Photos by Stacie Joy
Yesterday afternoon, a coalition of NYC-based groups gathered in Tompkins Square Park to question the growing influence of technology on daily life.
The event combined performance, protest, and community activities, with participants wearing gnome hats inspired by the Orange Alternative and Kabouters. Highlights included a Luddite tribunal, a cellphone "hours wasted" vigil, a cardboard iPhone display, open soapbox speeches, and chalk art, all aimed at pushing back against Big Tech's dominance in politics, culture, and personal life.
Some scenes from the afternoon...
According to the organizers: "As New York City continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and tech development, the event serves as a timely opportunity to critically examine the implications of technology on the daily lives of its residents."
"This isn't a one-off protest — it's part of a larger movement in New York City demanding accountability and alternatives," Bucky Baldwin, a coalition organizer, said in a statement shared before the event. "As residents feel increasingly alienated by algorithmic systems, automated decision-making, and corporate surveillance, these groups are coming together to imagine a more human, more just city."
love it! Wish I had known about it!
ReplyDeleteI apparently walked past this yesterday but did not notice due my phone addiction.
ReplyDeleteLuddites or technophobes have no place in America. We are a capitalist society that focuses on the acquisition of social and wealthy status. The rich will ensure their children use technology wisely and have a nice social circle. Poor people, not so much. Unless the average citizen abandons the system which is not happening anytime soon.
DeleteShared this on my Facebook page. Note to Dana Beal...Thanks for keeping Ibogaine opiate treatment in the news. Keep it up comrades we need less tech and more sex , safe drugs , and Rock and roll. YIPPIE !!
ReplyDeleteCheck this out amigos .....New Dean Johnson movie out with wild afterparty coming this weekend. Dean himself died of a fentanyl overdose and I cried for days. He would have loved your protests. New movie about Dean Johnson used my photos and the afterparty will be off the hook........I’m reaching out because we’re gearing up for the NYC Premiere of The Big Johnson! Lola has worked her heart out, and because of your help, this film is finally making the festival rounds and is having its NYC premiere next week. We really hope you can join us for this screening. Here are the deets:
ReplyDeleteCLOSING NIGHT FILM, Lower East Side Film Festival (LESFF): The BIG JOHNSON
Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Village East Cinema
181-189 2nd Ave (x 11th and 12th Sts) NYC 10003
There will also be an afterparty at Slipper Room, 167 Orchard Street (Orchard and Stanton).