The Luddites were not against technology itself, but rather the unfair and exploitative practices associated with it, such as dropping wages and worsening work conditions.
Luddism serves as a reminder of the importance of people having a say in the development and use of technology to avoid exploitation and prioritize human well-being.
Deep dives
The Luddites Were Not Anti-Technology
Contrary to popular belief, the Luddites were not opposed to technology itself. They were actually upset with how technology was being used by factory owners to exploit and impoverish them. The Luddites saw the negative consequences of the industrial revolution and the division of labor. They witnessed their wages dropping, their work conditions worsening, and child labor becoming prevalent. Their complaint was not against the machines, but rather against the unfair and exploitative practices associated with their use.
The Luddites' Rebellion Against Big Tech
The Luddite movement originated among cloth workers in England, who saw their traditional trade being undermined by factory owners. As factories took over, workers' wages fell, and their way of life was disrupted. The Luddites organized to protest these unfair labor practices and the encroachment of automation. They targeted specific factory owners, demanding the removal of the machines that displaced skilled workers. Their rebellion spread throughout the country, with different regions adopting Ned Ludd as their figurehead. The Luddites' resistance against big tech resonates with modern movements questioning the impact of technology on livelihoods.
The Legacy of Luddism: Critiquing Technology and Resisting Exploitation
The Luddites' defiance against exploitative technology and their resistance to oppressive working conditions have left a lasting legacy. Their actions paved the way for future movements that challenged the unchecked power of capital and corporations. Luddism also inspired works of literature, such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, which grappled with the ethical implications of technology gone astray. The Luddites' fight serves as a reminder that people should have a say in how technology is developed and used, so as to avoid situations where technology runs rampant without regard for human well-being.
Relevance of Luddism Today: Resisting Algorithmic Control
Luddism remains relevant today as we confront new forms of technological exploitation. Movements against gig apps, AI algorithms, and autonomous vehicles reflect the continuing struggle to resist the control and harmful impact of technology wielded by powerful interests. It is crucial for ordinary people and workers to have input in the development and deployment of technology that affects their lives. By challenging top-down decision-making and advocating for collective agency, we can strive for a future where technology serves the interests of all, rather than perpetuating inequities and eroding worker rights.
Luddites! It’s a dirty word, right? One that’s become synonymous with anti-technology crusaders that want to return us to an idyllic past where everyone is free from their phones. But who were the Luddites? Where does the term come from? How has it been misused and do we, perhaps, need a little more King Ludd in all our lives?
Brian Merchant is here to answer all our burning questions about Luddites and his new book Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech. He’s a technology columnist at the LA Times now. But Brian is as old school Motherboard as they come. We once made him eat Soylent for a month!
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