The Luddites were artisans that destroyed factories and
machines during the Industrial Revolution. They believed in “Ned Ludd,” their
mythical king. They protested by attacking machines while cross-dressed, in
order to make their riots events that people would never forget. Luddites were
against technology because people were mistreating it. Unfair jobs also caused
them to protest because low wages were given to people working on the machines.
In this letter a ten-year-old girl, who was forced to work in a factory during the
Luddite riots, explains how she felt about the Luddites. She wrote the letter one
year after beginning her working experience in the factory. Her father died two
years before the letter was written and her mom must work at home in order to
take care of her toddler.
My dearest cousin, Anne,
I am writing to you today to tell
you about a group of people brave enough to stand up for what they believe in,
known as the Luddites. They have been coming to factories and destroying
machines. They are against the factories because the people that work in them,
like me, do not get paid enough for all of the hard work that we do. The Luddites
believe that people misuse technology, and I am on their side! I have even seen
them dress up as women when they protest. That is something I will never
forget. I must work in a factory because as you know, my dad has been gone for
two years, so that is one income that we lost. At the factory, everyone I
work with is my age or younger. Can you imagine working with kids that are all ten years old and younger? My mother cannot leave home, since she has to
take care of Bobby. Bobby is almost three years old now! Mom does not have a
job, so I have to provide money for the family to live, even though I do not
make much. After long hours in the factory, I barely make enough money to get
food for the three of us. The Luddites are right for protesting against that.
Also, industrialism is hard on me because I am not able to spend time at home
with mom and Bobby. An education is not on my daily agenda anymore either. The
Luddites inspire me because they have the same feelings against industrialism
as I do and they are willing to fight for their rights. I have decided that as soon
I get a new job to support the family, I am going to join the Luddites and
protest against industrialism. I will not be a part of smashing the machines because
I do not agree with the violence part of the riots. That does not solve any
problems. However, I will do all that I can to teach the community that industrialism
is unfair.
Sincerely,
Jenna
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