History of the Future tomandmaria未来的历史tomandmaria.pptVIP

History of the Future 11: Cyberpunk and the 1980s This Session Overview of 1980s Focus on elements found in Gibson Card New trends in the future Framing of “Cyberpunk” movement Including earlier depictions of computer Real-world developments in technology The 1980s Global Politics dominated by Cold War Early 80s – intensification Late 80s – collapse of USSR Domestic politics shift Conservative revival gains pace Growing social inequality (yuppies) Brashness materialism in pop culture Strong reaction in “alternative” media Lots of new consumer technology The Reagan Years “Morning in America” Feel-good appeal Budget shifts Social programs cut Military programs grow; high-tech buildup Large tax cut (“supply-side economics”) Recession follows “Rustbelt” industries crumble Cold War revives Promise to defeat “Evil Empire” Strategic Defense Initiative Pitched to Reagan as magic shield Did he believe? We may never know. Science fiction authors help to promote Ben Bova (editor of Omni) Jerry Pournell (author, computer columnist) also Edward Teller (hydrogen bomb physicist) Massive plans Lasers, killer satellites Massive software, network challenges Few independent scientists support America spends many billions Soviets start to get worried Nuclear War Re-emerges Arms-race intensifies Nuclear Cruise Missiles based in Europe Trident submarines Missiles more accurate, more warheads Anti-nuclear movement grows Large demonstrations common Theme common in popular culture Missile Command video game Wargames film (1983) Rightwing SF Enjoys something of a revival General mood, Star Wars movie may help Many stories of survivalist or libertarian bent Fervently pro-technology, pro-space travel, anti-government Generally militarist Specialized sub-genre Baen Books – publisher Writers: Jerry Pournelle, David Drake, etc. Rise of Japan Will computers follow TVs? 5th Generation Project breakthroughs in artificial intelligence sought Advances feared in software, processors Japanese pursue “