The hottest Society Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Why Japanese cities are such nice places to live

Noahpinion • 14353 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Housing Society
  1. Japanese cities provide affordable living spaces, like tiny apartments, due to lower demand and a culture of building plentiful housing.
  2. Despite small living spaces, Japanese cities excel in dense, mixed-use urban planning, creating the sense of luxury and freedom for residents.
  3. YIMBY policies in American cities aim to allow construction of compact living spaces like those in Japan, but not to force people into them against their will.

Less Utilitarian Than Thou

Astral Codex Ten • 14522 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Morality Tradeoffs Society
  1. Some actions considered acceptable by many are questioned by those who identify as utilitarian or consequentialist, highlighting differing moral perspectives.
  2. Utilitarians may advocate for policies that involve sacrificing or compromising certain ethical norms for the greater good, whereas non-utilitarians may not view these actions in the same light.
  3. The perception of utilitarians being more willing to do harm for the greater good may stem from the discomfort with the idea of calculating morality and the juxtaposition of sacred values with utilitarian reasoning.
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Evangelicals for Trump? It's Not About Religion

Steady • 28774 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Religion Society Polling Media
  1. Evangelicals support Trump not necessarily because of religion but for reasons like opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
  2. Despite Trump's personal controversies, many white evangelical Christians see him as a savior figure saving the country from perceived threats.
  3. There is a shift in evangelical priorities, with church attendance declining and political identity becoming more significant.

Planet of Person Guys

Freddie deBoer • 5040 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Society Literature Criticism Social Trends Online behavior
  1. Contemporary social culture often relies on the notion of Person-Guys, predictable stereotypes that people aspire not to be.
  2. Society evolves, but Person-Guy stereotypes remain stagnant, failing to capture the complexity of individuals' growth and change over time.
  3. Insecurity and projection play a significant role in perpetuating Person-Guy discourse, with individuals projecting their own fears onto these stereotypes.

Deep Fear!

Aether Pirates of the Matterium! • 18455 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Military Artificial Intelligence Energy Society Innovation
  1. Military analysts are afraid of the future and the rapid advancement of technology.
  2. Tech-minded individuals are seen as a threat by the military due to their knowledge and innovative capabilities.
  3. The release of Zero Point Technology to the public, especially techies, is a major concern for the military as it would shift power dynamics significantly.

The Rise of Western Individualism

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4431 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology History Society Religion Economics
  1. Western individualism stems from historical factors like the power of the Western Church and its unique taboos on family structures.
  2. WEIRD societies have distinct characteristics: hyper-individualism, focus on intentions, patience for delayed gratification, and a willingness to adhere to rules even without enforcement.
  3. The rise of Western individualism influenced laws, innovation, and economic prosperity, with key factors like belief in moralizing gods, influence of formal institutions, and the impact of impersonal markets.

Perhaps Taylor Swift Isn't the Defining Political Issue of Our Times

Freddie deBoer • 12741 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Media Celebrity Society
  1. Consumption should not be equated with politics; what you buy does not define your political beliefs.
  2. Boycotting products, like hating Bud Light, is not a substantial political action; true political change requires mass action and not just personal choices.
  3. Liking certain music or celebrities does not make someone inherently more progressive; true politics is about material change and actions, not just cultural consumption.

The way we live in the United States is not normal

Changing The Channel • 33626 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Healthcare Economics Culture Society
  1. In the United States, there is a sense of normalcy around high costs for education and healthcare, which contrasts with other countries where these are considered basic human rights.
  2. The social dynamics in the US make casual, spontaneous interactions with friends difficult to maintain, unlike in some other parts of the world where daily connections are more common.
  3. The increasing expenses, especially in housing, in the US are leading to a situation where even successful professionals find it challenging to afford a balanced life, pushing many towards burnout and dissatisfaction.

Taylor Swift and the Good Girl Trap

Culture Study • 10386 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Celebrities Feminism Analysis Society Identity
  1. Taylor Swift's fame and success put her in a delicate position where even her smallest actions are heavily scrutinized.
  2. Winning constantly can lead to over-saturation and make it hard for people to root for you, turning every move into a topic of critique.
  3. Celebrity culture reflects greater societal issues, such as discourses on girlhood and the struggles faced by privileged white women in progressive spaces.

Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center

Culture Study • 7244 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships History Society Social norms
  1. Friendship used to be considered a vital part of life through history, becoming sidelined as marriage took priority in emotional connections.
  2. Modern ideals often emphasize a spouse also being a 'best friend', impacting how friendships are valued and maintained.
  3. Cultural norms and societal structures make it challenging to prioritize and nurture friendships over traditional family setups, but it's about understanding the possibilities and taking steps towards meaningful platonic connections.

Thinking points, February 9, 2024

uTobian • 7311 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Government Society Media Policy
  1. Logic and reason are important and should not be banned, even if powerful entities try to suppress them.
  2. The biggest global risks in 2024 involve various organizations and entities that hold significant power and influence.
  3. Vaccines and the pharmaceutical industry are controversial topics, with strong opinions about their safety and impact.

How the luxury beliefs of an educated elite erode society

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4261 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Society Class Beliefs Education Books
  1. Luxury beliefs confer status at low cost to the upper class, but can be damaging to lower classes.
  2. Affluent individuals often promote harmful lifestyles to others while distancing themselves from the consequences.
  3. The concept of white privilege can be embraced by wealthy white individuals to elevate social status, while those who actually face the repercussions are usually less privileged.

You Can't Trust Any Part Of This Dystopia If You Want Health And Sanity

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1685 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Society Wellbeing Health Dystopia Consciousness
  1. Be mindful of what you consume - from food to media - in a society driven by profit over wellbeing.
  2. Exercise caution and selectivity with what you let into your life and body, such as pharmaceuticals and products, in a profit-centered society.
  3. In a civilization filled with toxicity, prioritize critical examination to maintain health and sanity.

A Profound Act Of Sincerity

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2659 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Activism Society Humanity Authenticity Mainstream Media
  1. The self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell was a profound act of sincerity that shocked society.
  2. This act highlighted the lack of authenticity in a world filled with artificiality and pretense.
  3. Aaron Bushnell's sacrifice awakened a sense of awareness and inspired many to reevaluate their perspectives on global issues and personal sincerity.

Wilful Ignorance of Evil is a Luxury No One Can Afford

Welcome to Absurdistan • 4422 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Society Policy Global Affairs
  1. The current economic growth is unsustainable as it is based on borrowed money.
  2. The financial system is at risk due to the massive amount of derivatives, which are essentially bets on our labor and property.
  3. To restore prosperity, we need to oppose elite tyranny, demand inclusive economic institutions, and abolish monopolies.

It’s expensive to be a Man

New Means • 3930 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Masculinity Politics Equality Society
  1. Masculinity propagated by some influencers can be toxic, isolating, and damaging to men's mental health.
  2. Resistance to harmful stereotypes and embracing individuality can lead to emotional freedom and healthier relationships.
  3. Rejecting oppressive norms benefits not only men, but also promotes freedom and fulfillment for all genders.

Age of Invention: The Second Soul, Part I

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 1281 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💾 History Europe Taxes Geography Society
  1. Salt was a crucial product in the past, impacting agriculture, food preservation, and even the economy of various regions.
  2. The control and taxation of salt played a significant role in the rise and fall of empires and states, showcasing the power dynamics associated with this essential commodity.
  3. Different geographical factors influenced the success of salt taxes, with regions like north-west Europe reaping the most rewards from this practice.

Jen Gerson: Where have all the New Atheists gone?

The Line • 2731 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Society Secularism
  1. The trend of declining religious affiliation is noticeable, with Christianity on the decline while irreligiosity is on the rise in Western societies.
  2. A shift in perspectives is observed, with some former atheists converting to Christianity due to the moral void left by secularism.
  3. The atheist community, including New Atheists, is facing challenges and division, with some aligning with social justice movements and others critiquing them.

We Think This Dystopia Is Normal Like People In Abusive Relationships Think It's Normal

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2100 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Freedom Manipulation Conformity Propaganda
  1. Westerners may not fully grasp how dysfunctional western society truly is, similar to someone in an abusive relationship not recognizing the problem.
  2. Despite perceptions of freedom, western civilization is heavily influenced by mass-scale psychological manipulation through media and culture.
  3. There is a need for collective awareness to break free from the societal norms that perpetuate a dystopian reality.

Single Ladies, Paying on Dates, Tinder Matching

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2121 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Gender Books Media Society
  1. Sociometric status, like respect and admiration from peers, can influence well-being more than socioeconomic status, even for introverted individuals
  2. The family structure is noted as a hindrance to central control of social processes in historical Marxist literature. Engels initially included undermining family bonds in the Communist Manifesto draft
  3. Women in their twenties using Tinder are more likely to swipe right for a man with a master's degree compared to one with a bachelor's degree

The Wisdom of Brown M&M's and Leaky Fire Hydrants

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2279 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Society Entertainment Art
  1. Van Halen's use of brown M&M's as a test exposed the importance of thorough event staff attention to safety details.
  2. Testing systems, like airport security, with red teams reveals vulnerabilities and promotes resilience.
  3. The concept of leaky fire hydrants highlights the need for addressing individual problems within systems to spark wider reform.

The Bones of a Dark Age Academy

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 2437 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Community Society Education Politics
  1. The Dark Age Academy should focus on mutual aid, lobbying, security, and relief organizations to support the community's basic needs and economic security.
  2. The Academy should also include organizations that support education, family life, and community quality, like homeschooling and family support groups.
  3. In addition, the Dark Age Academy should incorporate fraternal organizations, business associations, and political parties to organize and direct power for the good of the community.
  4. Arts and intellectual publications, journals, and communities are essential for understanding the world, providing higher thinking, and capturing the truth, beauty, and good in society.

🎦🌌 Dystopian Hollywood vs. a tech-optimist, Up Wing future

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Technology Society Future Entertainment
  1. Popular sci-fi often portrays new technology harming humanity instead of helping, reflecting societal concerns and fears.
  2. Science fiction has shifted from optimistic visions of the future to dystopian and pessimistic outlooks, impacting our ability to strive for a better future.
  3. Movies and entertainment choices can reflect our core values and beliefs, influencing the success of different types of films in varying markets.

Tracy Chapman and Constantine Cavafy: A Song, A Poem and The Dream of Elsewhere

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 1709 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Music Culture Identity Society
  1. Constantine Cavafy's poetry explores themes of 'belonging,' 'roots,' and 'home', challenging the idea of leaving for 'elsewhere'.
  2. Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' embodies optimism and compassion, reflecting her personal journey and struggles.
  3. Both artists, despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common thread of being 'outsiders' in their own ways and using art to convey universal emotions.

The death rattle of human culture

White Hot Harlots • 39 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Censorship Literature Art Media Society
  1. Sensitivity readers play a significant role in modern publishing, ensuring works are free of offense before publication.
  2. The work of sensitivity readers can lead to a shrinking realm of acceptable speech in art and entertainment.
  3. The rise of sensitivity readers is reshaping cultural norms in areas like young adult fiction and may lead to significant changes in American culture.

#TradWife Life as Self-Annihilation

Culture Study • 11656 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Society Gender Religion Family Politics
  1. The concept of #TradWife encompasses different categories, like evangelical Christians and stay-at-home-girlfriends, each with unique beliefs and practices.
  2. The #TradWife content on social media may seem harmless on the surface, but it often aligns with regressive and anti-choice ideologies.
  3. There's a common theme of self-annihilation among women subscribing to #TradWife ideals, where their identity and desires are overshadowed by serving others.

The Noble Truth of the Model Minority

Bet On It • 543 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Society Politics History Race Discrimination
  1. The concept of the model minority myth oversimplifies complex issues of race, class, and discrimination, potentially leading to misunderstandings and neglect of obstacles faced by minority groups
  2. The model minority myth can be a divisive tool, used to either maintain white supremacy or challenge it by showcasing counterexamples
  3. Critics argue that the model minority myth, despite being labeled a 'myth', may hold elements of truth as a socially harmful revelation rather than a complete falsehood