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Everyday Anarchism
110. Luddism: 19th Century Direct Action against TechnoCapitalism -- Brian Merchant
Dec 6, 2023
Brian Merchant, author of 'Blood in the Machine,' discusses the Luddites' true intentions, highlighting their critique of technology and its relevance today. He explores the impact of automation on historical systems and marginalized groups, dispels misconceptions about Luddites, and explores their resistance against factory and automation in the 19th century. The chapter also delves into the clash of ideologies in early capitalism and the shift towards a factory model of work.
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Quick takeaways
- The Luddites protested against the negative impact of automation on workers' wages and quality of work, resorting to machine breaking as a tactic of disruption.
- The emergence of the job model, where workers sell their labor to a centralized authority, led to a loss of autonomy and dignity, sparking resistance against the oversight and control imposed by factory owners.
Deep dives
The Luddites and their Fight Against Automation
The Luddites were skilled technicians who recognized the negative impact of the industrial revolution on their livelihood. They protested against the use of automating machinery that decreased wages and quality of work. Facing political resistance and a lack of unionization rights, they resorted to machine breaking as a tactic to disrupt the implementation of automation. The Luddites were disciplined and organized, sending warning letters to factory owners before carrying out their raids. The state responded with a massive occupation, using military force to crush the Luddite movement. This period exemplifies the tension between technological development and workers' rights, with the state prioritizing the interests of the wealthy elites over the concerns of the working class.
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