The Real History of the Luddites w/ Brian Merchant
Sep 28, 2023
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Brian Merchant, technology columnist and author, explores the history and true motivations of the Luddites. He discusses their fight against exploitation enabled by technology, the impact of generative AI on labor, and the need for democratic inputs on technology development. The podcast also highlights the Luddites' campaign for worker's rights and the deliberate misrepresentation of their movement by those in power. The chapter also mentions an upcoming Luddite Tribunal event where the resurgence of modern Luddism will be debated.
The Luddite movement highlights the importance of democratic inputs in technology development and deployment, collective bargaining, building class consciousness, and resisting exploitative technologies.
The power of tight-knit groups, solidarity, and effective media campaigns demonstrated by the Luddites serves as a reminder of the need for sustained, organized efforts today to push for legislative and institutional changes in technology.
Recognizing the true history of the Luddites is crucial in understanding the complexities of technology and its impact on society, and challenges the narrative that any opposition to technology is regressive.
Deep dives
The Luddites: Opposing the Exploitation Enabled by Technology
The Luddites, textile workers in 19th century England, opposed the exploitative use of technology that threatened their livelihoods. They saw that technology was being used to consolidate power and generate immense wealth for factory owners, while driving down wages and worsening working conditions for workers. The Luddite rebellion, characterized by smashing machines, was a response to the lack of protection and support from the government, which was aligned with industrialists. Despite their short-term successes in restoring wages and gaining concessions, the Luddites were ultimately crushed by state power and industry. The Luddite movement highlights the need for democratic inputs in technology development and deployment, collective bargaining by the exploited, building class consciousness, and the moral justification for opposing technology that perpetuates exploitation.
Lessons for Today: Reining in Venture Capital and Saying No to Exploitative Technologies
Today, there are parallels to the Luddite struggle. The top-down development and deployment of technology by entities with power and resources remains a fundamental issue. Democratic inputs are needed to challenge this and prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few. The Luddites demonstrated the power of tight-knit groups, solidarity, and effective media campaigns in bringing attention to their grievances. A sustained, organized effort is needed today to push for legislative and institutional changes. The Luddites also show that it is morally justifiable to resist exploitative technologies and to say no to their implementation. Their struggle serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to resist technology that perpetuates exploitation and prioritize the well-being of workers and communities.
The Misperception of the Luddites and the Suppression of their History
The misperception of the Luddites as opponents of progress or technology arises from a deliberate construct perpetuated by those in power. The state and industrialists used propaganda to depict the Luddites as backward-looking, ignorant, and deluded to discredit and suppress their resistance to exploitation. This misrepresentation served the interests of those promoting new technologies and maintaining control over the working class. The true history of the Luddites, their grievances, and their struggle has been hidden and distorted to maintain the narrative that technology is beneficial and any opposition is regressive. Recognizing the truth about the Luddite movement is crucial in understanding the complexities of technology and its impact on society.
The Relevance of Luddism in Today's Context
The resurgence of modern Luddism can be seen in contemporary movements opposing exploitative technologies. Workers in the gig economy and industries such as writing and acting are organizing to protect their rights and resist technology that harms their livelihoods. The lessons of Luddism include the importance of democratic inputs in technology development and deployment, the power of tight-knit groups and smart media campaigns, the moral justification to oppose exploitative technologies, and the need for sustained organizing efforts. The Luddites provide a historical example of resistance against technology that prioritizes profit over the well-being of workers and communities, offering valuable insights for navigating today's technological challenges.
The Need for Democratic Inputs and Resistance Against Exploitative Technologies
The Luddite struggle underscores the need for democratic inputs in technology development and deployment. Top-down decision-making by entities with power and resources perpetuates exploitation and further concentrates wealth and control. Resistance against exploitative technologies is justified, and the Luddites have shown that saying no and collective action can be powerful tools in demanding more just and equitable technology. As technology continues to shape our society, it is crucial to learn from the Luddites' struggle and prioritize the well-being and agency of workers in the development and use of technology.
Paris Marx is joined by Brian Merchant to discuss the history of the Luddites, why we have their story all wrong, and what we can learn from them today.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.
