Week 4 - 14th August

Post 1)

What is Cyberspace?

As discussed in Martin Lister’s article, New Media: a critical introduction (2009) cyberspace is discussed as ‘a working concept.’ This ‘working concept’ is described as a new media world that allows one to escape into a community like atmosphere that is separate and unlike any other (Lister et al.) Although critics of cyberspace may argue it contains dystopian like features, anti-social elements and potential threats (such as cyber predators), it is used by many to escape their mundane and daily routines. Further into the article it is speculated by theorist Kevin Robins that cyberspace is no more than a ‘rhetorical or ideological construction’, the term ‘cyberspace’ seems to resonate a variety of meanings, meanings (or a relationship) that seem to be only developed between said technology and the individual who uses it.

To ease tension between the varying definitions of ‘cyberspace’, it can be commonly agreed that cyberspace is the space we are "in" during computer-mediated communication (What is Cyberspace?, Michael Bauwens, 1994.) Although there have been many elements of cyberspace that have been scrutinized, Bauwens argues that the idea of cyberspace allows and assists our society in bringing down barriers between language, gender, race and hierarchy (Bauwens 1994.)

I think it is very logical and relevant to have a discussion about the meaning of cyberspace. Whether or not people agree or disagree, it is very arguable that cyberspace and cyber-culture exist.


-Lister, Martin et al (2009) New Media: a critical introduction, London: Routledge, 237-42, 281-3.
-Bauwens, M. 1994, "What Is Cyberspace?", Computers in Libraries, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 42.

Post 2)

Overview of Cyberpunk/Cyberpunk Timeline:

I found the readings on Cyberpunk to be pretty cool. It's like the 'action star genre' of the cyber world.  Lately there seem to be many books/movies created and based around this genre, a recent cyberpunk-ish themed movie that I enjoyed watching was, The Girl with Dragon Tattoo, the movie (originally a book) is based on a rebellious computer hacker. My understanding of cyberpunk is that, cyberpunks are the rebels and activists of the cyber world.

	01/01/1928	The First use of the word 'punk'	The use of the word 'punk' in the early days signified a criminal.
	07/01/1982	Burning Chrome Published	Burning Chrome was published in 1982 by William Gibson and in 1983 it was nominated for a Nebula Award.
	11/02/1983	'Cyberpunk ' short story published	A short story is published by Bruce Bethke in Amazing science Fiction stories. It was supposedly the first use of the term anywhere.
	06/28/1986	John Shirley baffles the elders	in 1986 ,during the Science Fiction Research Association Panel, John Shirley baffled the elders when he said "Cyberpunk or Cyberjunk".
	02/14/1997	Cyberpunk Manifesto Released	In 1997 Christian As.Kirtcher released a Cyberpunk Manifesto.

Reference:

http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/five-history-moments-in-cyberpunk-cyberpunkreview2007-available-athttpwwwcyberpunkreviewcomwikiindexphptitletimeline-accessed-on-the-27th-aug-2012 

Examples of Cyberpunk in 2012

The Russian punk band ‘Pussy Riot’ recently made world headlines when the all-female punk band protested in public setting against current Russian President, Vladimir Putin. The anti-Putin protest resulted in the arrest and prosecution of all three band members and as a result the international community erupted in outrage.   The women are currently still detained in Russia and are facing at least a two year jail sentence for crimes against Russia.

This is all for exercising their right to freedom of speech? It is clear that totalitarianism still exists and Russia is extremely behind the times.