The imperialism/colonialism aspect is something that's really been in my mind with the upsurge of steampunk mentions on my flist. It influenced some of my suggestions for telophase's steampunk generator, though I realized I don't know nearly enough of what was happening in the world in the appropriate time period to make more suggestions. One of the things that interests me about steampunk, though, is exactly that possibility of exploring the non-white (and non-male) perspective of industrialization, of empire-building and expansionism and war. So I have to admit to disappointment when so much of steampunk seems to be just another theme park in which white males write out their fantasies, with women and POC as bits of window dressing.

And oh, gosh, you've reminded me I redid my post about white ethnicity, and possibly I should get that back out to all you long-suffering betas.