Gentrain Society.

The Gentrain Society is a volunteer auxiliary of Monterey Peninsula College

Note from the President

In the spirit of our Gentrain class, which is covering the Industrial Revolution, and while we’re facing the current Technology Revolution, I thought it would be interesting to find out what our AI has to say about the Luddites. My Gentrain friend Steve and I admit we’re Luddites – happily. Little did I know how widespread and violent (people died) this movement was, affecting so many workers and businesses. Here is an essay created by AI that will inform you about the Luddites. You can access online any essay you want written for you with this address: chat.openai.com. Follow the prompts but don’t log in, just sign in. Below is the free lecture generated by our current technology: 

Title: The Luddites:  Resisting Technological Advancement with a Cry for Human Dignity

Introduction:  In the annals of history, the term “Luddite” has come to symbolize resistance to technological progress. Originating in early 19th-century England, the Luddites were a group of textile workers who protested against the mechanization of their industry. While often depicted as backward or anti-progress, a closer examination reveals their movement as a complex response to socio-economic upheaval and a plea for human dignity in the face of industrialization.

Historical Context: The Industrial Revolution brought about unprecedented changes in the way goods were produced. Machines replaced manual labor, leading to increased efficiency but also widespread unemployment and deteriorating working conditions. In the textile industry, the introduction of automated looms threatened the livelihoods of skilled artisans who had spent years mastering their craft.

The Rise of the Luddites: The Luddite movement emerged in the early 19th century as a response to these rapid changes. Named after Ned Ludd, a mythical figure who supposedly destroyed weaving machinery, the Luddites began a campaign of sabotage against factories and machinery. Their actions were driven by a sense of desperation as they saw their traditional way of life disappearing.

Motivations and Ideals: Contrary to popular belief, the Luddites were not opposed to all forms of technology. Their grievances were primarily directed towards the exploitation of workers and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. They saw themselves as defenders of craftsmanship and sought to preserve the dignity of labor in the face of rampant capitalism.

Legacy and Lessons: The Luddite movement ultimately failed to halt the march of progress, as technological innovation continued unabated. However, their resistance sparked important debates about the social and ethical implications of technological advancement. The Luddites remind us that while technology can bring great benefits, it must be harnessed in a way that respects the rights and dignity of workers.

Conclusion:
The story of the Luddites serves as a cautionary tale about the human costs of unchecked technological progress. Their struggle against the forces of industrialization was rooted in a desire for dignity and justice in the face of exploitation. While they may have been defeated in their time, their legacy
lives on as a reminder of the importance of balancing technological advancement with human welfare. As we navigate the challenges of the digital age, we would do well to heed the lessons of the Luddites and strive for a future where technology serves humanity rather than subjugating it.

As I learn to navigate this program and its “advances”, I thank you for your understanding. This essay is a rather good piece of “information”, and I didn’t have to think one thought. Cheers!

Who We Are

The Society was formed in 1983 to help financially support the Gentrain Program at Monterey Peninsula College. The dues of $35 per person and $50 per couple, are paid annually and assist the Society to provide programs which include: a special lecture given on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month (free of charge), field trips and special events, and a scholarship fund. The Gentrain Society lends its support to the Gentrain Courses given in four-week, two-hour units on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:45 to 10:50 AM

What We Do

The Gentrain Society is a non-profit organization established as volunteer auxiliary of Monterey Peninsula College. It

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Najm Akbar

I am Muhammad Najm Akbar. Call me Najm.
Born in Multan, Pakistan, I had my initial education there.
In the United States, I have graduated twice from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, MA 1995 and MALD, 2011, and have a graduate degree in History from Fresno State, 2022. Middlebury awarded me an MA in Teaching of Foreign Language, in 2009.

Alia and I have lived In Monterey since 2005. Our children are married and engaged in their professional lives in New York.

Our biggest delight is our two granddaughters, the eldest turns four soon, and the youngest is about a year and a half old.

I remained part of the Pakistan Foreign Service for two decades and at the Defense Language Institute taught Urdu for thirteen years until 2018.

I joined the MPC pool of adjunct history instructors in 2022 and have taught courses in Gentrain, World History, US History, and History of World Religions. 

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