Like
most steampunks, I initially attached myself to the scene for the gears,
airships, and other assorted awesomeness, and thus paid little notice to the
political and philosophical meaning behind it.
But
really, if we’re going to wear such attention-getting and outlandish outfits,
should they not represent something more significant than “look at me; I’m
wearing a bustle!”?
Since
some steampunks are more hardcore about this than others, it tends to be a
pretty touchy subject. In my case, the hardcore punks—those who threaten to
pull out their steam-powered ray guns on anyone who dares to walk into a
store—nearly scared me out of the steampunk world altogether.
At
the center of steampunk philosophy is the “do-it-yourself” (DIY) mentality:
being a producer rather than a mere consumer, and finding more pride in a job
well done than a purchase well bought. The motivations behind this vary from
steampunk to steampunk. For many, its about keeping oneself out of the control
of the “fat cats” at the top of the business world—hence it is very much
acceptable for a steampunk to buy things used or from small businesses—or about
separating oneself from mainstream society.
However,
I personally would caution the steampunk movement against turning into a bunch
of angry anarchists hating on Wal-Mart… Well, maybe a little Wal-Mart hating,
but let’s not let it get out of hand.
For
me, it’s about creativity and frugality. DIY, I believe, should be appreciated
for what it is, rather than simply a way to claim dominance over the “brainless
masses.”
With
that said, I strongly recommend that every steampunk at least attempt it. Even
if your work turns out looking like crap, it gives an undeniable thrill of
creating, a source of pride in one’s own work, and an ultimate expression of
individuality. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to know that if there was ever a
disastrous apocalypse, you just might be able to get along without fast food or
department stores? Not sure I could handle the zombies, though.
I
say that steampunk is about living, not just existing. It’s about finding
something to do other than just rotting in a cubicle, and making something
other than just money. That’s what steampunk is: allow yourself to think on
your own; don’t let your creativity die.
What era does Steampunk culture derive from? I've always been confused about that.
ReplyDeleteThe Victorian Era, primarily, although this particular post is more connected to the late 20th century punk counter-culture, which, as the name implies, is closely connected to steampunk.
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