Dieselpunk + Steampunk Culture
Where is dieselpunk as a subculture?
Let's stop for a second and think about the concept of a "virtual" subculture.
In sociology, anthropology and cultural studies, a subculture is a group of people with a culture (whether distinct or hidden) which differentiates them from the larger culture to which they belong.
When dieselpunk hit the scene, it started as a setting for fiction. Since then, the dieselpunk aesthetic has grown to be represented in visual arts, music, film, games, and philosophy.
As a subculture, we're virtually unknown on the streets and to the general public. On the web though, we have open channels of communication to expand as a movement. Here, we have the ears to hear a message and a voice to respond.
Here, we bring dieselpunks from around the world together so we may thrive as a subculture regardless of the physical world. To demonstrate this fact, let me share this map with you. It represents where our members are from and who visits the website. The darker green a country is, the more that country is represented by viewership and interest.
As you can see, just on this one website alone, we've spread the word about dieselpunk to almost every technologically advanced country on Earth.
With this being said, what is your perspective on dieselpunk? Is it an aesthetic, an art movement, or more?
In sociology, anthropology and cultural studies, a subculture is a group of people with a culture (whether distinct or hidden) which differentiates them from the larger culture to which they belong.
When dieselpunk hit the scene, it started as a setting for fiction. Since then, the dieselpunk aesthetic has grown to be represented in visual arts, music, film, games, and philosophy.
As a subculture, we're virtually unknown on the streets and to the general public. On the web though, we have open channels of communication to expand as a movement. Here, we have the ears to hear a message and a voice to respond.
Here, we bring dieselpunks from around the world together so we may thrive as a subculture regardless of the physical world. To demonstrate this fact, let me share this map with you. It represents where our members are from and who visits the website. The darker green a country is, the more that country is represented by viewership and interest.
As you can see, just on this one website alone, we've spread the word about dieselpunk to almost every technologically advanced country on Earth.
With this being said, what is your perspective on dieselpunk? Is it an aesthetic, an art movement, or more?
Tags: culture, dieselpunk
Views: 30
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Athenaprime on -
I haven't yet commented on this because my brain is not yet done chewing on it. I can say, though, that what draws me to the diesel-end of steam is the changing attitudes about women. Being one myself, I can appreciate the lifting of the hemlines as a -punk in itself. Barriers began to fall in America--steam trains reduced distances, air power made the world smaller, and science--holy crap when I dig into the scientific discoveries of the teens through the forties, I'm amazed at the sheer velocity of the leaps made by the scientific community of the day. Not to mention the fiction community, whose wild ideas of the time are still inspiring scientists today to find a way to realize their imaginings.
It's a state of mind.
-
Permalink Reply by Shaunathan Sprocket on -
Well if I compare Dieselpunk to Steampunk, I'd have to say we're in an interesting position.
If you talk sheer numbers, there are many more Steampunks, however, let's break down the market:
1. Do It Yourself'ers and people I'll call "true punks" for lack of a better description will head to it for the political and aethetical considerations.
2. Historians will naturally be attracted.
3. Litterary Buffs will also be attracted.
4. Due to a Japanese Affection with European 19th century aesthetics Anime has made it's own comments about Steampunk and so many "otaku" go to dieselpunk.
5. Because of 4, cosplayers flock to Steampunk. You now have the niponifiles in force.
6. Many Goths, realizing the slow decline of their own culture from the 80's head to Steampunk.
7. Because of 6 many club-goer's are attracted to the music coming from Steampunk.
8. many people who associate with Steampunk belong to more than one number here.
Now, in my limited exposure to dieselpunk, I believe we only have 1,2,3, a very small number of 5, and probably an even smaller amount of 7 and 8.
It's also my opinion that 1, 4, and 6 are the highest populated demographics.
and we split 1 with Steampunk.
So with this very informal analysis complete, I think I can understand why we're smaller than Steampunk. This whole ramble may seem like I'm not on topic, however I think if you have to ask a question such as the topic, perhaps it's because you feel we're lacking representation?
To that end I'll point out one small factor. We also share our demographic with:
a. Film Noir
b. Pulp Fiction and comic book folks.
c. the Rockabilly/Psychobilly sub culture.
d. Swing/Neo Swing people.
