What is Steampunk?

Steampunk originated as a literary genre of science fiction. It was a funny way that an author described a group of novels based in the Victorian age but in the cyber punk genre of science fiction. Some say that the steampunk genre has existed from the 1800’s and the term steampunk came from the late 1980’s.

These few books known as the steampunk originators expanded the thought of what steampunk is. Growing the group identity of what once was a litterery genre, though now is much, much more than that. Steampunk has expanded throughout time and space, spreading around the globe and today I’m going to find out just how far it has gone.

What is Steampunk Today?

Steampunck is still a litterarature genre, but most don’t think of it as that. It is a community, and a culture which includes many different distinct and unique cultures, as it is open to all. There are festivals, celebrations, clubs, annual events and more which are growing more and more popular today. Each person brings their own side to steampunk, they put their history, worldview, identity, soul and mix it in the world of steampunk creating something new, unique, and exciting to all interested. Whether it be a book, asthetic, cars, bikes, tattoos, crafts, or inventions, who they are is woven into what they create. This makes me believe that steampunk does not have any borders to what comes in, no restrictions or rules.

Russian Steampunk

In Russia, steampunk is now growing! Several artists such as Boris Bazhenov and Alexander Bobin are exploring the world of steampunk, not only bringing Russia into the world of steampunk, but also bringing steampunk into Russia.

Boris and Alexander are creating a small collection of industrial sculptures inspired by the steampunk movement. One of their works “fish house” is inspired by an old Russian folk story about a man swallowed by a giant fish. The man refuses his fate and instead uses the fish as a house, this is not only a creative story and a fantastic sculpture, but also a leap to bring the two literary genres together.

First Nations Steampunk

Most people don’t think of First Nations history as very integratable into the steampunk culture, but really you would be supprised. I think that the reason most do not connect the dots between the two cultures is because…

#1 their forms of industry and revolution are very different

#2 steampunk originates and takes place in the Victorian era , usually in Europe

First of all industrial revolution can be a slow process, in the First Nations history it did not happen overnight, but instead happened over generations and generations of improving their tools and minimizing wasted materials, and wasted energy. For example take flaked stone technology, most people who don’t know better would brush it off as something that isn’t very scientific or precise, however the technology and techniques past down from generation to generation is completely astounding. For the people who know First Nations culture first hand, integrating the two is taking hold and spreading the Steampunk wings!

Worldwide steampunk

As you can see from my two examples above, steampunk can be from anywhere, in anywhere, made by anyone and in this day and age that is acceptable (as long as it is culturally accurate and not at all offensive). Of course there will always be places and times where people are not allowed to celebrate steampunk culture, especially in places with tight rules and rulers. There will most likely always be places where you are not allowed to be yourself, but the more we fight for what we believe in, the more of what we believe should come true, does.

Where will steampunk be next? Will steampunk cross all borders? Will steampunk grow rigid, or will steampunk keep growing and becoming more flexible? Will steampunk grow to a worldwide celebrated community or will steampunk go out of style? Will steampunk survive or will it go extinct?