Wikipedia defines steampunk as “a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology,” but to the people who love it it’s much more than that. In my definition, steampunk is a world that people can choose to live in. It’s in a world where our advanced technology was introduced in the Victorian era, and it went in a completely different way. Another part of steampunk is the way people dress. In the steampunk world everything is copper, gold, or some sort of metal. There is lots of clocks and shiny things. None of it is simplistic like we enjoy today. Since steampunk is set in the Victorian Era women do not have the same rights we have now, everything is powered by steam or coal, and somehow were being less eco friendly.
My Thoughts
Personally I do not enjoy this world very much. So I ask, what is it about 
steampunk that people find appealing? In my eyes the fashion is kinda cool, but I still prefer our more simplistic modern style and nothing else about this world excites me. I want to find out what people love about this world so much, because there is no denying that it is very popular.
One connection I can make to this world is how the people involved in it can feel special. I recently went to a board game convention, I know you have no idea what that means, but that’s kind of the point. When you’re really interested in something that other people don’t understand you feel special, or like your in on a big secret. Even if you’ve never met people in this society you feel like you do know them since your both in this small world together.
After doing some more research I’ve found 3 main reasons why steampunk is so loved.
- The history aspect
- The logic
- The aesthetic
The History
The steampunk genre started with books creating technological devices that seem strange to us today, but
darksouls1 / Pixabay
magnificent inventions for the time period. When people enter the steampunk world it can become a part of the steampunk history. It also gives you the sensation of living back in the Victoria era. Some of the important historical figures have a small role in this universe. Being able to feel like you’ve time traveled is something not many people experience, but its such an important part of the steampunk world.
The Logic
An article I read said that humans understand clockwork for some reason. Even though we may not 
understand all the intricacies, to our brains one thing hitting another thing to do another thing makes sense. Machines in that time also made lots of noise and big spectacles, which satisfies us after we’ve worked on something. Steampunk machinery is just very rewarding for humans which would be an appeal of the genre. If you think about modern technology you don’t get the same sensation. Think about your iPhone. Inside of it there is a very complex circuit with lots of things you don’t understand so you don’t feel eager to try and make one. This reason also ties in with the last. When steampunk enthusiast make a machine using the logic from that time period it gives them more joy than just making something random that has no history behind it
The Aestethic
The final reason why steampunk is so loved is the aesthetic. Steampunk’s look is unique to say the least. It combines Sci-FI machinery with elegant victorian era clothing to create the best of both worlds. It’s so weird yet amazing and I love seeing what people come up with. The whole idea is to look rusty and wacky while maintaining a look of beauty and royalty and somehow these two polar opposites work together.
Conclusion
After researching and learning all about steampunk I understand much more why this world has a place in so many people’s hearts. This world still isn’t my passion but everyone is different. Steampunk, like many other genres, attracts people based off what they like and I now get why the steampunk genre has so many followers. It’s fun, unique, special, historical, logical, and somewhat magical. Although I may not be in love with it, its definitely cool and you can take my word for it.
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