I totally agree with elements of a art genre being used and becoming popular and all. I guess that is in part how new genres form. And that no work is “true” 100% in a genre otherwise it would be just more of the same and all that. I just feel that there is a line, a feel to say that this work core genre/vibes is cyberpunk instead of having cyberpunk elements. And for sure there are works that defy having a core genre at all and is really a blend of genres or its own thing.

I just want to push back slightly, in my opinion, about Ghost in the shell forgoing the low life. I think it is not the main aspect and main theme but I think it shows it in the aesthetic of the city and some characters like the garbage truck driver. I feel if it had no low-life aspects the profession of garbage management would look different.