Perhaps folks in A,B,C,&D may like Dieselpunk, perhaps not. But I think if they are at least presented with the idea of Dieselpunk, our nubmers will do nothing but rise.
-
Permalink Reply by Tome Wilson on -
@Shaunathan Sprocket - You certainly make several good points.
To speak to your last point about the dieselpunk subculture being accepted by many other established groups, I agree completely. For example, I recently discovered an online group where people share in their love for the culture, history, and nuances of the '20s, '30s, and '40s. This group is almost completely ignorant of the terms "dieselpunk" or "steampunk" yet their member count is about 13,000+. That's more than every steampunk and dieselpunk site I know put together.
When asked what they call themselves, no one knows. The term "atavist" is thrown around for lack of any other applicable word. However, these are people who seek to study and relive the "golden age" because they are discontent with the modern age.
Is this dieselpunk? I would say yes. There's definitely a reaction, and a rebellion (a passive one). The only thing I see missing is the spirit of resolution. This group, by and large, is content with reliving the past. While they enjoy new creations inspired by classic styles, I don't see many people in this group especially moved to create them. They're mainly consumers.
With the right inspiration though, it would be fascinating to see what these people could come up with. They're educated, discontent, and willing for a change.
-
Permalink Reply by Dizzy on -
Wow first of all look at that map! amazing!
I think deiselpunk is definitly an artistic and aesthetic movement. but beyond that it encourages creativity. deiselpunks, and their steampunk cousins reimagine the past and shape the future through our creativity. We are a subculture of makers, and builders. We are not on friday night slipping roofies to people in a parking lot and hitting keggers, We are trying to find out how to add art deco swans to rented bathrooms without loosing our security deposits (ok maybe that last bit is just me.) but seriously I'm really proud to be part of such a positive sub culture that actually has something to show for itself.
-
Permalink Reply by Athenaprime on
-
Ooo...I know this one! Removable wallpaper. If you've got a photo or graphic, you can go to fathead.com and upload it. They will make a custom wall art decal for you. Fatheads peel off without damaging walls or forfeiting deposits.
Dizzy said:Wow first of all look at that map! amazing!
I think deiselpunk is definitly an artistic and aesthetic movement. but beyond that it encourages creativity. deiselpunks, and their steampunk cousins reimagine the past and shape the future through our creativity. We are a subculture of makers, and builders. We are not on friday night slipping roofies to people in a parking lot and hitting keggers, We are trying to find out how to add art deco swans to rented bathrooms without loosing our security deposits (ok maybe that last bit is just me.) but seriously I'm really proud to be part of such a positive sub culture that actually has something to show for itself.
And yeah, one thing that draws me to the subculture is the sense of possibility inherent in it. There's a connection between now and then that we share, and that's the sense that we can do incredible things. Fantastic things. On our own, by ourselves, and without prompting from slick advertising campaigns or mass-produced big-boxness.
-
Permalink Reply by Dizzy on
-
first of all thanks for the heads up about fatheads that rocks.
second in response to
"There's a connection between now and then that we share, and that's the sense that we can do incredible things. Fantastic things. On our own, by ourselves, and without prompting from slick advertising campaigns or mass-produced big-boxness."
standing round of applause!!!
Athenaprime said:Ooo...I know this one! Removable wallpaper. If you've got a photo or graphic, you can go to fathead.com and upload it. They will make a custom wall art decal for you. Fatheads peel off without damaging walls or forfeiting deposits.
Dizzy said:Wow first of all look at that map! amazing!
I think deiselpunk is definitly an artistic and aesthetic movement. but beyond that it encourages creativity. deiselpunks, and their steampunk cousins reimagine the past and shape the future through our creativity. We are a subculture of makers, and builders. We are not on friday night slipping roofies to people in a parking lot and hitting keggers, We are trying to find out how to add art deco swans to rented bathrooms without loosing our security deposits (ok maybe that last bit is just me.) but seriously I'm really proud to be part of such a positive sub culture that actually has something to show for itself.
And yeah, one thing that draws me to the subculture is the sense of possibility inherent in it. There's a connection between now and then that we share, and that's the sense that we can do incredible things. Fantastic things. On our own, by ourselves, and without prompting from slick advertising campaigns or mass-produced big-boxness.
© 2013 Created by Tome Wilson.
