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UG#560 - Cyberluddism (Reclaiming Luddism on the Bicentennial)

Robin Upton | 23.07.2011 03:54 | Analysis | Social Struggles | Sheffield | World

This week we look at the goings on in England which started 200 years ago this November, headed by the mysterious figure of Ned Ludd. Why did the Luddites break certain machines but leave others? Why did central government send more troops to crush Luddism that to fight Napoleon in France? But first, the soundtrack of two videos, Robots vs. Luddites and New Technology Whose Progress?'

ug560-hour1mix.mp3 - mp3 27M

ug560-hour2mix.mp3 - mp3 27M


This week, we aim to reclaim the word 'Luddism', looking at the political aspect of their ideas. We start with two soundtracks. Firstly, from Brendan McCooney's 20 minute video, Robots vs. Luddites, which looks at the Luddite rebellion of 1811-1816 from a Marxist perspective, examining the importance of the social relationships and the social power structure in the history of the Luddites. Secondly, a 1980's BBC program entitled New Technology Whose Progress? continues the focus on robotics, and looks critically at the ongoing computerisation of business, encouraging thinking beyond narrow confines of 'increased productivity' into the broader context of wider effects of technologies upon society.

Our second hour starts with Chumbawamba's "The Triumph of General Ludd" by Chumbawumba. Then we hear some thoughts on how 'Luddite', like 'hacker' is a word that has is maligned by a corporate controlled media unwilling to acceptable its political dimension. I briefly explain some software I've been working on this Summer, Wikipedia Plus. Then its our main speaker, Ned Ludlam from the Luddites 200 Organising Forum, who gives a historical account of Luddism, focusing on the political aspects relevant to the 21st century, looking at which technologies modern day resistance in the spirit of Ned Ludd might oppose.

Thanks to Chris for recording the Luddites 200 organising forum and sending it my way. Thanks to Brendan McCooney for his beautiful video.

Two other shows on similar lines which might appeal, New World Notes #174 and #175.

Robin Upton
- e-mail: unwelcome [Aŧ] unwelcome guests [Døŧ] Net
- Homepage: www.UnwelcomeGuests.Net/560

Comments

Hide the following comment

agreed

24.07.2011 12:36

there is far more to the story of the luddites than just reactive machine wreckers.
i personally love to use my old typewriter [made in the 1930s i think] and give me a proper car without all the computer chips, made about 1950, than some thing that came out of a wind-tunnel! i suppose we're all luddites t heart!

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