99% Invisible Blood in the Machine
73 snips
Sep 12, 2023 
Brian Merchant, a tech reporter and author of "Blood in the Machine," dives into the historical Luddite movement and its connections to today's tech debates. He discusses how 19th-century textile workers protested against automation that threatened their jobs, drawing surprising parallels to current fears about AI and workplace automation. Merchant argues for a reassessment of the Luddite legacy, suggesting modern strategies like a robot tax to protect workers. His insights highlight the complexity of the term 'Luddite' and its relevance in today’s society.
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Workers' Negotiation Attempts
- Workers tried to negotiate with employers and parliament regarding new technologies.
- They were repeatedly denied, leading to a crisis point and the rise of the Luddite movement.
Luddite Raids
- The Luddites, inspired by the mythical Ned Ludd, targeted specific automated machines in nighttime raids.
- They sent warning letters signed by "General Ludd" or "King Ludd" before the attacks.
Decentralized Movement
- The Luddite movement was decentralized and spread organically, similar to Occupy Wall Street or Black Lives Matter.
- This decentralized structure allowed for quick growth and made it difficult for authorities to suppress.
