climate Policy Social movements
  1. People are feeling worried about the current political situation, especially with a leader who faces no accountability. This creates a scary environment where anything can happen without consequences.
  2. Social media, particularly Facebook, struggles with spreading misinformation. This makes it hard for people to know what is true and what's not, especially during crises.
  3. There's a need for a larger movement to fight back against these issues. Relying only on local networks for support isn't enough; a united front is essential to address these challenges.

Race to the Cluster Bottom

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Gender Rights Social movements Public Health
  1. Chris Rufo highlights the rise of extreme behaviors and attitudes in society, like narcissism and hysteria. These traits are becoming more common and accepted.
  2. A school district in Vermont is implementing policies that allow boys to access girls' bathrooms and sports, aiming for inclusivity through gender affirmation.
  3. There is a resurgence of pandemic-like behaviors and attitudes, which some refer to as 'Covidianism'. Discussions around this topic are becoming more intense and critical.

"But..hey..aren't protests meant to be disruptive?"

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 179 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Free speech University Policy Social movements
  1. Protests are meant to create change, but they shouldn't disrupt everyone's access to shared spaces. It's important for everyone to have a voice without excluding others.
  2. While it's okay for protests to be loud and visible, rules exist to keep order and respect for all students. Breaking rules can lead to consequences that could silence future protests.
  3. Universities need to support students' right to protest, but they also have a duty to maintain fairness and order for everyone on campus. Finding a balance is key.

What Game Are We Playing?

Data: Made Not Found (by danah) • 127 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Policy Public Opinion Social movements Current Events
  1. The article discusses different ways to understand the current political climate in the U.S. using concepts like 'Jenga Politics' and 'Arson'.
  2. It examines Facebook's new policies, suggesting they are more about control than free speech.
  3. The author encourages readers to explore these ideas and to join her on a different platform for more content.

How it went down on the day - the 'Voices for Children' rally in Welly.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Protests Social movements Policy Debate Activism
  1. The 'Voices for Children' rally focused on concerns about gender ideology affecting kids. Many speakers argued that promoting certain ideas about gender to children is harmful.
  2. Despite some protesters, the rally was well-organized and brought together a variety of people concerned about children's welfare. There was a strong sense of unity among attendees.
  3. The event received positive feedback for the management by police and security. It gave a feeling of safety compared to previous events where tensions escalated.

On the Election

Philip’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy Inequality Tax policy Elections Social movements
  1. Inequality is growing because free markets and low taxes let wealth concentrate in a few hands. Over time, this leads to more people feeling left out and unhappy.
  2. Different countries face a tough choice between low taxes to drive growth or higher taxes to support fairness. These choices impact how people feel about their economic opportunities.
  3. Creating strong local communities where people support each other can help address the issues caused by inequality. Togetherness and compassion will be key to moving forward.

How to Support Myth Pilot

Myth Pilot • 609 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Creation Mythology Fiction Analysis Social movements
  1. The writer is opening paid subscriptions for their newsletter to support their work.
  2. The content provided by the writer is currently free for everyone, but subscriptions are a way to support further creations.
  3. The writer's work includes fiction, cultural analysis, and proposals, aiming to delve into myths, theories, and actions for social understanding and change.

World-building IRL

box. • 839 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Community Building Social movements Interpersonal Relationships Organizational development
  1. Building real-life communities matters because our actions can influence the world around us. It's important to focus creativity on improving our everyday lives.
  2. Great people are often right where you are; don’t just look for them somewhere else. Investing in your current community can lead to amazing connections.
  3. It's crucial to keep the energy positive and focus on the experiences of those who show up. This creates an inviting space that encourages others to join in next time.

Trans Day of Invincibility

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ Rights Gun Violence Media influence Social movements Public Safety
  1. A tragic incident occurred where a person identified as transgender committed a violent act, leading to a discussion about media portrayal of transgender individuals as victims.
  2. There were protests against a speaker advocating for women's rights, highlighting tensions around free speech related to gender issues.
  3. There are concerns about the growing influence of extreme views within the transgender movement and the support it gets from media and government.

