alxd of the Story Seed LibraryFeb 28, 2023

Finally translated my comprehensive #solarpunk essay, where I talk about using the narrative as a lens for the real world, and every imperfect short story as a prototype - foundation for a language with which to describe a better tomorrow!

https://alxd.org/solarpunk-lenses-and-foundations.html

An audio / podcast version will be available within a week!

#narratives #writing #hopepunk #cyberpunk #literature

Solarpunk: lenses and foundations

Round Mirror by Ethan Sees Last year I published a lengthy videoessay on Solarpunk as a part of collaboration with a philosophical YouTube channel "Myśleć Głębiej" (Think That Through in English). It took me a few months to translate it and update a few sections (especially regarding cyberpunk's romanticism), but I'd like to present you with a written form of my essay - available in audio HERE! The recorded form follows a deeper exploration of philosophy of the movement, thoroughly discussing the notions of cultural hieroglyphs and squeecore I only briefly mention in the text below: Who am I? My name is Pawel Ngei, on the internet also known as A-L-X-D. I’m a software developer and hacker, someone analysing technology outside of a formal framework of a company or university. I’m especially interested in cultural narratives about technology and engineering, their impacts on societies and communities. I first encountered Solarpunk soon after the “Notes towards a Manifesto” came to be at Arizona State University in 2014 while looking for a way to express some …

alxd - solarpunk hacker
Show threadBrightFlame 🌟☀️🌙Mar 1, 2023

@alxd Very thoughtful article! I think we need it all: a whole range of stories that show #solarpunk futures in different time periods and trajectories (from now forward), and from all different lenses & contexts.

(Even the more fantastical solarpunk stories can instill hope and action in people.)

As you say, solarpunk can help us see what folx are creating now that corporate culture prefers is invisible. (Thank you for the examples--didn't know those stories.)

Show threadalxd of the Story Seed LibraryMar 1, 2023

@BrightFlame thank you! :)

I'm not against the fantastical Solarpunk, as it can exemplify quite a lot of things - especially social models - which are hard to show in realistic settings.

I just want more #solarpunkReporting and this pre-Solarpunk, showing what is already happening in communities around the world, but written in a language which doesn't obsess over innovations and entrepreneurs!

Show threadBrightFlame 🌟☀️🌙
@alxd Why not just call the real-world reporting #solarpunk and not pre-solarpunk? To me, it's all in that amorphous container! Plus, plenty of people and communities *are* solarpunks. Even those who don't identify that way, they might be working on solarpunk-aligned projects/actions worth writing about.
Mar 1, 2023 at 10:38pmWeb
Show threadalxd of the Story Seed LibraryMar 2, 2023

@BrightFlame The "pre-solarpunk" is just a differentiation I saw someone use to put the emphasis on "no magical technologies, real communities today", as in: they're flawed, not utopian, and yet very inspiring :)

We have A LOT of #solarpunk activists, educators, makers at https://www.globalinnovationgathering.org/ , about some of whom I've written #solarpunkReporting stories.

Currently it's pretty hard to publish this language further, as especially grant-based orgs require dry, corporate / academic reports.

Show threadpancakes🔜BedMar 2, 2023
@alxd @BrightFlame I think the word you are looking for is prefiguration, where you build the the revolution today.
Show threadBrightFlame 🌟☀️🌙Mar 2, 2023
@squeakypancakes If we're talking about what folx are up to now (and in near past), to me that's still #solarpunk, which is process and action as much as imagining the future. @alxd
Show threadalxd of the Story Seed LibraryMar 3, 2023

@BrightFlame @squeakypancakes it is for me, as well :)

The pre- and post- are useful only for talking about the "eras" of literature and the level of utopianism. I wouldn't call someone working on DIY gynecology in Calafou ( https://www.makery.info/en/2015/06/30/gynepunk-les-sorcieres-cyborg-de-la-gynecologie-diy/ ) or open hardware underwater drones in Sri Lanka ( https://shanjeevan.oceanbio.me/ ) a pre-Solarpunk.

GynePunk, the cyborg witches of DIY gynecology – Makery

Show threadBrightFlame 🌟☀️🌙Mar 2, 2023
@alxd Thanks for that link. I'm gonna send folx there who might wish to join.