It’s essential to understand that literary critique and thematic exploration often occur within the narrative and structure of the work itself, rather than through explicit authorial commentary. Here’s how the elements mentioned can indeed be seen as engaging with capitalism, even if not overtly stated by Gibson in interviews:

1. Products Defining Identity Over Nationality: This observation directly ties into a critique of capitalist consumer culture, where the value and identity of individuals are increasingly determined by their consumption patterns and possessions rather than their cultural, national, or personal attributes. This is a critique of how capitalism commodifies identities and relationships.

2. Dystopian Futures as a Common Theme: Gibson’s dystopian settings, where corporations have more power than governments, serve as a critique of capitalist systems taken to an extreme. This is not just a backdrop for storytelling but a deliberate choice to explore the consequences of unchecked corporate power and wealth concentration, key issues within capitalist systems.

3. Wintermute and Neuromancer’s Relationship: The narrative of Wintermute wanting to merge with Neuromancer, and its struggle with identity due to Turing locks, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the dehumanizing aspects of capitalism. Wintermute’s desire for unification and overcoming its limitations mirrors the capitalist drive for growth and overcoming market constraints, often at the cost of ethical considerations and human values.

4. The Absence of Direct Commentary Does Not Equal Approval: Just because Gibson doesn’t explicitly state his views on capitalism in interviews doesn’t mean his work supports or is neutral towards capitalism. The settings, characters, and conflicts he constructs offer a platform to question and critique the ramifications of capitalist systems, particularly regarding technological advancement, social inequality, and corporate governance.

5. Implicit Critiques Are Still Critiques: Literature, especially speculative fiction, allows authors to explore and critique societal trends and systems implicitly. Gibson’s narratives, filled with cybernetic enhancements, virtual realities, and corporate dominion, prompt readers to consider the ethical and social implications of these developments within a capitalist framework.

While Gibson may not frequently vocalize direct critiques of capitalism outside his fiction, the themes, settings, and character dynamics within his work offer a nuanced exploration of capitalism’s impacts on society, technology, and identity. These elements of his storytelling serve as a critique, inviting readers to reflect on the potential directions and consequences of capitalist societies.