Conclusions

Considering the complex nature of steampunk as a culture, looking at elitism in it is a lot more complicated than simply asking whether or not steampunk is elitist. An analysis of elitism in steampunk requires a consideration of the many "tribes" or subgroups that make up the culture, as well as steampunk's position as a continuously developing and growing culture. Based on the forums and publications I analyzed, it is apparent that elitism does exist - to some degree - in some areas of steampunk. However, I would argue that this elitism is less severe and less universal than some representations may suggest.

In looking at the tribes that make up steampunk, it is apparent that there are some groups such as the "Jeterists" and "TruePunks" who do have elitist tendencies, and may make it seem to some outside observers as if steampunk is an exclusive culture. However, these groups are not as extremely elitist as is suggested in The Guild, and instead present varying degrees of elitism and can even be helpful and welcoming depending on individuals within the subgroups. Furthermore, there are people from groups such as the "Browncoat Timelords" within steampunk who are known as being friendly and inviting, which undermines any suggestion that elitism is a universal issue, and instead an issue that is only apparent in some individual groups within the greater steampunk community. In addition to the discussion of tribes, it is also important to look at the ways in which steampunk is constantly growing and developing: as steampunk is not a static culture, issues such as elitism are also not static issues.

Overall, depictions of "elite steampunks" such as those in The Guild are not entirely groundless, and there is evidence from within the community to support them. However, more consideration needs to be given to the complexity and diversity of steampunk culture.