At the Summer of Ludd closing press release, organizers handed out pamphlets detailing the importance of free, public, participatory events and hand-painted depictions of media puppet Gowanus in lieu of photos of anonymous organizers. Photo: Ella Spungen/Brooklyn Eagle
CITYWIDE — Last week, a loose coalition of organizers took over Tompkins Square Park and other public spaces across New York City for the Summer of Ludd, a week of free, public and participatory events focused on fighting Big Tech.
The week of events, which were promoted entirely offline via flyers, pamphlets and word of mouth, reflects a growing discontent with the tech industry and a desire — especially among young people — to build community without the influence of smartphones.
Many New Yorkers, dissatisfied with their phones taking their time and attention, have made an inconvenient switch to “dumb phones.” At the same time, an attention activism organization called the Strother School of Radical Attention, based in DUMBO, is gaining traction.
The growing anti-tech movement in New York City came to a head with the Summer of Ludd last week.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
