Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy #1612 New Tech and the New Luddite Movement; Inequitable Distribution of Benefits from New Technology Always Sparks Demands from Labor and AI is Rekindling the Old Arguments
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Feb 20, 2024 
Explore the history of Luddites fighting automation, reclaiming their legacy. AI experts sounding alarm for potential extinction-level trouble. Examining the distribution of benefits from technology in workplaces and society, questioning the impact on workers. Delving into the intersection of free speech, tech profit, and AI's societal impact, cautioning against blindly aligning with big tech and capitalist ideals.
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Luddite Rebellion
- The Luddites, cloth workers during the Industrial Revolution, initially used peaceful measures to protect their jobs.
- Facing exploitation, they destroyed machines and rallied around the mythical figure of Ned Ludd.
Misunderstood Luddites
- The Luddites were skilled tech users who opposed not technology itself, but its exploitative use.
- Their negative portrayal resulted from a propaganda campaign by those benefiting from the new tech.
Adversarial Tech Criticism
- Tech criticism should be adversarial, challenging capital's interests while supporting workers.
- The negative portrayal of Luddism reflects capital's fear of worker solidarity and collective action.