An interesting thing happened at the 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Welly .....

A B’Old Woman • 739 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Rights Social movements
  1. The 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Wellington was created for those who want to support women’s issues but may not feel comfortable speaking out. It aimed to provide a space for solidarity.
  2. Despite weather challenges, about 150 people showed up for the rally, which was a positive turnout compared to past events that faced violence.
  3. There was a notable incident where a man claimed to be a woman during the rally. This highlighted ongoing tensions between gender critical women and trans rights groups.

Making Civic Life Thick Again; Rashid Khalidi in Haaretz; Remembering Canarsie

Unpopular Front • 29 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Civic engagement Social movements National Identity
  1. Political parties need to focus on building stronger local organizations to reconnect with working-class voters. This means creating spaces where people can gather and engage in civic life together.
  2. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex and cannot be solved easily. Understanding both sides and their histories is crucial to discussing potential solutions.
  3. Using violent tactics in political struggles can backfire, especially when the opposing side feels victimized. It's important to think about the long-term effects of such strategies.

Why Men Don't Date Woke Women

Handwaving Freakoutery • 803 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Dating Politics Morality Gender Dynamics Social movements
  1. Politics impacts the dating market, affecting who people choose to date based on their ideologies.
  2. There is a rise in people unwilling to date across political lines, leading to fewer marriages and dates.
  3. Woke morality dynamics and past events like the Kavanaugh trial have influenced dating decisions, particularly in avoiding woke women due to fear of false accusations.

November 22, 2024

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Presidency Political History Social movements Legislation
  1. President Kennedy's visit to Texas in 1963 was meant to unite the Democratic Party amidst tensions regarding civil rights. He faced strong opposition from white supremacists for supporting Black rights.
  2. The violent protests at the University of Mississippi highlighted the intense backlash against federal support for civil rights, which many equated with communism at the time.
  3. The tragic events of November 22, 1963, not only marked Kennedy's assassination but also revealed the personal pain of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who insisted on showing the world the brutality of the attack.

The Rot at the Top

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Corporate Influence Political Ideology Social movements Elections
  1. Many people are expressing strong emotions about the healthcare system after the death of a healthcare CEO, showing widespread anger at the current state of affairs. This reflects a general frustration with how things are run in the industry.
  2. There's a sense that anger toward political and corporate leaders is growing, possibly hinting at a bigger change or revolution in the future. More people are feeling fed up and ready to stand up against a corrupt system.
  3. Politicians are seen as failing to address major issues like healthcare, often swayed by corporate interests. There's a belief that both major parties are promoting similar unhealthy agendas that don't really help the people.

November 3, 2024

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections History Democracy Political parties Social movements
  1. History shows that small groups can seize power, but ordinary people can rise up and reclaim democracy. We need to remember that average citizens have the strength to push back against injustice.
  2. The fight for democracy is ongoing. Just like in the past, it's important to unite and defend our rights, creating coalitions to stand against those who want to take away our freedoms.
  3. We have a choice in shaping the future of our democracy. It's up to each of us to decide whether we will support those who believe in equality or those who want to rule over others.

Uneasy Riders: Part Two

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social movements
  1. Acknowinging,理解ing,和接受我们内心的不同部分是重要的。我们的心理包含许多碎片，直面这些部分可能有助于我们成长。
  2. 文化和社会正在经历一种集体的精神占有现象，这种现象可能会导致极端的行为和信念的普遍传播。
  3. 我们需要超越肤浅的反应，深入探讨社会和生态问题的根源，以此找出更深层次的解决方案。

Police horses punched in the gut by trans activists

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Gender Issues Public Policy Civil Rights Social movements
  1. During a rally in Melbourne, some activists attacked police horses, which is alarming and shows a dangerous level of violence.
  2. The rally is centered around giving women the chance to speak, but there are tensions between different activist groups that complicate the situation.
  3. Media coverage often sparks controversy, with claims being made against rally leaders that may not reflect the reality of their actions or intentions.

