All About Cyberpunk — Ep. 102 of Intentionally Blank
May 17, 2023
36:54
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Quick takeaways
Cyberpunk explores artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the definition of human and transhumanism.
The 'punk' suffix in science fiction subgenres has become a useful term to convey visual and tonal style.
Deep dives
The Quandary of Taking Over a Famous Media Property
The podcast hosts discuss a philosophical quandary about deciding whether to take over a famous media property and the risks involved. The hypothetical scenario involves being offered the chance to take over a property that others have failed at in the past, but that has the potential for great financial success. The hosts explore the dilemma of being uncertain about one's ability to succeed in taking over the property, and the potential consequences of failure. They delve into the complexities of pursuing a beloved property while recognizing personal limitations.
The Definition and Evolution of Cyberpunk
The podcast delves into the definition and evolution of cyberpunk as a science fiction genre. They explain that cyberpunk typically explores near-future worlds focused on artificial intelligence, virtual reality, interconnected computing, and the definition of human and transhumanism. While the hosts acknowledge debates about the boundaries of cyberpunk, they highlight influential works such as William Gibson's novels and movies like 'Blade Runner' and 'The Matrix'. They discuss how newer cyberpunk media often struggles to break away from the retro-futuristic style of the 1980s, while the real-world technology hasn't caught up with the imagined cybernetic enhancements and virtual reality. They also touch on the role of punk aesthetics and the portrayal of noir detective stories within the cyberpunk genre.
The Influence and Generification of the 'Punk' Suffix
The podcast explores the generification of the 'punk' suffix in science fiction subgenres, such as steampunk, splatterpunk, and diesel punk. While acknowledging that the punk label may not always fit the subgenre's themes, the hosts discuss how it has become a useful term to instantly convey a certain visual and tonal style to readers or audiences. They express some frustration with the term, but understand its convenience in conveying genre expectations. The hosts also highlight the rise of dystopian YA fiction and how the term 'dystopia' became a catch-all label for science fiction for a generation of readers.
The Hype and Realization of Future Technologies
The podcast examines the gap between the hype and realization of future technologies depicted in cyberpunk. They discuss how certain inventions, like virtual reality and the metaverse, have not gained widespread popularity despite their portrayal in cyberpunk media. They speculate on whether the timing may not be right for these technologies or if they are simply impractical or unwanted by the public. The hosts also express their excitement for the potential of cybernetic enhancements and bionics, highlighting advancements in accessibility devices but emphasizing the need for selective surgery to make them more common. They compare the perception of flying cars as a failed prediction of the future with the potential future of wetware and true bionics.
Dan and Brandon discuss cyberpunk. They begin with the history of the genre and debate what properties fall into the category. From Blade Runner to The Matrix, they find common threads like virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
Check out our previous episode of Intentionally Blank https://youtu.be/xOZPEQ2SLjw
Can be listened to almost everywhere podcasts can be found.
Sound engineering and editing by Daniel Thompson
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