Feminism, The Body, And The Machine by Wendell Berry

Feminism, The Body, And The Machine

The author's refusal to buy a computer led to numerous critical responses, primarily focusing on his perceived insensitivity to technological advancements.
Only a small fraction of the received letters were supportive (3 out of 20).
The author expresses surprise at the intensity of the attacks and acknowledges the existence of a significant number of people who share his views.

Most negative letters lacked intelligence and were primarily emotional.
One intelligent response questioned if there was any work better than Dante's, which was written on a Royal standard typewriter.
Other responses accused the author of self-righteousness and prioritizing moral purity over ecological concerns.

Feminist letters accused the author of exploiting his wife, based on the fact that she types his manuscripts and provides feedback.
The author argues that his essay does not provide any basis for this accusation, as it doesn't detail his wife's motives, workload, or compensation.
The accusation relies on a flimsy syllogism: his wife helps him, some wives have been exploited, therefore his wife is exploited.
This is considered an unjust conviction based on a general indictment rather than specific, provable accusations.

The author laments that modern marriage is often seen as a negotiation of rights and interests or a short-term "relationship" between careerists.
He contrasts this with marriages where couples see themselves as belonging to each other and sharing resources and responsibilities.
The modern household is often a place of consumption rather than production, relying on external energy and technology suppliers.
The author values a productive household economy where both partners contribute skills and industry, leading to economic independence and common satisfaction.

The author believes that it is equally important for men and women to prioritize making their marriage and household.
He emphasizes the importance of children having daily associations with both parents and seeing them at work.
The work done at home should have economic value and contribute to the family's well-being.
He questions the assumption that working away from home is inherently more desirable or liberating.