Cyberpunk, a word originated from cybernetics, brings a vision of the universe underground of society, that is, a counterculture vision, as it escapes from the imposed standards in order to obtain new spaces for expression. It is a science fiction genre noted for its focus, low cost of living and high technology.
The term was first used in 1983 by Bruce Bethke, an American writer, but it was quickly accepted in the works of others. writers such as: William Gibson, Bruce Sterling, John Shirley, Rudy Rucker, Michael Swanwick, Pat Cadigan, Lewis Shiner, Richard Kadrey among others.
It is important to note that the writer who stood out in this fiction was William Gibson in Neuromancer – a novel released in 1984, winner of the science fiction “triple crown” of the Nebula Prize.
From several scholars on the subject, cyberpunk became a worldview, a way of experiencing the conflict of reality, enhanced through what was perceived only in literature. Seeing (awakening) beyond the body and mind, the technology idealized at the time, being implanted in reality, the obtainment of free information for everyone, the use of cyberspace technologies.
Cyberpunk, as an individual, is not concerned with the future, with the technologies that will be implemented, but with the now. Cyberspace is translated into the instant it is experienced, whether in the political, urban or technological scope.
As stated earlier, cyberpunks contradict the standards imposed by society; by the way they express themselves, they are labeled as rebellious individuals and vandals. Most cyberpunks have the characteristics listed below:
- Extremely intelligent people to the point of learning without the help of others,
- They like electronic music,
- They like network games,
- They appreciate electronics,
- They appreciate science fiction,
- They use open source operating systems,
- They don't cling to styles like clothes and dances,
- They are called crackers, hackers, phreakers, otalcus and zippies, but they are not.
By Gabriela Cabral
