I love this approach of looking at technology through the lens of the kit, and I agree with many of the conclusions you come to about the microwave. But I want to point out that while it enables and supports the fetishization of speed/efficiency, the microwave also is a way of accessing food for people who do not have the time, the energy, or the physical ability to cook in traditional (more time and labor intensive) ways, whether due to the demands of capitalism, raising a family, disability or illness. This is not to say we shouldn’t abandon the microwave, but rather to keep in mind that when we abandon technologies we need to consider what structures of care and connection need to be put in place to ensure that people aren’t left behind. This is broader than the microwave issue obviously, but in this context- if we abandon the microwave, are we building a network of care so that someone is cooking for and bringing food to the single mother who works two jobs, or to the disabled/chronically ill folks who can’t stand at the stove? We need to abandon many technologies but we also need to build or rebuild the traditions and communities that enable everyone (not just able bodied, well-to-do people) to survive without them. And acknowledge that often the systems that created these technologies are part of the process that marginalized so many people and forced them to depend on such technologies. I know you are aware of these connections, just wanted to make sure they are highlighted in this example/context.
I love this approach of looking at technology through the lens of the kit, and I agree with many of the conclusions you come to about the microwave. But I want to point out that while it enables and supports the fetishization of speed/efficiency, the microwave also is a way of accessing food for people who do not have the time, the energy, or the physical ability to cook in traditional (more time and labor intensive) ways, whether due to the demands of capitalism, raising a family, disability or illness. This is not to say we shouldn’t abandon the microwave, but rather to keep in mind that when we abandon technologies we need to consider what structures of care and connection need to be put in place to ensure that people aren’t left behind. This is broader than the microwave issue obviously, but in this context- if we abandon the microwave, are we building a network of care so that someone is cooking for and bringing food to the single mother who works two jobs, or to the disabled/chronically ill folks who can’t stand at the stove? We need to abandon many technologies but we also need to build or rebuild the traditions and communities that enable everyone (not just able bodied, well-to-do people) to survive without them. And acknowledge that often the systems that created these technologies are part of the process that marginalized so many people and forced them to depend on such technologies. I know you are aware of these connections, just wanted to make sure they are highlighted in this example/context.
Thank you for this, absolutely spot on and so important!