You came across the term “cyberpunk” while searching for a film and don’t know what that means? We’ll tell you what’s behind it and how you use it.
Here you can find out what is behind the term “cyberpunk”. (Source: grandfailure / depositphotos.com)
That means cyberpunk: science fiction subgenre
The term “cyberpunk” is made up of the terms “cyber-“, which relates to the Internet, cyberspace or, in general, computers, and “punk” in the sense of the subculture. “Cyberpunk” is a dystopian sub-category of the science fiction genre. This focuses on computer or information technology and virtual reality, which is contrasted with a certain degree of breakdown or radical change in the social order.
Origin of cyberpunk
The “cyberpunk” subgenre emerged from the science fiction genre in the 1980s. The term was coined in 1983 by the American author Bruce Bethke. “Cyber”, which means “storm” or “to steer” in ancient Greek, is derived from “cybernetics” and refers to the field of cybernetics.
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The second part of the genre name, “punk”, is mainly associated with the youth subculture that developed in the 1970s. In English, “punk” means wood that was once rotting, something worthless and established itself primarily through the genre of music.
“Cyberpunk” combines the ideas of technology and dystopian ideas. Cyberpunk has long since become part of mainstream pop culture, with topics mainly spread through music, RPGs and computer games. Numerous sub-groups have also emerged from the “cyberpunk” movement, such as the Victorian-futuristic “steampunk” genre.
Characteristics of cyberpunk
A “cyberpunk” -style narrative is characterized by the combination of a social breakdown or a radical change in the social order in relation to a high-tech world. The mood is usually gloomy and characterized by violence and pessimism. Because the futuristic new order thrives on surveillance, self-optimization and commercialization of all areas of life.
The technology ranges from nano to genetic engineering and typically deals with science fiction AR, AI and other areas. The question of reality often comes up, i.e. what is “real” in this high-tech world. We get to know the “cyberpunk” world mostly through antiheroes, losers, and happily hackers, who don’t really fit in.
Examples of cyberpunk
The “cyberpunk” genre can be found in literature as well as in film and television. The most famous works include:
- “Blade Runner” (1982)
- “Neuromancer”-Trilogie (1984)
- “Ghost in the Shell” (1989), the manga was followed by both an anime and a live-action film adaptation
- “12 Monkeys” (1995)
- “Matrix” (1999), the success of this series, fully established cyberpunk in the mainstream.
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