Malcolm Harris, author of Kids These Days, discusses the unique political history of Palo Alto, connecting the founding of California, Stanford University's eugenicist agenda, and the emergence of Silicon Valley and the military-industrial complex. Is personal computing and the internet tainted by this history?
Capitalism is driven by impersonal forces, with individuals playing a supportive role.
The death of Leyland Stanford Jr. had a profound impact on Stanford University and the influence of the Stanford family.
Palo Alto, as a site of class struggle and overseas colony, influenced global capitalist expansion and weapons manufacturing in Silicon Valley.
Deep dives
The Origins of the Book
The author, Malcolm Harris, discusses the motivation behind writing his book, which explores the history of Palo Alto, California, capitalism, and the world. He shares that he grew up in Palo Alto and initially resisted writing about the history of the place due to personal reasons. However, he eventually realized that this was the book he was meant to write.
The Role of Individuals and Historical Forces
Harris delves into the concept that capitalism is not driven by individual men, but rather by impersonal forces. He emphasizes that if certain individuals had not made significant contributions, others would have emerged to fill their roles. He provides examples of how historical forces and individual efforts work hand in hand and discusses how this dynamic shapes materialist history.
The Influence of Leyland Stanford Jr.
Harris highlights the significance of the death of Leyland Stanford Jr., the son of Leyland Stanford Sr., who was a prominent figure in 19th-century capitalism. He explains how the death of Stanford Jr. led to the establishment of Stanford University and the subsequent influence of the Stanford family on the institution. The book also delves into the connections between Stanford Jr., the wealthy Stanford couple, and figures like Herbert Hoover.
The Relationship Between Palo Alto and Class Struggle
Harris explores how Palo Alto, as an overseas colony for the United States, became a site of class struggle from an early period. He discusses the conflicts between labor movements, particularly the working men's party, and the capitalist class in Palo Alto. The book further examines the role of institutions like Stanford University in perpetuating class divisions and explores the link between Palo Alto's history and global capitalist expansion.
Silicon Valley's Ties to Weapons Manufacturing
Harris uncovers the significant role of Silicon Valley, particularly Palo Alto, in weapons manufacturing. He discusses how the development of avionics tools, such as radar and computing systems, played a crucial role in military operations, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. The book also addresses the symbiotic relationship between the weapons industry and technological advancements, highlighting the intersection of capitalism, military power, and technological innovation in Palo Alto.
Ahead of an ACFM Trip about the internet, Keir Milburn is joined by Malcolm Harris to talk about the unique political history of his hometown of Palo Alto, the intellectual laboratory for a century of American hegemony. The Kids These Days author tells a story that connects the founding of California, the violent removal of its […]
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