Burgerpunk is a satirical aesthetic or subgenre of fiction and design that reflects an exaggerated, dystopian take on American consumer culture, particularly fast food, capitalism, and suburban life. It often combines elements of absurdity, nostalgia, and critique of hyper-commercialization.
Burgerpunk isn’t a widely recognized term compared to cyberpunk or steampunk, but it serves as a niche lens for exploring and mocking the excesses of modern consumer society, particularly as it relates to America.
Key Features of Burgerpunk:
- Fast Food Culture: Central to the aesthetic is the omnipresence of fast food chains, logos, mascots, and greasy meals as a symbol of American excess and decay.
- Dystopian Americana: It’s a warped version of American culture, emphasizing its kitschy, mass-produced aspects, often to surreal or grotesque extremes.
- Over-saturation: The world of burgerpunk is excessively commercialized, with advertisements, jingles, and brands dominating every aspect of life.
- Nostalgia Meets Dystopia: It mixes a romanticized view of mid-century America with dystopian critiques of consumerism and corporate overreach.
- Absurd and Satirical: The tone is often comedic, using absurdity to critique the systems it portrays.
Examples and Influences:
- Media: Films like Idiocracy or They Live can be seen as embodying burgerpunk themes with their critique of consumerism and shallow culture.
- Designs: Artwork featuring anthropomorphic burgers, grimy diners, or decaying neon signs with slogans like "Eat! Obey! Consume!"
- Video Games: Elements of burgerpunk can be found in the exaggerated corporate dystopia of games like Fallout: New Vegas (particularly with its retro-futurism) or aspects of Cyberpunk 2077 that critique hyper-capitalism.
Burgerpunk isn’t a widely recognized term compared to cyberpunk or steampunk, but it serves as a niche lens for exploring and mocking the excesses of modern consumer society, particularly as it relates to America.
