Chris Carlsson, co-founder of Critical Mass and author of 'When Shells Crumble,' shares insights on the tech-critical magazine Processed World, which satirized work culture from 1981 to 2005. He discusses the vibrant creativity of temp workers who humorously critiqued office life and the broader impacts of automation. The conversation advocates for reclaiming personal agency against capitalist tech norms and highlights grassroots actions, encouraging listeners to find hope through small initiatives that challenge the processed world.
Processed World highlighted the absurdities of work and alienation in an increasingly computerized society, echoing contemporary critiques of tech corporations.
Utilizing humor and satire, the magazine fostered a sense of community among workers by addressing shared frustrations with the modern office environment.
Amidst the rise of neoliberalism, Processed World critiqued the commodification of labor, emphasizing the systemic disregard for workers' voices and experiences.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Process World
Process World served as a critical platform for examining the increasing computerization of society in the late 20th century. It provided a voice for temp workers and office employees, allowing them to share their experiences and frustrations with the modern office environment. The magazine's unique perspective highlighted how the feelings of alienation and futility were not novel but were echoed in the criticisms emerging today against major tech corporations. Its existence reminds us that the concerns regarding tech's influence on work and society have been prevalent for decades, asserting that contemporary critiques are often rooted in these long-standing issues.
Critique and Humor in Tech Discourse
The contributors to Process World utilized humor and satire to draw attention to the absurdities and challenges of office life and the tech industry. By making their critiques entertaining, they encouraged readers to engage more deeply with the topics discussed. This approach helped create a sense of community among those experiencing similar dissatisfaction, with readers expressing gratitude for no longer feeling isolated in their discontent. The magazine's playful but pointed critique allowed for an examination of serious topics while remaining accessible and relatable to a wide audience.
The Impact of Automation on Employment
In the 1980s, Process World grappled with the effects of automation on the workforce, recognizing how the introduction of technology was transforming job landscapes. Contributors noted how increased automation often resulted in the reduction of permanent employment and the rise of temporary work, creating feelings of insecurity among workers. This shift not only affected job stability but also led to alienation from the work itself, as many found themselves engaged in tasks that felt meaningless. This conversation regarding the ongoing transformation of work remains relevant today, as similar trends persist amid advances in technology.
Navigating the Neoliberal Landscape
The contributions of Process World coincided with the rise of neoliberalism in the 1980s, which began shifting the landscape of work and governance towards privatization and deregulation. The magazine highlighted the implications of commodifying labor and the potential dangers of a market-oriented mindset, reminding readers that many societal problems cannot simply be solved by market forces alone. Contributors critiqued how this neoliberal ethos led to a broader systemic disregard for workers' voices and experiences. This connection to neoliberal policies is critical for understanding the ongoing struggles faced by workers today, as the same themes continue to emerge in contemporary discussions.
Collective Action and Agency
Despite the challenges raised by Process World, the broader message emphasizes the potential for collective action and the importance of reasserting agency in an increasingly tech-driven world. The magazine encouraged readers to explore ways to take control of their work environments and to envision alternatives to the prevailing capitalist framework. It emphasized the significance of grassroots initiatives and community-focused projects that seek to foster collaboration and shared experiences. By recognizing the power of collective agency, Process World inspired a movement that continues to resonate today, urging individuals to rethink their relationship with technology and its place within society.
Paris Marx is joined by Chris Carlsson to discuss Processed World, a tech-critical, anti-capitalist magazine that satirized the absurdity of work in its publishing run between 1981 and 2005.
Chris Carlsson is the author of many books, including most recently When Shells Crumble. He’s the director of Shaping SF and a cofounder of Critical Mass. He was also one of the people behind Processed World.
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. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.
Also mentioned in this episode:
You can find the full archive of Processed World on the Internet Archive.
Chris wrote about his experience making Processed World in Notes from Below.