Today, hearing the word luddite, we think of a person who struggles with or is against the common use of technology. However, this is just a modernized definition of a word that once titled a group of people who existed during early industrialization. These people, the luddites, were skilled weavers, mechanics or other artisans who were followers of the mythical figure ‘Ned Ludd’ and destroyed machinery and factories. They were not at all incapable of using technology or opposed to it. For fear that their trades would be replaced entirely by machinery, they protested industrialization in attempt to save their money and jobs. The following paragraph mocks a primary source written by a skilled weaver to her cousin in America, about her opinions on the luddites and industrialization.
Dear cousin Sally,
A lot of interesting things have been going on lately. As you know, industrialization has really begun to take off. Most consider our continuously increasing technological standards incredible, and people are excited to see so much economic progression. All of this seems fantastic, and greatly beneficial to mankind . However, people like me aren’t receiving anything good from industrialization. I used to weave blankets, and clothes everyday, and I was paid fairly well because of my natural talent. With these new machines around, my business has been completely lost. People with no talent are creating weavings with power looms and stocking frames at a much faster pace than I ever could. Everyone considers this such an accomplishment, but I don’t see anything great about wasting the talents people were born with, and putting faith in a machine that could fail at any second. It feels degrading to be replaced by something as silly as a machine; an inanimate object! Soon, I must find work elsewhere, in a trade I am uncomfortable with while my talent gradually disappears along with my happiness. Things aren’t too good for me, Sally.
I don’t expect you do agree with how I feel, or even understand me, but that’s perfectly fine. It seems no one else does with the exception of a few friends and maybe a group of people I’ve been seeing around known as the luddites. You’ve probably heard of them too, so before you start to think I've gone insane, remember not to believe all the rumours you hear, and please hear me out before making judgment. As you may already be aware of, the luddites are a group of people who follow a god called ‘ned ludd’ and have lately been made famous because of their vicious attacks on machinery and factories. Just last week, a group of them lit a nearby factory full of stocking frames on fire. Luckily no one was inside at the time. As much as I disagree with the degree of violence displayed by these people, I do understand where their ideas are coming from. I believe that most of them would understand how I feel about industrialization. Luddites are all skilled artisans, like myself, and I know how tough it is to watch as your talent gets replaced by machinery. I would never want to destroy machines with hammers, hurt another person, or destroy a building to make my point; I realize those are all sins. But I do believe that someone should be standing up for people like myself, just in a more reserved manner. Unfortunately I wouldn’t know where to start; and neither did the luddites, which is how all of this chaos began. Even though we do need to stop our technological advancements, it frankly cannot be done. As much as I understand this, I still have empathy for the luddites, and admire them a bit for at least trying to do what's right. Hopefully you don’t find me crazy, and you still care for me. Write back soon dear Sally.
With love,
Your dearest cousin Susanna.Link to Picture/Primary Source: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/politics/g3/source/g3s1a.htm
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