Elementy gotycyzmu w kulturowym wymiarze cyberpunka - triumf technologii nad romantyczną tradycją

Abstract

The article is a broad attempt of showing the reader cultural connections between futuristic cyberpunk and romantic traditions of eerie Gothicism. It analyses cultural and sociological aspects of cyberpunk and its multidimensional presence in the post-modern world. The author shows the history of cyberpunk movement (from the science fiction genre to ideological movement or even quasi philosophy and quasi religion system) and its huge influence on the popular culture. Cyberpunk is also analysed as a very strong aesthetic, with its own imagery, space, and artistic creations. The most important aspect of cyberpunk are problems of relations: man - machine, and exchange of elements and influences between the man and the machine. It also focuses on the hyper-individualism, alienation and rebellion typical for the early punk movement, and now for a post human and his social attitude. Cyberpunk as the vision of dark, apocalyptic future can also be seen as a continuation of gothic tradition. Classic elements of Gothicism like dark and eerie aesthetics, basic human fears, the unknown, mystery and immortality are just transformed into their more valid and modern forms, fitting into a new reality. Mixture of cyber culture and Gothicism is also shown as a base of new subcultures and neo-tribes connected to the alternative culture. The author also questions the substance of (post) humanity in the perspective of man - machine relations and cyberpunk vision of the future society.