The hottest Social movements Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Pride on the Rocks

Heterodox STEM • 128 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. Pride events have changed a lot over the years, leading to confusion and mixed feelings within the LGBTQ+ community. Many feel that the original purpose of celebrating gay rights has been lost among various new movements.
  2. There is a growing concern about how young people are introduced to complex topics like gender identity. Some believe these discussions may distract from real issues facing the gay community.
  3. Pride's popularity seems to be declining, with fewer corporate sponsors and financial difficulties. Many think it should refocus on honoring past achievements rather than expanding into new agendas.

November 25, 2025

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Many shoppers now use boycotts and cancellations to punish companies for political moves, as seen with Tesla and Disney, turning purchases into political power.
  2. In the 1890s, educated middle‑class women leveraged their roles as consumers to push social reforms — founding settlement houses and the National Consumers League to fight child labor, unsafe food, and poor working conditions.
  3. Modern campaigns like “We Ain’t Buying It” echo that history by organizing consumers to support businesses that respect communities, immigrants, and voting rights and to pressure those that don’t.

Police horses punched in the gut by trans activists

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

On the perverse incentives driving social media's loudest voices

Unreported Truths • 30 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Big social media influencers often get more attention by being loud and outrageous. This can lead them to prioritize shocking content over truth.
  2. These influencers can shape opinions and drive political processes without accountability, unlike traditional media. They can just move on to their next topic if they are wrong.
  3. The average voter cares about real issues but these issues don't usually create viral content. Many people are tired of online drama and may reward politicians who focus on their real concerns.

What Happened Here

Unpopular Front • 252 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.
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Real Women NZ's first livestream

A B’Old Woman • 359 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

No One Wants War. Everyone Wants War.

antoniomelonio • 246 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Social movements
  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.'

Zohran Mamdani, Die Linke and the Reconfiguration of the Left

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 107 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Zohran Mamdani, the new Democratic Party candidate for NYC mayor, has policies that appeal to younger leftist voters, focusing on social issues like defunding the police and providing free services.
  2. Die Linke, a German socialist party, is gaining popularity by advocating for affordable housing and support for the Palestinian cause, showing a resurgence of leftist politics in Europe.
  3. There is a noticeable shift in left-wing politics towards a more anti-establishment stance, as traditional progressive movements struggle with public consensus and new populist movements emerge.

Moral community, heroism and the left.

Philosophy bear • 228 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Learning From Butch History

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 176 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture 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 Social movements
  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.

Bullet Points: Everything is Collapsing Edition

The Future, Now and Then • 195 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Dispatches from the Group Chats, Inauguration Edition

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 195 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

What Would MLK Do?

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Confronting economic inequality means building multiracial coalitions and challenging systems that let the wealthy hoard power and resources.
  2. AI can both deepen bias and widen access, so we should get into the rooms where it’s made to fix harms while using its potential to expand opportunity.
  3. A military-first approach and aggressive enforcement breed violence and injustice; the remedy is sustained, courageous nonviolent protest and a bolder progressive movement that makes injustice impossible to ignore.

Let us be honest: The Left has failed the world

antoniomelonio • 170 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

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

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  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.

I Love America Resolution

Heterodox STEM • 241 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. Most young people today are hardworking and normal. They want to build a good future, not tear things down.
  2. There’s a small, vocal group that acts extreme, but they don't represent the majority.
  3. Support for students standing up against 'Wokeness' could help them express their true beliefs more openly.

Why Men Don't Date Woke Women

Handwaving Freakoutery • 803 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture 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.

the new tribe

bad cattitude • 249 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

the cult of the echos

bad cattitude • 220 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Watch me Speak at the Workers Strike Back Conference LIVE Now!

The Chris Hedges Report • 147 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Why has the left gentrified?

Optimally Irrational • 79 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. The left has changed because the working class is now smaller and less organized. This makes it harder for left-wing parties to hold onto traditional support.
  2. New social groups, like educated young people and women, are now more important for left-wing parties. Their interests can be different from what the traditional working class wanted.
  3. The decline of strong leftist ideologies, especially after the fall of communism, has left left-wing parties without clear guiding principles, causing them to adapt to new concerns over time.

Vibes Cartel

Unpopular Front • 145 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  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.

What Game Are We Playing?

Data: Made Not Found (by danah) • 127 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Saturday Commentary and Review #181

Fisted by Foucault • 154 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

A Brief History of American Eugenics

OK Doomer • 134 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
💾 History Social movements
  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.

Saturday Commentary and Review #182

Fisted by Foucault • 140 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

A Rogue Reporter vs. The American Empire (w/ Matt Kennard) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 151 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Burlington Gay Bash

Disaffected Newsletter • 279 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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.

Leviathan and Behemoth

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 40 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. The Abundance agenda is seen as a new take on old neoliberal ideas, emphasizing economic growth and technology. It's about building more and reducing unnecessary regulations to foster progress.
  2. Three main movements influence the Abundance ideology: YIMBYism which calls for more housing, progress studies focusing on technological development, and state capacity libertarianism that balances market and government roles.
  3. Despite its good intentions, the Abundance agenda faces skepticism as it may repeat the mistakes of neoliberalism, risking the same pitfalls of inequality and ineffective governance.

Activist Artificial Intelligence

Activist Futurism • 179 implied HN points • 03 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Social movements
  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 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.

'Yes Kings!' Say the Cops

JoeWrote • 48 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. The recent 'No Kings' protests saw millions of Americans rallying against Trump, showing a deep divide in opinions among the public. Many people of different ideologies joined together to express their dislike for his policies.
  2. In Los Angeles, the police responded to the protests with aggressive tactics, using rubber bullets and tear gas despite the protests being peaceful. This has raised questions about the police's intent and their role in controlling dissent.
  3. Evidence suggests that the police were not acting in self-defense, contradicting their claims of needing to protect themselves from protestors. This highlights a concerning trend of police aggression towards peaceful gatherings.

TERF Club!

A B’Old Woman • 199 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  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 Social movements
  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 Social movements
  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 Social movements
  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.

How Do We Understand Culture?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 65 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  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.

The Hot Minute War (Part Two)

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 31 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements
  1. AI is now playing a major role in how wars are fought, with tech leaders being integrated into military operations. This shift means that high-ranking tech executives are being granted significant roles in the armed forces.
  2. There's a connection between local and global protests about wealth redistribution, showing how ideas from past events can repeat themselves. Movements in places like Iran and college campuses in the U.S. are linked by a common goal of social justice.
  3. The government is gathering evidence on organized protests to create a clearer picture of who is behind them. This means that they are allowing certain actions to unfold to build cases for future legal or diplomatic responses.

On Liedowns and the 'Meritocracy'

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Social movements
  1. The 'lying flat' movement in East Asia is a response to the pressures of a work-centric culture. People are choosing to step back from overwork and stress, promoting a lifestyle that values rest.
  2. In the West, similar movements like 'The Great Resignation' don't capture the same spirit as 'lying flat.' Many see these Western protests as just a shift from corporate jobs without addressing the core issues of work-life balance.
  3. Top athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles show that even successful individuals can feel overwhelmed by expectations. Their decision to prioritize mental health challenges the idea of the meritocracy, where success often comes with endless obligations.