Blog 7

Cyberpunk

Lecture:
Quote from lecture notes:
Cyberpunk is a science fiction genre based in the possibilities inherent in computers, genetics, body modifications and corporate developments in the near future. The word comes from the amalgamation of Cybernetics (the study of communication, command and control in living organisms, machines and organisations) and Punk (a style of fast, loud, short rock music with an anarchist political philosophy and a DIY, anti-expert, 'seize the day' approach to life).

William Gibson:

• the future is revolutionized by the networked computer
• 'cyberspace' is the matrix of electronic data in those networks
• global corporations eclipse government as the source of power
• power depends on information rather than money or arms
• the 'sprawl' is the jerry-built mega-city that covers most of the world and where those not employed by corporations struggle to survive
• sim-stim (simulated stimulation) is a new entertainment format that plays directly into the body so you experience the world though the stars? senses and emotions
• the merging of organic and mechanical elements in the human body
• the malleability of human identity

Themes in cyberpunk:

• Technology and Mythology-Cyberpunk sought to demythologise technology but effectively predicied/created the World Wide Web and so was used to remythologise technology.
• Utopia and Dystopia -Some of the most powerful myths for and against technology have been intertwined with utopian writing
• Cities as Machines-*the city is a machine for living ... it creates human lifejust as humans create it
  *the city is a natural thing, created by natural beings (humans)just as bee-hives and ant nests are created by natural beings
  *the city is a living being ... a cyborg which combines humantissue with synthetic infrastructure
• Technological change-Developmant in technology ie: the internet and the way we communicate
• Modernism to Postmodernism - postmodernism is built upon modernism

Tutorail:

The tutorial was used to find references for the essay and the 3d IM s were given a skip .... did check out first life and its a waste of time if your computer has not got a good graphics card ....its a waste of time even if you do... i mean what is the point of talkining over the internet and having a character to represent you , i am all for video games and communication over the video game consols but second life and programs of that nature take away so many social things, i would rather have a conversation with someone than try find their retarded looking charater over the internet , therefore i believe that applications like IM facebook and myspace are cool and have their uses but verbal communication should not be replaced by these technological terrors..... this is my first bit of subjective writing in this course however i beleive my points are valid.....

Readings:

Still in the proccess of reading the not so short short story by william Gibson, burning Chrome.

"Burning Chrome". originally published in Omni 1982, Omni
The stories in Burning Chrome were published in various magazines and two were published in the Mirrorshades anthology edited by Bruce Sterling.

Conclusion:Enjoyed blade runner and the phychological nature of it but there is a point when movies and stories get to involved in confusing than reader/movie going person than giving interestin and valuable points about the cyber culture.