books, films, blog posts, whatever really. just curious about people’s opinion of the essential works of the genre and who has shaped the movement
If you were asked to define the solarpunk “canon”, what would you include?
DiscussionThe punk in the name means something. Specifically no one point of view owns the ethos.
You shouldn’t be capable of defining what is and what isn’t with strong clarity if it’s truly punk…you should only know what you’re rebelling against. and even that can tolerate plenty of disagreement.
While I see what you’re saying, I would respond by noting that no matter how decentralized a movement is, there are still works (of many media) that were highly influential on members of the movement and can serve as useful expressions of its ideas. even anarchism has its foundational texts.
also, solarpunk does have a definition. it isn’t just anything. it’s generally speaking a synthesis of ecology, optimism and post-capitalism, while there are divergent views within that, there is still agreed upon definition of it.
post-capitalism
Only if you are dismissing those that still seek social and civic reforms and change in our immediate lives vs those that simply look forward towards a yet to be shaped future.
Like I said - there isnt an agreed upon definition. There are shared values, but that’s about it.
You can try to put things in a box on a Reddit forum, but even these efforts will decay in a matter of weeks or months because a firm definition, doesn’t apply, and isn’t particularly relevant.
It’s as much punk as it is anything. Hence the genre roots in fluidity. It’s not anarchy…but it’s close.
Anyone drawing a picture of people in harmony with nature can be solar punk…or just nice environmentalism.
Throwing seed bombs on unused land to bring back pollinators can be solar punk…or it can be just punk as well.
That’s your problem. There is no clear membrane at the edge of the definition. Because it wasn’t meant to be an idea with clear boundaries or goals.
It might not have clear boundaries, but it has a body.