The contemporary world may be described as the era of “isms.” Capitalism, communism, fascism, nationalism, idealism, nihilism, atheism, totalitarianism, relativism, socialism, patriotism, fanaticism, pluralism, populism… the list goes on and on. Combined with education and government policies inspired by uniformly regimented and inflexible digital coding languages formulated and administered as if they were patches to fix bugs in computer programs, the devastating psychological impacts of over-specialization and alienation can be overwhelming, especially when there seems to be an expectation that we all conform to a single, one-size-fits-all universal philosophy.
At Luddite Online, we are aware of the danger and treachery of being reduced to just another “-ism.” So to keep things fresh and lively, we are happy to introduce a new feature. In collaboration with Groowinky.com, Luddite Online will begin providing access to original films and reflections about the growing atmosphere of depersonalized, nihilistic, tech-heavy absurdity as the corporate takeover of planet Earth continues apace, unchecked, unregulated, and with apparently no end in sight. We hope that by including original, contemporary contributions, we can avoid trapping ourselves in a self-deluding bubble of neo-Luddism.
Among other things, Groowinky produces, films, and releases short, independent movies featuring independent actors and independent script writers. We believe these films are a better representation of the value of the media of film than what is typically produced in the major Hollywood studios.
Our Films page hosts a selection of many major motion picture releases whose themes are sympathetic to and compatible with many of the beliefs held by contemporary-era Luddites. We are excited that Luddite Online has attracted the support of independent filmmakers, and we believe that such ventures will lend a voice to others who feel drowned out in the increasingly technological world order. We also hope that the filmmaking efforts at Groowinky and elsewhere will lead to a renewal of classic filmmaking more concerned with quality acting and writing that addresses themes that are concerned more with film viewers and art lovers, and less with generating box office receipts or catering to the dictates of the film rating associations.
Above is a short film entitled, “Taffy Tucker.” This film is valuable and thought provoking. This film portrays the very face of evil and obstruction that has reduced life from the fulfillment of rewarding and meaningful pursuits to an absurd, empty, and meaningless obsession—in this case with tucking taffy.
This film depicts the pain of life in modern cities in a way that does not resort to exploitation, and gratuitous violent and sexual abuse. In a sense, this kind of “G-rated” pain may be even worse because the actors are denied their own humanity, independence, adulthood, and autonomy, reduced instead into forced roles of subservient children playing games that amuse the owners of the city.
Are they willing and complicit? Are they helpless and clueless victims of a modern society that refuses to acknowledge anyone’s humanity? It is difficult to confront people who, when faced with these dilemmas, often choose to cooperate with forces that are clearly trying to harm them—maybe it’s people like this who, in another time, eventually became the inspiration for the gargoyles that adorn the buildings of so many American cities. They appear so innocent, yet they are so sado-masochisitic. Is this just the best they can do when they are faced with the reality of empty lives and nothing to live for? In that sense, a life spent tucking taffy may be a victorious rebellion. Perhaps some meaning and friendship is better than none at all; and if they are able to expose their tormentors, all the better.
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