Cory Doctorow - The Intersection of Storytelling and Technology
Dec 11, 2024
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Cory Doctorow, a best-selling Canadian-British author and technology advocate, shares his journey through creative writing and tech-savvy storytelling. He discusses his identity struggles navigating citizenship, his disdain for traditional education, and the importance of discipline in writing. Doctorow critiques emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, arguing they often reinforce existing power structures. With topics ranging from copyright reforms to the intricacies of user autonomy versus corporate control, his insights reflect a blend of fiction, activism, and social justice.
Cory Doctorow's diverse cultural background and experiences with migration deeply inform his views on citizenship rights and human rights advocacy.
As a prolific science fiction writer, Doctorow leverages storytelling to explore complex themes surrounding technology, policy, and activism in society.
Skeptical of emerging technologies, Doctorow warns that AI and blockchain may reinforce existing power structures and exacerbate societal inequalities.
Deep dives
Cory Doctorow's Multifaceted Identity
Cory Doctorow identifies as Canadian, British, and American, reflecting a complex migration journey tied to his family history. Born in Canada to Polish and Russian refugees, he later moved to the UK to work with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, where he became deeply involved in human rights advocacy. His experiences with migration laws and the precarious nature of residency prompted him to seek citizenship in multiple countries. Doctorow emphasizes the importance of obtaining citizenship rights, especially in environments increasingly hostile to migrants.
The Evolution of Writing and Genre
Cory Doctorow's writing spans several genres, including young adult fiction and science fiction, and he emphasizes his roots in science fiction storytelling. His early experiences in Toronto's 1980s literary scene provided him with opportunities to connect with influential authors and establish a strong foundation as a writer. Despite his diverse audience, ranging from toddlers to adults, Doctorow sees himself first and foremost as a science fiction writer, driven to explore tech policy and human rights through his narratives. His writing evolves from a background steeped in Canadian literary culture, deeply influencing his approach to fiction-making.
The Intersection of Technology and Writing
Doctorow's familiarity with technology is a product of both his upbringing and career choices, influencing his writing across various platforms. Growing up with computers, he gained early insights into technology that have become a staple of his work, including novels and essays focused on tech policy. His career path led him to explore the implications of technology on human rights, culminating in a diverse range of publications. The blend of his technical knowledge and narrative skills allows him to tackle complex subjects within an engaging storytelling framework.
The Role of Fiction in Activism
Cory Doctorow believes that fiction can serve as a powerful vehicle for exploring arguments and perspectives on societal issues, integrating activism into storytelling. He maintains that fiction's emotional impact allows readers to engage with complex themes effectively. Doctorow's notable work 'Little Brother' exemplifies this intersection, portraying a narrative where characters combat state overreach, thereby inspiring activism through speculative fiction. He thinks that while some might view didactic fiction negatively, it remains an essential means of conveying important messages.
Concerns Over Emerging Technologies
Cory Doctorow expresses skepticism toward emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, viewing them as potential tools for reinforcing existing power structures rather than dismantling them. He critiques the notion that blockchain offers true decentralization, arguing instead that such technologies tend to concentrate power among a few. Moreover, he raises ethical concerns regarding AI’s implications in various sectors, stating that many AI applications simply replicate existing biases. Doctorow advocates for creating equitable systems that empower individuals rather than further entrenching monopolistic practices.
Michael Krasny interviewed best-selling author Cory Doctorow (with over 150 million book sales globally), initially exploring his personal and national backgrounds. They discussed why Doctorow sees himself as more closely tied to science fiction as a genre, despite the range of his writings. They delved into how he became so knowledgeable about technology and why he dropped out of four different colleges. The interview also touched on his surname and the likely lack of blood kinship to acclaimed American author E.L. Doctorow. They explored the source of his prolific drive and the challenges he faces managing physical pain. Krasny asked about didacticism in his fiction, and they discussed his early novel "Little Brother," the origin of the name of his co-edited blog Boing Boing, the best sci-fi writers, and Daniel Pinkwater, a writer Doctorow greatly admires. Listener questions followed, covering topics such as copyright laws, the effect of AI and blockchains, emerging technologies, Doctorow's definition of a monopoly, Apple users, and Apple surveillance. The interview concluded with a discussion of immigration and the need for labor-intensive workers.
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