Skip to content

I'm not a Luddite completely; I believe in refrigerators…

“I'm not a Luddite completely; I believe in refrigerators to cool my martinis, and washing machines because I hate to see women smacking their laundry against a rock. When I hear about hardware, I think of pots and pans, and when I hear about software, I think of sheets and towels.” quote by Studs Terkel
Download Open image
“I'm not a Luddite completely; I believe in refrigerators to cool my martinis, and washing machines because I hate to see women smacking their laundry against a rock. When I hear about hardware, I think of pots and pans, and when I hear about software, I think of sheets and towels.”

Studs Terkel

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker differentiates between hardware (physical tools) and software (intangible processes), using domestic chores to illustrate gendered perceptions of technology.

In simple terms: Hardware is tangible; software is abstract.

Key Takeaway

Challenge gender stereotypes in tech.

Themes

technology gender domestic life

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

sociological cultural

When to use this quote

  • marketing
  • education
  • product design

Key Concepts

stereotypes tool metaphor social roles

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can language reshape tech perception?
  • What alternatives avoid gendered analogies?
A Different Perspective

Tech metaphors can reinforce gender bias.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Studs Terkel

Explore all 142 Studs Terkel quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes