Unpopular Opinion

I tend to agree. Automation exists so people can have more free-time. And going back to hand-crafting might exploit some workers in worse working conditions (sweatshops). Handcrafting might also endanger workers, contact with chemicals, sharp objects, heat and other dangers.

You're like a kid that is eating nothing but canned spaghetti his whole life and then thinks Michelin-starred restaurants are stupid in adulthood.

Repost of a vague, unsubstantiated opinion.

I buy "crafts" on occasion because I value how unique they are. I am a (very) amateur potter and I like to buy pots made by other people because I appreciate the work that goes into each piece. Imperfections, tool marks, they all add interest.

A handmade (by the giver) gift can signify how important someone is to you. On top of the materials, the creator puts time and effort into making the thing.

Plus, there are things that still cannot be made as well using machines. For example, my brother is a carpenter who does large projects, but constructed a fancy gift box for jewelry for his partner and it was exquisite. I do some knitting and crochet and there are patterns and techniques that machines can replicate yet (or it's not commercially viable to build machines that can). Embroidery and lace is another example.

Hard disagree for most products. Why do I need perfection in a scarf? I wouldn’t buy handmade syringes, but I’d prefer to have any given persons handmade cookies over any kind of grocery store cookies, because they’re better.

Plus, there’s ostensibly more control over whether you’re supporting slavery if you get handmade. I wish I could afford to only buy handmade clothing, but it is too expensive, so I tend to supplement with second hand stuff.