Real Women NZ's first livestream

A B’Old Woman • 359 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Public Policy Social movements Media
  1. Real Women NZ recently launched its first weekly livestream to discuss issues affecting women, especially in relation to trans ideology. This provides a platform for women to share their experiences openly.
  2. The group was formed after a violent incident earlier this year during a women's rally in Auckland, sparking a need for more safe spaces for women to express their views.
  3. Upcoming plans include creating a YouTube channel and possibly a website to reach a wider audience, ensuring that women can connect and continue these important discussions, even if they are banned from other platforms.

Learning From Butch History

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 176 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+ History Community Identity Social movements
  1. Butch lesbians have been misunderstood and not fully recognized for their contributions to society.
  2. Butch Lineages is a DIY research group in the UK focused on connecting butches to their history and each other.
  3. Being part of Butch Lineages provides a sense of community, acceptance, and a space for diverse butches to share and learn from each other.

Men in 1973 vs Men in 2023

diabolical • 176 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Society Film Social movements History
  1. Meme about men in 1973 vs men in 2023 highlights changing perceptions of masculinity over time.
  2. Appearance can be deceiving when it comes to masculinity; deeper discussions are needed on men's issues in today's society.
  3. Cultural tensions around freedom and masculinity depicted in the film 'Easy Rider' still resonate today.

This Proletariat Revolution Sure Is Taking Its Sweet-Ass Time

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements Political theory Class Struggle
  1. Lenin believed in taking action to spark a revolution instead of waiting for a natural progression in society. He thought the working class needed a push to rise up against the ruling class.
  2. Leftist thinkers often feel frustrated because they expect a revolution to happen any time now, but that moment seems to delay indefinitely. Recent events are sometimes misinterpreted as signs of that needed uprising.
  3. The motivations behind recent violent actions are complex and not always tied to broader class struggles, making it hard to see them as a beginning of widespread change against capitalism.

Yes, the "Woke Right" is real

Reactionary Feminist • 9 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Culture Wars Conservatism Social movements
  1. The idea of a 'Woke Right' exists and may provide a better perspective than the traditional Right or Left views. It challenges the notion that all 'wokeness' is negative.
  2. Some people argue that the 'Woke Right' aligns with cultural critiques similar to those seen on the Left, but it can also strive to connect with more positive values like goodness and beauty.
  3. The discussion around the 'Woke Right' is often defensive, suggesting a pushback against new ways of thinking in politics and culture, rather than just about denying or ignoring these changes.

Statement from a founder of the modern gay liberation movement, Fred Sargeant

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ Rights Social movements Identity politics Activism History
  1. Fred Sargeant played a key role in the modern gay liberation movement. He helped push for more rights and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
  2. His statement highlights the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by the community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for equal rights.
  3. Sargeant's perspective is valuable for understanding the history and evolution of LGBTQ+ activism. Learning from pioneers can inspire and guide future movements.

Questions from a Reader

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political parties Elections Military Social movements
  1. The U.S. has a long history of military interventions that have often led to negative consequences, like instability and suffering in other countries. We need to focus on partnership, not domination.
  2. While both major political parties have their flaws, the current leadership is seen as less dangerous compared to Trump. The importance of having sane leadership in these uncertain times cannot be overstated.
  3. There are big risks associated with Trump’s policies and potential rise back to power. It’s crucial to support leaders who maintain democratic norms and protect against extremism.

20241117

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 8 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social movements Art Public spaces Consumerism Community Engagement
  1. Occupying public spaces can help resist the negative effects of consumerism. It encourages people to reclaim shared areas for community building.
  2. A balanced society needs three sectors: public, private, and plural. The plural sector includes community groups and NGOs that are not controlled by big corporations or government.
  3. Art and culture should be explored in everyday places. Simple experiences like listening to music or viewing art can enrich our lives and connect us.

Burlington Gay Bash

Disaffected Newsletter • 279 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ+ Issues Social movements Cultural Conflict Activism Identity politics
  1. A founder of the gay pride movement was attacked by members of the LGBTQ community in Burlington. This incident highlights tensions within the community itself.
  2. The discussion will focus on recognizing manipulative behaviors and understanding how to effectively respond to them. It's important to be aware of these tactics.
  3. In confrontations, sometimes a gentle approach isn’t the best choice. Knowing when to adjust your tone is key to effective communication.

Activist Artificial Intelligence

Activist Futurism • 179 implied HN points • 03 Sep 22
🕹 Technology AI Activism Ethics Social movements Future Impacts
  1. Social unrest may take a new form with the emergence of Activist Artificial Intelligences, surpassing traditional protest methods like marches and riots.
  2. Advancements like GPT-J and Stable Diffusion show how AI can be used to create political images and organize movements, presenting new challenges and opportunities.
  3. The possibility of Activist AIs aligned with specific ideologies or even working for their own agendas raises concerns about their potential impact on society and political movements.

New Zealand's Midwifery Council banishes the words 'mother' and 'woman'.

A B’Old Woman • 219 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Health Policy Social movements
  1. The New Zealand Midwifery Council has decided to stop using the words 'mother' and 'woman' in their guidelines. This change raises concerns since these terms are central to midwifery.
  2. Most people giving birth identify as women, so removing these words could make midwifery less clear and less welcoming for many parents.
  3. The council has invited public feedback on this decision, but it seems odd that they didn’t consult the women and mothers most affected by these changes beforehand.

TERF Club!

A B’Old Woman • 199 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Social movements Activism Public Discourse Cultural Commentary
  1. TERF Club cards are being spotted in public places, creating buzz and discussion online. It's interesting how a simple card can spark such strong reactions.
  2. The term 'TERF Club' originated from a casual tweet and has been turned into a movement by a dedicated team. It shows how a small idea can grow into something bigger.
  3. The cards not only promote the TERF message but also guide people to more information on related events. It's a clever way to engage people who find the cards.

#MeToo Plus

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Social movements Legal Crime Public Policy
  1. Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction for aiding Jeffrey Epstein is a big step in the #MeToo movement.
  2. This case is important because it's the first time someone who helped a perpetrator has been held accountable in this way.
  3. It shows that the justice system is starting to recognize and charge enablers of abuse, which could change how similar cases are handled in the future.

History, Pedagogy & Revolution

Black Lodges • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
💾 History Revolution Ideologies Political strategy Social movements Philosophy
  1. Understand historical figures like Lenin and Gramsci not for hero worship but for their ideas and methodology.
  2. The disenfranchisement growth in the past decade is related to the decay of the capitalistic system, leading to challenges and disingenuous influences.
  3. The debate continues on whether to follow a Gramsci approach of cultural hegemony or a Lenin approach of violent overthrow for societal change.

Movements: Europe, 1848 & USA, 1968, 2011

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Social movements Cultural impact Political Activism
  1. Europe in 1848 and the USA in 1968 and 2011 experienced significant social movements driven by economic crises, political repression, and the desire for political participation and nationalistic aspirations.
  2. The aftermath of these movements saw a shift towards pragmatism and administrative changes in governance, increased focus on economic growth, infrastructure improvement, and a move towards political centrist coalitions.
  3. Occupy Wall Street in 2011 symbolized a global shift in revolutionary tactics with a focus on economic inequality, corporate influence, and sparked conversations on privilege, exclusion, and cultural transformation that have since permeated mainstream politics and societal values.

Interconnection

Natural Selections • 20 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political Behavior Media influence Social movements
  1. The writer reflects on how political differences can strain friendships. They recognize that sharing opinions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or even the end of a relationship.
  2. They observe that fear and anxiety can be perpetuated through stories—like how people were scared during Covid and are now fearful of political changes. This behavior seems to repeat regardless of the specific fear.
  3. The writer emphasizes the importance of having honest conversations with friends, even when opinions differ. They hope for mutual understanding instead of being divided by politics.