Paul Perry-Steampunk

Steampunk is a culture and aesthetic movement which was born out of science fiction. It began as a science fiction sub-genre. Most science fiction explores a potential future but Steampunk explores a future which could have been. Steampunk is essentially a type of alternative history where technological development diverged from our history. Stories typically feature advanced technologies powered by steam and the setting takes place in the Victorian era or the American Wild West. Wild West based stories are sometimes referred to as Cattle Punk. The term "punk" comes from an earlier sub-genre called Cyberpunk. It has nothing to do with punk rock music, The genre was inspired by the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. It is debateable whether their stories would be considered Steampunk because the term was not coined until the 1980s. Modern Steam Punk writers include Scott Westerfeld and China Mieville. The genre has also spread to film. Examples are Wild Wild West and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Steampunk has moved out of the realms of literary fiction and has now become its own subculture. Fan conventions have been organized internationally thanks to the internet. Many fans create their own character and role play them at conventions. The convention scene has also lead to the rise of Steampunk fashion. DragonCon has featured a Steampunk fashion show. Other Steampunk fans modify household objects such as computers and change them into Victorian style objects. Musicians have also embraced Steampunk trappings by wearing the clothing style and writing lyrics with Steampunk themes.

Steampunk relates to many different sociological concepts. One of the most obvious is the triumph of style. Many examples of Steampunk art are modifications of objects found in everyday life. The objects are altered into a more stylized and aesthetically interesting form. Steampunk musicians also dress the part when they perform. The current Steampunk subculture was built through the internet so the effects of social networking and scenes can be explored. Functionalist ideas always a role in various sub cultures. Steampunk fans show a collective consciousness because they are brought together by shared values.My goal is to relate sociological concepts from the different perspectives we have discussed in class to the many aspects of Steampunk. I will also bring in new information that I find in scholarly sources.

Steampunk Art

Steampunk Books

Steampunk Gameboy

Steampunk Characters demonstrating the fashion

Steampunk Music