An Introduction

As an aesthetic and culture that is explored through a variety of different media, steampunk frequently overlaps with other cultures due to the presence of steampunk texts within different genres. As there is steampunk science fiction, steampunk anime, steampunk gaming and steampunk comics, fans of steampunk often overlap with fans of these genres. Because of this overlap, steampunk is beginning to have a presence at conventions and events that are not predominantly marketed to a steampunk audience. Anime conventions, video game conventions, comic cons and others are finding an increase in steampunk attendees, creating a potential culture clash as participants attend non-steampunk conventions with the intention of celebrating steampunk culture.

The intention of this website is to explore what happens when steampunk participants attend non-steampunk conventions. I will look at the interactions between steampunk and other subcultures, working with the idea of “steampunk elitism” that has become frequently expressed. By looking at representations of steampunk elitism in shows such as The Guild and comparing these representations to interactions and diversity within the steampunk community itself, I will argue that elitism in steampunk occupies a complex position that is less straightforward than representations often suggest. While elitism is still an issue in some aspects of the steampunk community, it is not a universal element of steampunk, and is something that is often exaggerated in representations.

-Steven Greenwood