Matt HunstigerSep 30, 2023
Prof. Emily M. Bender(she/her)

As a linguist, I'm really curious to watch how a better understanding of history might change the modern use of the word Luddite. As someone concerned about how tech is being used to concentrate power, I want everyone to learn from this, stat.

https://mastodon.online/@parismarx/111143843762357039

Paris Marx (@[email protected])

The Luddites weren’t backward technophobes. They saw factory owners using tech to degrade their livelihoods and they fought back — first by trying to negotiate, then writing to Parliament, and finally smashing the machines. As workers today organize and strike over bosses using digital tech to upend their industries, there’s a lot we can learn from the Luddites’ story. I was thrilled to dig into it with @[email protected]! https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004689/13638517-the-real-history-of-the-luddites-w-brian-merchant #tech #history #luddite #workers

Mastodon
Sep 29, 2023 at 3:36pmWeb
Show threadBlue BoySep 29, 2023
@emilymbender I think the usage's connotation depends on the community, and that's long been true. I had friends in the late 80s who wore t-shirts saying, "Ned Ludd was right". I know linguists like sources, and I wish I could source this better.
Show threadJennifer Kayla | Theogrin 🦊Sep 29, 2023

@BlueBoy @emilymbender

I wasn't there with the hacker community in the '80s, being fresh out of nappies as it were, but I do remember shirts and other items to that effect. If I remember, though, it was a tongue in cheek 'all software sucks, all hardware sucks' phrase about labour-saving devices causing more troubles than they solve.

Anecdata, though...!

Show threadJennifer Kayla | Theogrin 🦊Sep 29, 2023

@emilymbender
It is nice to see this re-enter the parlance in the framework of the workers, rather than the framework of the business owners. I was just looking up the famous Homestead strike in Pennsylvania, which was leveraged to a general dislike of unions, and the parallels with the original Luddites about 80 years prior are stark. In each case, it was the business owners who framed the word as 'a hatred of machinery' or 'a hatred of progress' or even un-American (in the latter), such that 'Luddite' became the snarl word it is today.

Seeing it more positively phrased, as someone who believes that a system to simplify tasks should not justify lowering the value of those tasks, is a step forward.

Show threadRaccoon🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈Sep 29, 2023

@emilymbender
Yeah, been hearing that for a while now. With that knowledge, I now consider myself something of a Luddite, or at least a sympathizer.

A lot of our new technology (crypto, networking, GPUs, AI) is great, but the current system in which it is being developed endangers the average person, and our democracy in general, without providing much more than interesting toys in return.

Show threadScruffy looking packet herderSep 30, 2023
@emilymbender As the haver of an undergrad degree in linguistics and tech worker I’ve been very interested for very similar reasons. ( More of us are Luddites than you might think. )
Show threaddonald_bradySep 30, 2023
@emilymbender Indeed. After listening to that I would be proud to describe myself using the term "new luddite".
Show threadcostrikeSep 30, 2023
@emilymbender It seems to be knowledge that has long circulated among a relatively small group. I wonder what might help get it to a mass audience?
Show threadMichaelSep 30, 2023
@emilymbender Yes. I hear the word misused frequently. For example, in early interactions with new clients, they'll often admit to being one as an excuse for not having strong computer skills.
Show threadKee HinckleyOct 2, 2023

@emilymbender There’s a great Steeleye Span song about the Luddite movement. But I never expected a turnaround like this, let alone so fast. It fits really well with the discussion about AI, and with increasing public support for unions. It all rather heartens me.

https://youtu.be/apJ-3E9S0TE?si=UrJmv2OljCLVNepF

Ned Ludd

YouTube