What is Steampunk? Fiction to Subculture | Explained for the Curious

Summary

Steampunk, a genre blending Victorian science fiction with fantasy, evolved from 20th-century literature into a 21st-century subculture. It started with K.W. Jeter's 1987 letter and grew through the internet, attracting people from diverse backgrounds. Steampunk's appeal lies in its detailed, ornate aesthetics, contrasting with modern minimalist tech. While it draws from the past, it also critiques colonialism and exploitation, encouraging an inclusive, imaginative future. The movement thrives through fashion, conventions, and a shared love for craftsmanship. Ultimately, steampunk offers a platform for reimagining history and exploring alternative possibilities for the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Steampunk is a genre that blends Victorian-era science fiction with fantasy, featuring elements like coal, clockwork, cravats, crinolines, and goggles.
• 😀 The term 'steampunk' was coined in 1987 by author K.W. Jeter as a playful reference to cyberpunk, a genre of the 1980s.
• 😀 Steampunk's roots lie in 19th-century retro-futurism, inspired by authors like H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, imagining fantastical technology powered by steam and gears.
• 😀 Steampunk grew into a larger subculture in the 2000s, partly due to the internet, and was fueled by a desire for intricate, ornamental designs that contrasted with the minimalist tech of modern smartphones.
• 😀 Steampunk's popularity is enhanced by its connection to various other subcultures like Burning Man, neo-Victorian goths, and comics, and it has inspired dedicated conventions.
• 😀 While the literary tradition of steampunk existed in the 20th century, its real expansion came with a shift toward creating original characters and stories, often through cosplay and immersive experiences.
• 😀 A significant attraction to steampunk lies in its philosophy, particularly a longing for the past's relationship with technology, where people could repair, customize, and connect with devices on a personal level.
• 😀 Steampunk's aesthetic appeal contrasts sharply with modern design, which emphasizes invisibility and planned obsolescence, whereas steampunk celebrates visible, intricate, and functional details.
• 😀 Despite the allure of the 19th century, it's crucial to consider the historical context of colonialism, exploitation, and patriarchy when reflecting on steampunk's fantasy elements.
• 😀 Steampunk's 'punk' aspect emphasizes rebellion and anti-authoritarianism, with modern steampunk aiming to reimagine a more inclusive past, where marginalized groups could contribute equally to science and innovation.

Q & A

What is steampunk and how is it defined in the script?

Steampunk is a genre blending Victorian science fiction and fantasy, characterized by coal, clockwork mechanisms, cravats, crinolines, and goggles. It's not only a fictional genre but also a rebellious philosophy and counterculture that reflects a regressive colonial nostalgia.

How did the term 'steampunk' originate?

The term 'steampunk' was coined in 1987 by author K.W. Jeter in a letter about his latest novel. He jokingly referenced 'cyberpunk,' the popular genre of the 1980s, and suggested that a fitting name for the authors writing Victorian-era science fiction should be 'steampunks.'

What role did early Victorian authors like H.G. Wells and Jules Verne play in steampunk?

Victorian authors such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne inspired the steampunk genre with their visionary works that imagined futuristic technology like steam-powered devices. Their novels contributed to the development of retrofuturism, which steampunk continues to explore.

How did steampunk evolve in the 21st century?

Steampunk evolved significantly in the 21st century, largely due to the rise of the internet. The genre expanded beyond literature into a subculture, bringing together people from various backgrounds, including makers, crafters, and neo-Victorian goths, who contributed to the visual and philosophical development of steampunk.

What connection does steampunk have to modern technology?

Steampunk offers a stark contrast to modern technology, which tends to be minimalist and featureless. While modern gadgets like smartphones are designed for invisibility, steampunk celebrates intricate details, ornamentation, and moving parts, as well as a more hands-on relationship with technology.

What are some influences from other subcultures on steampunk?

Steampunk absorbed influences from various subcultures such as the Burning Man scene (focused on craft and makers), neo-Victorian goths (providing fashion elements), and comic book enthusiasts, leading to the creation of steampunk conventions with cosplay, panels, and immersive events.

How does steampunk challenge or critique the 19th century?

While the 19th century is often romanticized in steampunk, the genre also critiques its exploitation, colonialism, patriarchy, and social inequalities. It imagines a world where marginalized groups—such as queer people, women, and people of color—are no longer oppressed and can contribute equally to technological and scientific advancements.

Why is the word 'punk' significant in the context of steampunk?

The word 'punk' in steampunk signifies rebellion and anti-authoritarianism. It reflects a desire to challenge traditional power structures and reclaim history, allowing for a creative reimagining of the past that breaks away from colonial and patriarchal legacies.

What does the script say about the relationship between steampunk and history?

The script highlights that steampunk is not about accurately representing history but rather about reimagining it. It suggests that steampunk allows for a fantasy that challenges historical oppression and opens up possibilities for alternative, more inclusive futures.

How does steampunk address issues of diversity and inclusivity?

Steampunk allows for the exploration of alternative histories where marginalized groups, such as people of color, women, and queer individuals, are integral to the development of science and technology. This inclusive approach aims to rewrite the past and envision a more diverse future.