Tech Won't Save Us The Real History of the Luddites w/ Brian Merchant
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Sep 28, 2023 
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.
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Luddite Misconceptions
- The term "Luddite" is often misused to dismiss critics of technology.
- It actually represents a nuanced critique of exploitative technology.
Who Were the Luddites?
- Luddites were skilled cloth workers in England.
- They protested exploitation enabled by new factory systems and automation.
Luddites' Path to Resistance
- The Luddites petitioned Parliament for years, seeking worker protections.
- They turned to machine-breaking only after being repeatedly ignored.