Episode
Luddites are BACK: This Time They’re Spoiled Rich Kids with Artisan Websites
- Published
- Jul 3, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2864
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Summary
In this Based Camp episode, Malcolm and Simone Collins dive deep into the modern Luddite movement — from NYC’s “Summer of Ludd” festival (complete with puppet spokesfrogs, offline flirting workshops, saddle-stitching classes, and panels that somehow turned into “how to build your own website” tutorials) to the surprising privilege, aesthetics, and contradictions behind today’s anti-tech trend.We compare Gen Z and millennial “Luddites” (flip phones, Moleskine notebooks, and performative offline living) with the original violent 19th-century machine-breakers, explore why deep, hours-long online friendships often feel more meaningful than awkward park conversations, and critique the expensive ecosystem of minimalist phones and typewriters. We also highlight more practical approaches from Mennonite communities and make the case for Solar Punk — using AI and technology intentionally to reclaim traditional skills, build sustainable futures, and live better rather than rejecting progress altogether. Show Notes “The Summer of Ludd” * A cultural high point for the movement’s analog/anti-alienation wing. * An eight-day (June 28–July 5, 2026), mostly offline festival and series of events in New York City * Centered on Tompkins Square Park and Lower Manhattan * It features over 120 free, public, participatory activities like: * Workshops (e.g., saddle stitching, shortwave radio, mending, flirting/dating offline). * Talks and panels (e.g., on indie web alternatives, privately owned public spaces, fighting data centers, “Google in Real Life” human Q&A). * Gothamist : “At a Monday panel discussion on NYC event calendars, an array of neighborhood characters, older punks, fresh-faced flip phone users and various others packed the stone steps of East Village community garden La Plaz…