The Craftsman versus the Industrial Complex

[RockyR]

Phil brings up a good point about 'rose tinted glasses' and only remembering the 'good old days'. When I look back at old girlfriends, I can fondly remember them. Then I think harder and say to myself 'there must have been a reason we broke up'. Then it hits me... all the argueing, cheating, weird familys, personal oddities, etc.

SNIP...

But what are the alternatives?

Shoeless working class. Dirty masses. 1 or MAYBE 2 shirts and pairs of pants (or kilts) for each person. Working in the facroty 10 - 12 hours a day with no windows and no fire escapes. Paid in company script to buy things at the company store.

Ahhh... memories.

(Hmm... maybe Mac and Natalie want to be paid in "USA Kilts Bucks" and earn credits toward a kilt and Ramen Noodles).

I would argue that "craftsmanship" does not exclude the use of technology and therefore a new term "tecraftsman" is not necessary. The craftsman uses the tools right for the job, be it a human-powered one or an electronic-one controlled by the human. So a sewing machine under the control of a craftsman is simply another tool.

Good point. Craftsmen/women have always used 'the right tool for the right job'. If a sewing machine or industrial serger or blind hem machine are the right tools, then that's what should be used.