Luddite

While watching the Republican presidential debates on television last night, one of the commentators used the word Luddite when referring to a candidate's outlook on the economy. I believe he said, "His Luddite mentality with regard to the economy." I immediately ran to the dictionary!

When the Industrial Revolution was sweeping across England, skilled textile workers found themselves out of a job, and unable to find other, similar work. Textile workers, more specifically hosiery and lace weavers, began to meet secretly, planning the destruction of new mechanized looms. They signed their threatening letters and cases of industrial sabotage with the fictional name King Ludd.

Much like a Robin Hood-type figure, King Ludd was anonymous and stood for a principle rather than a real person. Some accounts even have King Ludd as living in Sherwood Forrest.

Often painted as technophobes, Luddites were more likely trying to save the essence of their industry. They considered themselves artisans and not merely weavers. They were creating items meant to be passed down from generation to generation. This did not include mass-produced, identical, cheaply made items. The only way they could have their voice heard was through the destruction of the machines that threatened, not only their livelihood, but also their art and the reputation of their trade.